Frequently Asked Questions
Why Equine Assisted Psycho-therapy?
For a number of reasons, horses are uniquely suited for Equine Assisted Therapy. As prey
animals, horses are incredibly adept at reading and responding to subtle body language and
feelings. Horses live in the moment and teach us to be mindful. Working with large and
powerful animals helps to focus one's attention, improve concentration, maintain self
awareness and build self confidence. They teach us about instinct and intuition. They "reflect"
back to us what is going on inside of us and resonate with what we are feeling. Horses help us
to see the effect we have on others. In being with horses, people begin to fully appreciate that
the relationship with the horse is mutual. Horses ask us to accept and honor all life. Horses
have heart and a wonderful healing presence.
Students learn to live in the moment, to seek personal authenticity and to trust their instincts
and intuition. They experience first hand the sense of connection and unity that comes with the
establishment of a mutually trusting and reverent relationship with the horse and with all of
nature. This approach to equine assisted learning and therapy goes far beyond the "practical"
and into the realm of what is possible when we open our minds and hearts.
How does my student apply for an ARK Equine Assisted Therapy Program?
Students do not apply for our ARK classes directly. All ARK students are referred to Silver
Buckle through agencies, school counselors and therapists. Enrollment forms can be found on
our ARK Referral Forms page.
What does it cost for my youth to attend the ARK Horsemanship Program?
There is no cost for referred students to participate in the ARK program. However, if a parent or
agency would like to donate to Silver Buckle their gift would be greatly appreciated. Due to our
non-profit status and loss of revenue (Rodeo Bingo going out of business), we rely strictly on
donations, volunteers, and community support.
How many students are in each ARK class?
The number of students vary but generally they range from 6-8 students. Because, the program
is open to only a very limited number of students it is important for agencies, students and
guardians/parents to understand the need to commit to the entire program.
Who qualifies to participate in the ARK Horsemanship Program?
We accept students 10-17 years old based on arrival of completed forms at Silver Buckle's
office for students that are a good fit for our program.
We ask that agencies evaluate referred youths for the following qualities to help us enroll those
students that have a high likelihood of completing the 12 weeks:
Committed to attending and growing;
Willing to try new things;
Want to see change in their life;
Are able to be attentive so that they remain safe throughout the program.
How long Has Silver Buckle been doing this?
Silver Buckle has served at-risk youth since 1977. In 2002 Silver Buckle Youth Equestrian
Center officially changed from a working rodeo program to an equine assisted therapy center.
With the healing process of each horse, we are able to continue our work in mending hearts
and lives. Becoming successful in building self-confidence, completing task, trusting adults,
learning respect, connecting socially, and developing a sense of independence for our at-risk
youth is what Silver Buckle Youth Equestrian Center is all about.
Silver Buckle Youth Equestrian Center believes in the importance and strength of the family in
the development of youth and strives to encourage a family environment in which young people
may learn and develop life and social skills. By setting an example of commitment through
organized volunteer programs; Silver Buckle teaches the benefit to be gained from helping
others.
Do you use volunteers for your programs?
Volunteers are critical to the success of the programs at Silver Buckle. As always, we continue
to look for volunteers that have a passion for horses and kids. The opportunities at the ranch for
Volunteers are endless. We accept volunteers starting at the age of 13. There are a variety of
programs, days and times where volunteers are always needed.
We are looking for volunteer therapist(s) to help us with our Tuesday & Thursday ARK
programs. If you know someone who would be interested, please have them contact us.
Why Equine Assisted Psycho-therapy?
For a number of reasons, horses are uniquely suited for Equine Assisted Therapy. As prey
animals, horses are incredibly adept at reading and responding to subtle body language and
feelings. Horses live in the moment and teach us to be mindful. Working with large and
powerful animals helps to focus one's attention, improve concentration, maintain self
awareness and build self confidence. They teach us about instinct and intuition. They "reflect"
back to us what is going on inside of us and resonate with what we are feeling. Horses help us
to see the effect we have on others. In being with horses, people begin to fully appreciate that
the relationship with the horse is mutual. Horses ask us to accept and honor all life. Horses
have heart and a wonderful healing presence.
Students learn to live in the moment, to seek personal authenticity and to trust their instincts
and intuition. They experience first hand the sense of connection and unity that comes with the
establishment of a mutually trusting and reverent relationship with the horse and with all of
nature. This approach to equine assisted learning and therapy goes far beyond the "practical"
and into the realm of what is possible when we open our minds and hearts.
How does my student apply for an ARK Equine Assisted Therapy Program?
Students do not apply for our ARK classes directly. All ARK students are referred to Silver
Buckle through agencies, school counselors and therapists. Enrollment forms can be found on
our ARK Referral Forms page.
What does it cost for my youth to attend the ARK Horsemanship Program?
There is no cost for referred students to participate in the ARK program. However, if a parent or
agency would like to donate to Silver Buckle their gift would be greatly appreciated. Due to our
non-profit status and loss of revenue (Rodeo Bingo going out of business), we rely strictly on
donations, volunteers, and community support.
How many students are in each ARK class?
The number of students vary but generally they range from 6-8 students. Because, the program
is open to only a very limited number of students it is important for agencies, students and
guardians/parents to understand the need to commit to the entire program.
Who qualifies to participate in the ARK Horsemanship Program?
We accept students 10-17 years old based on arrival of completed forms at Silver Buckle's
office for students that are a good fit for our program.
We ask that agencies evaluate referred youths for the following qualities to help us enroll those
students that have a high likelihood of completing the 12 weeks:
Committed to attending and growing;
Willing to try new things;
Want to see change in their life;
Are able to be attentive so that they remain safe throughout the program.
How long Has Silver Buckle been doing this?
Silver Buckle has served at-risk youth since 1977. In 2002 Silver Buckle Youth Equestrian
Center officially changed from a working rodeo program to an equine assisted therapy center.
With the healing process of each horse, we are able to continue our work in mending hearts
and lives. Becoming successful in building self-confidence, completing task, trusting adults,
learning respect, connecting socially, and developing a sense of independence for our at-risk
youth is what Silver Buckle Youth Equestrian Center is all about.
Silver Buckle Youth Equestrian Center believes in the importance and strength of the family in
the development of youth and strives to encourage a family environment in which young people
may learn and develop life and social skills. By setting an example of commitment through
organized volunteer programs; Silver Buckle teaches the benefit to be gained from helping
others.
Do you use volunteers for your programs?
Volunteers are critical to the success of the programs at Silver Buckle. As always, we continue
to look for volunteers that have a passion for horses and kids. The opportunities at the ranch for
Volunteers are endless. We accept volunteers starting at the age of 13. There are a variety of
programs, days and times where volunteers are always needed.
We are looking for volunteer therapist(s) to help us with our Tuesday & Thursday ARK
programs. If you know someone who would be interested, please have them contact us.
| PO Box 1416, Brush Prairie, WA 98606 (360) 260-8932 email: info@silverbuckle.org |
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