Body
Since 2021, a national emergency has been declared in child and adolescent mental health by three of the nation's foremost youth health advocacy groups. It comes as no surprise that mental health challenges are the leading cause of disability and poor life outcomes in young people. Thankfully though, as this statistic grows, a more hopeful one rises as well. An outlet referred to as Equine Therapy has been budding in recent years as parents, guardians, and community members search for an effective way to help at-risk and psychiatrically disabled youth. Equine Therapies are programs where professionals guide clients through activities with horses. I was lucky to meet with the founder and executive director of one of these programs, Melissa Monroe. Monroe shared that their goal as guides is not to be a therapist per se, but to allow the students to discover themselves through caring for the horses. “We use the horses to let the students find their own solutions to the problems within.” So, why horses? Champion Oaks Ranch believes that horses have the uncanny ability to mirror our emotions. They are non judgemental and are only interested in the moment. They tell us the whole truth about ourselves. They have distinct attitudes, personalities, and moods. In other words, horses are a lot like us. The overall mission and goal of Champion Oaks Ranch is to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of a child and to help guide the family to a place of healing, restoration and unity. The program was created by the grace of God to help struggling youth and families build self-worth, purpose and life-long goals. The staff feel the duty to glorify God and share His love unconditionally. The ringing note left in my ear after speaking with a student about her sessions in Equine Therapy were of how calming the treatment was. The student was adamant about her desire for more youth to have access to something like this. To learn more about Champion Oaks Ranch you can find them at www.ChampionOaksRanch.o rg, email info@ChampionOaksRanch. org or call 409 384 6000.
