Equine Intervention for At-Risk Youth

These sessions are used with the kids ages 13 through 17 that have been recognized as at-rish youth. EFL (Equine Facilitated Learning) is an educational approach that includes equine facilitated activities incorporating the experience of equine/human interaction in an environment of learning or self discovering. EFL encourages personal exploration of feelings and behaviors to help promote human growth and development. Some of these youth are also used to fill the need for volunteers in some of the regular evening classes giving them a self-worth and joy of giving back.

In 2007 we have also added a satellite program located in Hancock County on Road 140. These M/H (multi-handicapped) students are from Hancock County schools that are bussed in for this experience. In 2007 there were 16 riders being assisted by 35 volunteers. In 2008, 18 riders assisted by 35 volunteers, and in 2009 we are expecting 12 riders with 28 volunteers.

The volunteers needed for this program is a huge undertaking with each rider/horse combination requiring up to 3 volunteers. With that understanding, the program would not exist without the many volunteers. For 2008 and 2009 we used volunteers from Putnam County as well as the University of Findlay equestrian students. We have 82 volunteers that make the commitment to drive from Findlay to assist in this program and its clients.

There are many of our Hancock County citizens participating in this program since its inception. 154 clients and approximately 172 volunteers making the commitment in not only their time, but the drive to Ottawa to participate. Unfortunately, the volunteer number is unavailable from 2008 through 2009 as most of the records were lost in the 2007 flood.

I believe, that from these numbers you can see that Hancock County is interested in benefiting from this unique program in our neighboring county!

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