inspiring hope

building confidence

Colin’s Story

Colin attended the pilot after-school horsemanship program in the spring of 2019 and has continued in the riding program. Here is what he has to say about his experience: Until grade 5, I was extremely quiet in groups. I didn’t ask questions at school, I would wait for teachers to notice me doing nothing and when they asked what was wrong I would tell them I didn’t understand. I was afraid of dogs and doing things without a grown up. Then I went to the After-School Program at Horse Sense for Kids and I changed. My parents say I grew – not taller but braver, more confident and responsible, which is true, but I did get taller too.

Brenda, Rob and the other staff encouraged us to learn the skills, work together and build our strength to take care of animals. Knowing I had a responsibility to work together to get the work done made me speak up and ask questions and give directions. Now, when I need help I ask for help and I like to help too. One of my neighbours got sick and couldn’t walk his dog, so I volunteered to walk his dog and he trusted me to do it. Me, who was afraid of dogs, loved walking and helping take care of his dog so much that now I have my own dog.