Even the youngest students can’t wait to ride, and they are naturals. On rare occasions we have students who are afraid to ride. It took one student, Adrian, years before he finally got atop of one of Holbrook’s prized horses. Adrian came to Holbrook in the third grade and had always wanted to ride, but he’d let his fears get the best of him. It wasn’t until the summer before his senior year that he was finally able to conquer that fear.
is done. What do you want me to do next?” I witnessed the way his experiences with the horses played an important part in his personal growth. It was rewarding to see Troy grow physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. Troy was not a Christian when he came to Holbrook Indian School, but during his time here he learned about the love of God and made the decision to get baptized and commit his life to Christ. He thinks deeply about things and commits to doing the best he can in all he does. There were times when he asked me rather insightful questions while we were working together, and I marveled at this student who had been so timid and uncertain when I first met him. It was gratifying to watch him develop into a man of courage and commitment. This is why we, the faculty and staff
at HIS, do what we do. It is an honor to see students like Troy grow into healthy and whole individuals with a passion for life. Troy graduated in May this past year. Last we heard, he was thinking about joining the military. We hope that eventually he will come back to Holbrook and work with us. For now he is trying to find his way in this world. We pray for God to lead his steps. HIS students take horsemanship as an elective class and for specialized education programs. They learn all aspects of good horse care: how to feed, house, groom, and command the horse. In addition to being taught riding skills, they learn how to care for the horse before and after a ride. Many of our students come to us having never ridden a horse. However, their love and respect for the majestic animals is evident the minute they come into contact with them.
A scientific study has revealed that an involvement with horses boosts the life skills of young people. Horses, the study found, act as both teachers and friends for young people. The Impact of Equine Activities on Youth Development Study was conducted by the Pennsylvania State University Department of Dairy and Animal Science in cooperation with the American Youth Horse Council, 4-H, the American Quarter Horse Youth Association, United States Pony Clubs, and the National High School Rodeo Association. Additional findings from the report include the following: “Youth who learned horsemanship skills showed better decision-making, thinking, communicating, goal-setting, and problem solving skills.” “Working with horses helped them develop positive values and life skills that are transferred to a young person’s daily life.” The findings do not come as a surprise to HIS Head Dean Alyssa Williams. “The student who won’t lift a finger in the dorm is the same student who can’t wait to spend all afternoon mucking out stalls,” she said. “Cleaning stalls is handed out as discipline to students, but the truth is some of the students actually enjoy it.” M A R C H 2018
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