Children's Programs: Lean On Me
Dreamchaser Horse Rescue & Rehabilitation Inc. is offering an affordable and safe hands-on educational, fun program for foster and underprivileged children. There are between 10,000 and 12,000 children in foster care in Arizona and there are literally no programs for them. We want to fill this gap and offer these children healthy, active experiences that will enhance and enrich their lives. This program is called “Lean on Me.”
Horses have the ability to help children in many ways. Studies have shown that interacting with horses helps children build self confidence, learn critical thinking skills, develop communication skills, become accomplished at setting goals, explore new environments, and utilize new opportunities to develop high self-esteem.
This program is approximately two hours long and each child will have a total farm experience with an “Introduction to Horses.” Each client will learn about safety and participate in hands-on learning to halter, groom, lead, and ride a horse.
The children will also be interacting with all the other animals on the ranch including llamas, burros, goats, sheep, ducks, chickens, peacocks, and potbelly pigs! Of course, we have dogs and cats as well. They will learn about the care and handling of the various animals and be able to assist in feeding.
We estimate the cost of the program to be $50.00 per child or participant. We are seeking funding from grantors and sponsors in order to provide this program to foster children and families free of charge.
We plan to offer four classes on Saturday and four classes on Sunday with five children per class. This would serve 80 children per month at a cost of $4,000 per month.