Hooley Horse Youth Initiative

🐴 Horse Encounters. Life Lessons. 🐴

We loved having this group of young ladies out to the farm last week as part of the Hooley Horse Youth Initiative!

Throughout their time with the horses, they learned important horsemanship skills while also growing in the SHIP traits that guide our program:

• Self-Control – Quick to listen. Slow to speak. Slow to anger.
• Humility – Consider others, then yourself.
• Integrity – Do what's right, even when no one is watching.
• Perseverance – When it's hard, keep trying.

One of the most amazing things about horses is how they help us slow down, become aware of our emotions, and build confidence through meaningful connections.

Our favorite quote from the day came from one of the young ladies:
"I feel like this horse might be reading my mind. He just gets me!"

Moments like these remind us why we do what we do. Thank you to everyone who supports the Hooley Horse Youth Initiative and helps create opportunities for young people to learn, grow, and thrive through the power of horses.

If you would like to help provide life-changing experiences like this for local youth, please consider making a gift to the Hooley Horse Youth Initiative. All donations are tax-deductible through the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne. Simply scan the QR code below to give and make an impact in the life of a young person.

What a great day at the farm with this awesome group of students!

So far we have learned about two of our SHIP traits:
• Persevere — When it’s hard, keep trying!
• Self-Control — Quick to listen. Slow to speak. Slow to anger.

These students showed incredible growth as they worked through new challenges with confidence and teamwork. From learning how to saddle a horse to cleaning out a hoof, they stepped up in a big way. There’s nothing quite like the experience of holding up a 1,000-pound horse’s hoof while your partner cleans it out, talk about trust and courage!

Two more days to go… let’s ride!