“The part I enjoyed most was when we played games with the horses.
It was hard; they were being stubborn. I got frustrated with them but
at the end I was happy when I succeeded. The only thing that I didn’t
like was cleaning up their poop. I guess that is just part of the responsibility
you take on when you have a horse. Every time I went to the farm I learned
something new. I learned how the horses are just like us in different
ways. They have feelings and sometimes they act them out just as we do.”
-K. K., Participant
"At the end of each activity we ask, "Did you think you would
be able to do that activity when we asked you to?" Almost without
fail the answer is "No, I never thought I would be able to do that." We
see improved feelings of competence in every session, whether it is in
the form of facing a fear, utilizing a unique problem solving strategy,
or forming a bond with the animal."
-Dr. Beth Avolio, Licensed Clinical Adolescent Psychologist
"For many of our students, family life is often chaotic. That is
why it is so great for us to see the students at their "Graduation" from
Take Flight, which is held at the end of an 8-week program. They are
all excelling at something really incredible, and most of them have their
family there to support them."
-Jill Nuismer, Social Worker, Millard Alternative Middle School
"It is fascinating to see, not only the child's progress from
one session to the next, but also to see the horse's reaction to what
is
taking place. It is a combination that, in itself, proves the value of
this program."
-Charlotte S., Volunteer & Equine Specialist