Riding Program
In the Riding Program, girls learn how to lead, groom, and saddle and unsaddle the horse. They then learn the basics of western riding using proper hand, seat, leg, and voice commands. Learning to communicate with a horse, while at the same time respecting the power of this one thousand pound creature, rather than fear it, eventually leads one to find her own power or inner strength. Finding one’s voice is intricately linked to the entire process. For instance, there is an exercise we do with all new riders here at Taking the Reins. Each girl must practice saying “WHOA”, so that everyone else can hear her. At first, we hear these whispered mumbled sounds, eventually this clear and confident voice is heard. On one level it is about being able to stop the horse, on a deeper level it is about finding one’s voice. Caring for the horses and working in the barn doing the daily chores such as feeding, watering, and cleaning stalls requires the confidence and skill to move around these very large animals. In order for the horses to take directions from the girls, each girl must convince the horse that they are the leaders.
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Girls from youth organizations and local schools participate in weekday classes with one lesson per week for eight weeks.
- The Weekend Riding Program operates on Saturday and Sunday. It is available to any girl who completes the initial 8-week day program and to all girls ages 11-18 throughout LA County. Including girls from all neighborhood and socio-economic groups adds to the strength of our programs. This diversity enriches the lives of the teens we serve.
“Being in the arena with your horse is the best feeling in the world. Riding is great; you feel unstoppable and so in control.” —Harmony, TTR participant, age 15.