Testimonials
From the mother of a participant:
''You have no idea the appreciation and love we have for you and everything you do. We have never had any therapy that worked and we have tried many. He is so peaceful in your activities. His energy is entirely different there and his soul seems to have peace and when we come home he is so calm and happy. We are beyond grateful and thankful for you and the horses.''
From the wife of a participant:
“Today when my husband came home from your program he was like a new person. He laughed, smiled, played with our son. He was the happiest he has been in a long, long time. I don’t know what it is you did, but he is coming back.”
From on-site participants:
“Because of the horse activities I have become more aware of the important things in my life and what really matters. I now can focus on what makes me and my family happy”.
“Working with the horses I realized I am surrounded by beauty. I just need to notice it.”
From off-site, CDCR participants:
“Today made me feel human again. I felt alive because of the horses.”
“It was not until I participated in your program that I really realized the effects of my past actions. I am filled with remorse and want to make it up to the world.”
“Your horse program has completely transformed my life. I am happier, communicate better, more patient, and want to do only good things for people in the future.”
Principal of Kings Lake Education Center
“The New Beginnings program prides itself on improving the quality of life for people struggling with PTSD, depression, addiction, and other psychological conditions. I (Principal Brazier) was able to see this first hand.”
Calming: I could feel the calm that came over the students. At first, there was apprehension and watching of others. There were no loud voices or screaming from the students, and nervous giggles turned to comfortable laughs. The calmness of the handlers transferred to the students as well. This was the desired effect we hoped for, as we all know the students' trauma during the Covid lockdown and everyday life.
Collaboration: Students worked collaboratively to guide the horses by the reigns and lead them through an obstacle course. Students exercised trust by allowing other students to guide them through the obstacle course blindfolded with the horse. Additionally, the kids assisted the Circle T Ranch staff by carrying and setting things up for the obstacle course we used. Students were seen and overheard, encouraging each other to participate and supporting each other in the effort to do so. It was a great thing to behold.
Following Direction: Students received directions on how to approach a horse, where and how to hold the reins, how to navigate the horse with the reins, and how to brush them. The students did a great job respecting the animals and the rules.
Interests/Memorization: The students remembered each horse's names that they got to interact with. Students even remembered the name of Denise's dog Trigger.
Overall, the students became utterly comfortable around the horses, and it was good to see the kids be kids again. It was good to observe the students’ walls come down, and the kids not care who was watching or what they might think about what they were doing. All these significant effects took place in an hour, and I can only imagine the positive impact with the students given more time with the horses and New Beginnings at Circle T Ranch.