by Theresa Fincher
I am extremely passionate about our Youth program at the Parelli Foundation and it might surprise you to learn why.
Children’s dreams are so unique to them and their personality. I wanted to be in the arts: I had a great imagination and loved to perform. As I grew into my pre-teenage years, I, along with many others, went through changes and challenges. My body become awkward, I struggled with the best way to fit in; I made daily decisions such as whether I wanted to lead or follow; be noticed or just stay in the background; was I comfortable with one friend, many, or none at all?
Over time, I replaced my inner knowledge of who I really was and what I really wanted with who others thought I should be or what I should do. This lack of belief in my “self” impacted the next twenty years of my life because I believed others opinions of my “self” and my capabilities over my OWN beliefs.
This Napoleon Hill quote says it all, “Cherish your visions and your dreams as they are the children of your soul, the blueprints of your ultimate achievements.”
The Youth Program means quite a lot to me because at the age of 28, with the help of my horse, I was finally able to resurrect MY blueprint. It was life-changing. But how much better it would have been had it happened much earlier in life!
I would love for every child to experience the mirror of a horse before they are eight years old; before they begin to lose their original sense of self, of creativity and wonderment. Our youth program has the ability to create future horsemen, and so much more. In my mind, this is the ultimate natural connection to human-kind. A child learning how to build rapport, respect, and connection with a 1,000 pound animal that has a fight or flight instinct is a powerful mastery. The value of learning patience, partnership, endurance, and stick-to-it-ness is a skill like no other.
I believe our program will create well rounded, balanced and connection-oriented partners and leaders. Won’t that make a great future? Check out our youth program.
What’s been your experience with horses and their ability to help you become what you truly are?
Finding safe horses to start the young ones is so important too! Is there a way to create a lease and learn for Parelli horses and youth? Of course paperwork and vet references and a Parelli instructor mentor to guide the youth’s progress with the Parelli Pony would be an anticipated hoop. Then a yearly 5 day summer camp to link the youth to others
We actually have this on our 5 year strategy plan 🙂