Reaching for the Reins has united and changed the lives of two unlikely groups of students in the community of Southwestern Michigan. Reaching for the Reins was started by Cedar Lane Math Teacher Tara Carlsen, whose vision was to create a program for her students that would help them develop confidence in themselves while learning about the impact they are able to have on their communities. Throughout the fall and winter of the 2007-2008 school year, a group of 20 students dedicated their time to the Therapeutic Equestrian Center in Buchanan Michigan to learn how to care for horses and work with special needs students. In order to stay in the program students had to progressively improve their attendance and decrease school suspensions. By spring, 12 students dedicated to seeing it through remained in the program who. Danielle Greulich, Equine Manager from TEC, worked closely with the students teaching them the skills they would need to run a 6-week riding camp for a group of 5 students from the Lighthouse Education Center in St Joseph.
This year the program is excited to launch its second year and announce a few changes. While the name has changed to The Trailhead, students will continue attending the same farm. The Trailhead is a for-profit organization whose focus is in helping the community through horse related therapies. The farm is thrilled to host a kick- off party for Cedar Lane students in anticipation of their commitment to the program. “We are all excited about what the program holds for our students this year,” stated Tara Carlsen, “and based on the success of last years program we anticipate continued positive life changes.”
Quotes from Participants and Friends
Friends Quotes
"Your program has been an inspiration to me and a joy. I have always wanted the farm to be used to help people in whatever way it could. To see your students working so hard and playing hard too, has been a big thrill for me." -Pat Forbes, Owner of The Trailhead Farm
Student Quotes
“It’s opened my eyes to see things in myself, that I haven’t seen before!” - Annieta
“The farm gets more and more relaxing every time I go.Sunshine is my favorite.” - Carolann
“Anything you do has great responsibilities behind it, it can also carry great responsibilities.” - Steven
“I like working with the horses, getting things done, and for the most part, that I’m doing this with my friends for other people.” - Erika
“I am learning to face my fears.” - Angelica
“I’m so glad I got in this program, It’s a blast.” - Jessica
“Listening, is learning” - Tisha
“Last year, I was so touched by the progress we made with one of our students, Chris.He came so far and really enjoyed it.There is no way I could ever say no to this program.Its really life changing.!” - Kara
“I have learned that horses are like kids, if your hyper so are they, if your mad they can sense it.” - Kisha
“Safety first” - Brian
“The more consistent you are, the more accustom you will get.” - Josh
