Animal Rehabilitation Programs
Under the supervision and guidance of Spirit Fire Farm staff, participants work with horses and/or dogs that have histories of abuse/neglect and behavior problems. Participants work alongside staff to rehabilitate and then place the animals in new homes. Participants must be creative in humanely overcoming obstacles that are prese
nted on the road to an animal’s rehabilitation. Animals are essentially helpless creatures, thus they are remarkably effective at bringing out emotion in people.
In Spirit’s animal rehabilitation programs, participants engage in interactions with animals that have been in difficult circumstances. Through these interactions, participants learn to relate their own to difficulties to those that the animals have faced. Participants improve communication and problem-solving skills. Participants learn the importance of team work and develop healthy relationships with staff and peers. By being part of the rehabilitation process of other living beings, participants develop patience, compassion and understanding. Participants experience the challenge of letting go and the unfathomable joy and sense of accomplishment that comes from placing an animal in a loving, caring home. Participants feel a sense of purpose, build self-esteem and see the results of dedication, hard work and love. Participants find solutions to their own problems and are able heal the wounds of their past. They begin to believe in their worth as individuals and comprehend the truth in the statement, “Anyone can make a difference.”
**Although we are not currently offering Canine Rehab services, we have a number of Equine Rehabilitation services.**
Equine Rehabilitation:
The Equine Rehabilitation programs are the central program focus of Spirit Fire Farm. This is because horses are different from other animals in that they will act out the emotions of a human being, whether or not the individual is aware that they are feeling certain emotions. They have an uncanny ability to pick up suppressed emotions. Horses are perceptive, sensitive, and reactive. When kids work with horses, they become more aware of themselves and their own feelings.
Being herd animals, horses look for leaders. They have strong reactions to individuals who are too demanding, hostile, or loud. Sometimes horses react with fear, other times they react with aggression. They have a fight or flight instinct. If they perceive participants as a threat, they will either try to avoid them or dominate them. Participants learn how to control their tone of voice and body language.
Horses don’t lie, manipulate or cheat, nor do they respond to those defective behaviors. As young people start to figure out that those methods are not effective with horses, they have to develop new ways of achieving goals. They have to communicate clearly, honestly, and assertively. They must build trust and establish relationships. Selfishness and self-centeredness do not allow these young people to think about anything or anyone but themselves. Horses demand a renovation in thought processes from participants. They have no choice but to open their eyes to the world around them, change their perspective, and see beyond themselves. As they move forward in the process, the new behaviors begin to leave the barn with them when they go home. Healthy habits replace the unhealthy habits. Participants move from making impulsive, destructive choices to informed, positive choices that enrich their lives rather than destroy them.
Phase 1 Equine Rehabilitation (P1ER) Program:
A 12-week after school and summer program for youth new to Spirit Fire Farm. During the school year, P1ER runs 3-4 days per week from 3:15/30-6:30PM and includes an hour of homework time or as-needed tutoring. In the summer, P1ER runs 4-6 days per week with varying hours.
Phase 2 Equine Rehabilitation (P2ER) Program:
An after school and summer program for youth who’ve completed P1ER and can begin the process of rehoming horses that have complex issues. P2ER runs 2-3 days per week during the school year from 3:15/30-6:30 and 3-5 days per week during the summer with varying hours. P2ER also includes an hour of homework time or as-needed tutoring.
Individual/Fusion Equine Rehabilitation Options:
These options are for young people with an interest in more than one program, who have aged out of P1ER or P2ER, or that have scheduling conflicts with P1ER and P2ER. We also offer weekly group and private equine rehabilitation sessions that are less structured or do not have an educational component (i.e. no tutoring). Please call or email for more information about these services as circumstances vary.
