Chinook's Edge School Division board members were given an update recently about the successes of the division's Equinox program.Julie Hodder works with Red Deer public schools but last year supervised the six at-risk youth who participated in the program for about the last three months of the school year.She says she saw a dramatic improvement in the students as a result of the program, which takes at risk youth and has them work with horses to develop more positive relationships and communication skills.All the students who participated in the program were residing in a group home and had suffered various types of trauma such as abuse, were dealing with alcohol issues or had anger management problems.“The program just kind of fit them in a nice hands-on kind of way – and in a unique manner,” said Hodder.She said she saw dramatic improvements in the students as a result of the program.“I saw actually a phenomenal difference in the kids. The rules (of the group home) were that you had to have your school work done, you had to be respectful in the classroom. The kids enjoyed it so much that they worked really hard during the day to be able to go (to the program). It was a great hands-on experience for them,” she said.Veronique Michaud-Rettmann, who owns Healing Soles south of Crestomere where the horses reside, said the program, which is offered to any individuals suffering from psychological or physical difficulties, works because the horses take the people at face value and make no judgments.Michaud-Rettmann uses Equine Assisted Learning and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy techniques through the horses to help people overcome challenges.“The horses are going to pick up on the scars that somebody carries on their heart and are going to try (to heal them). The horses are going to take you as you are and they only ask the same thing in return,” she said.Michaud-Rettmann said everyone who accesses the program can feel accepted because they can see themselves through any of the horses.Many different types of horses are used for the programs at Healing Soles, from Belgians, Percherons and miniature horses to quarter horses and thoroughbreds.The Equinox program has been running for several years at schools throughout the CESD. It is based in Sylvan Lake.
