In her teenage years, she was in the process of healing from trauma. She had the opportunity to go to a leadership camp for people who had experienced trauma. She was asked to write down her story on a piece of paper. Never having written or verbally admitted that this was her reality, she committed to doing the activity regardless of the vulnerability that it called for. She was asked to go in a round pen with one other horse and read aloud her story. The horse noticed her as she entered, but did not approach her. She continued with her assignment to read aloud her story. As she did, she was overcome with shame, victimization and helplessness.

 

As she looked up from her paper, the horse was standing right next to her with its head down. She felt this overwhelming feeling of connection, understanding and empathy that she had never experienced before. She promised herself that one day she would recreate that for someone else. Harness Your Power was born in addition to the Youth Programs that help youth feel those same things as she felt nearly 15 years ago. We pride ourselves on creating a safe environment for your child to be their true self and  experience the support and empathy of the group full of mentors, horses and peers with a common goal.