......And then, on Thursday.....

John says he has an idea....John tells me we need to help more people. We should start a veterans program for those returning home.  They need help.  I said, yes, great idea!  I was also thinking about a senior program.  John says, no, the veterans need it more.

John has CP and is in a wheelchair.  And HE is telling me we need to help more people.

                                                     John is an inspiration. 

Busy Wednesday!!!!

Wednesdays are busy at The Buckeye!

We started the day out with a visit from Cassandra Winner's Special Ed class from North Salinas High School - what a FUN group of kids!  We began the session discussing the rules (walking feet, quiet voices) and learning how to buckle a halter.  After a quick barn tour (small barn!) we practiced putting the halter on Duncan.  ALL of the kids were able to put the halter on and buckle it!  Some of these students had never seen a horse......very cool!  On to the next activity - grooming!

This is Rojan's FAVORITE activity!  This horse is truly a gentle giant - he loves his job!  He's such a good boy.  Once the grooming was completed it was on to Being a Leader:

Remember - this was the first time most of the kids had even SEEN a horse!  They all did a fantastic job. 

There are always individual success stories within these groups.  Yesterday was no exception.  One of the students was extremely fearful at the start of the session.  By the time we started the leading lesson, this young lady led Rojan THREE times around the course!  One young lady who, according to the teacher, is normally non-participatory was the first to groom and lead.  The horses do amazing things - I'm so fortunate to have such great team members!

Our afternoon vaulting session was incredible thanks to our newest coach.  Mackenzie comes to us from CSUMB and is a Silver level vaulter!  A dream come true!  The kids were so excited to have somebody besides ME coaching them.  We worked on the barrel and Mackenzie taught them some freestyle moves:

Natalie perfecting the Happy Star!  Isn't she precious?

Isabelle doing The Candle

Another Happy Star, William!













And that's it from The Buckeye Ranch!  God Bless!

Wednesday!!

The middle of the week and a busy day!  We have the pleasure of hosting a Special Ed. class from North Salinas High School today.  I'm very excited as we haven't had any classes from North High yet.  I'll try and get some pictures of the group.  The first visit for a group is  fun - the kids are so happy to be with the horses and outside!  There are always many little successes with the kids - the first time they touch the horse, the first time they lead the horse.  Many of these kids have never been near an animal as big as Rojan!

Yesterday was pretty quiet at The Buckeye - chores in the morning and three boys in the afternoon.  That lesson is sort of like herding cats, but very fun. 

Go out and enjoy this magical Fall day! 

Monday, Monday

I love Mondays.  Weird, huh?  Not really - it's the beginning of a new week and back to routine.  Did I mention I like my routine?  Today was a pretty typical Monday - kids to school; feed horses, cat, turkeys, crows and clean stalls.  Then the fun begins!  On Mondays, 10 kids from one of Salinas High's Special Ed class come out to play with horses.  And every Monday they amaze me with what they are able to accomplish and what they are able to learn and retain.  Last week we begin learning body parts - all the basics (ears, eyes, nose, neck, shoulder).  I introduced the poll.  Today when I pointed to that spot between the ears, they remembered it was the poll!  So cool.  Todays word: withers.  And I GUARANTEE next week when I point to that spot, one or more will know what it is. It's always been my belief that we should NOT limit anybody who comes to The Buckeye Ranch.  And every Monday that belief is validated.  Most of the students can now put a halter on and they have ALL led the horses through the obstacle courses - wheelchairs included! That's why I like Mondays.

The students also got to learn what a farrier does:

 

 

God Bless.

This is me.

Thank you for your interest in Hope, Horses & Kids.  I'm excited to have a place to talk about what we do at The Buckeye.  I've always said that you really need to SEE what we do to truly understand the magic that happens between our clients and our horses.  But, I will do my best to capture some of that magic in words, and share with you as often as I can.

Some of you know me, others know me through our Facebook page.  For those of you who don't know me, I'll share a little bit about myself.  I love God, my family, my friends and life like crazy.  My kids mean the world to me and I LOVE being a mom.  I love animals of ALL kinds, I love being outdoors, but I don't like to camp!  I wish I did, I like the thought of it!  I'm loyal and honest.  A little too sensitive and have a hard time with small talk.  Reading and cooking are hobbies and I love to play the piano (when I have the time).  Most of all, I feel blessed.  I have a wonderful, supportive family and a great network of friends.  All of whom have helped make Hope, Horses & Kids the awesome program it is.   I believe that anything in life is possible and the word "can't" isn't allowed at the barn.   More than anything, I want to share the successes of our clients through their time with our wonderful horses.   Thanks for reading and God Bless.

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      Hope, Horses & Kids are excited to welcome YOU into our family!

Our blog was made to give our supporters a small glimpse of what Hope, Horses and Kids is all about. Here, you will read about the many successes, learning expirences, achievments, thoughts, inspirations and dreams we participate in everyday here at The Buckeye. 

     Operated by executive director Lori Tuttle, Hope, Horses & Kids is a nonprofit equine learning program designed to help local kids with social and emotional difficulties or disabilities. Its core philosophy involves an instructional approach that includes the teaching of positive life skills: respect, responsibility, relationships, boundaries, empathy, choices and consequences. The model also encourages developmental assets and the integration of academics.

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