Trails Carolina - A Therapeutic Wilderness Program for Troubled Teens and Their Families

Trails Carolina - The Nations Premiere Therapeutic Wilderness Programs for Troubled Teens and Their Families

Students tend to pick their horse and sometimes the horse seems to pick them. Regardless they always end up perfectly matched. Typically likeness of character is the deciding factor.

                          By supporting organizations like “Hope for Horses” we can
                        offer students an opportunity to care for an animal that
                      has suffered trauma in one form or another. Often our students have also suffered a traumatic experience
                    to a certain degree and it is breathtaking to see the bond that occurs with horse and student. Both horse
                  and student open up to trust each other, which is when true healing and emotional growth can happen.

Some of our other students have been the victimizer. When paired with a horse who has a history of trauma, these students can receive instant and obvious feedback on how they are making the animal feel. These horses are so sensitive to aggressive behaviors they tend to over react, giving the student very clear signs of stress and anxiety.

It has been inspiring to see our male students want to be "liked" by the horse. It seems almost as if this is proof to them that "Nature and the whole world" is embracing them. Students who consistently experience deeper levels of trust and respect with their horse are able to transition those skills into their emotional well being and personal relationships.

Voncho (RIP) - Vancho has recently passed away but he was an exceptional horse. Vancho lived to be over 30 which is equivalent to 90 human years. A classic, calm and forgiving he will be missed by all.

$C:\Users\Woody\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\Z96GQAZ9\Casper2.jpg$ Casper

Casper is a well bred Arabian who is as wise as the sands of Sahara and as gentle as a lamb.

~ He is our elder. We are to be his students, not his teacher.

$C:\Users\Woody\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\Z96GQAZ9\Shadow.jpg$ Shadow

Shadow is the herd Alpha. His primary job is to ensure safety. He's high strung and always on alert. Has a heart as big as the herd.

~He has come a long way in trusting humans, but still looks to himself first when under stress.

$C:\Users\Woody\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\Z96GQAZ9\StanleySpeckles.jpg$ Speckles

Speckles is the lead mare. Speckles and Shadow share a lot of the responsibilities involved in taking care of the herd. Until recently she was the only mare in the herd. She is sensitive and kind but don't cross her.

~ Her personal work would be to increase her confidence in going over objects. She has deep fears of getting her legs entangled.

$C:\Users\Woody\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\Z96GQAZ9\Stanley (2).jpg$ Stanley

Donkeys get a bad rap because they cannot be bullied into doing something. They will stand their ground and fight. Donkeys are often used to protect herds from coyotes. Stanley both protects and showers students with love. If patient and kind, you might even be graced with one of his famous "hugs" where he wraps his head around you and squeezes you tight. That can brighten even the worst day!

$C:\Users\Woody\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\Z96GQAZ9\Moe.jpg$ Moe

Moe is a crowd pleaser. Good all around horse. He makes a great partner for any horse lover.

~ He is building his confidence and ability to think his way through a problem. He can become emotional and instinctive in a heartbeat.

$C:\Users\Woody\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\Z96GQAZ9\Rocky.jpg$ Rocky

Rocky is always trying for lead position. He has a tough love approach with a lot of loyalty. He's of old Appalachian blood and carries the proud genetic history of "The Rocky Mountain Horse."

~ He is like the people of this area, not to be changed, but admired for who they are.

$C:\Users\Woody\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\Z96GQAZ9\Nevada.jpg$ Nevada

Nevada is shy and extremely introverted. Not a mean bone in his body or mind.

~ He is working on trust.

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Blaze

Blaze is our pony. This means he'll always be under 14.2hh (about 4' 7"). He meets the most rigid expectations of what is fondly called, "A Classic Pony!"

~ Blaze is working us.

$C:\Users\Woody\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\Z96GQAZ9\Cheyenne2.jpg$ Cheyenne

Recently adopted from “Hope for Horses” (www.hopeforhorses.org) of North Carolina. A starvation rescue, Cheyenne was in the best condition of his three other pasture mates. As with all rescue animals Cheyenne will begin the long journey of rediscovering trust, confidence and eventually love and compassion.

$C:\Users\Woody\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\Z96GQAZ9\Walker 2.jpg$
Walker

Recently adopted with his pasture mate Cheyenne from Hope for Horses was also a starvation case as well as physical abuse. Walker, named after the police officer who lead the rescue efforts has a very long journey to rediscover joy and happiness. Walker is a very cautious and untrusting Gelding and will be huge challenge for any students that he chooses.