Jedd Hafer, Director of Development, Summer 2008 Program:

“The Leg Up Therapeutic Riding Center program reached our teen-age girls in ways we never could. The bond of trust formed with the animals and the way barriers were broken down so quickly and easily was truly remarkable! We watched our girls increase in confidence before our eyes. I would highly recommend Leg Up to anyone who wants to improve youths’ attitudes, self-awareness and overall outlook.”

Deanna Kerl, Activities Therapist, Fall 2008 Program:

"Experiential therapies have played a huge role in my career and I am a firm believer in the healing potential of modalities including art therapy, poetry therapy, and animal assisted psychotherapy. I was fortunate to have stumbled across Equine Assisted Psychotherapy a few years ago and have become increasingly aware of the unique qualities horses bring to the therapeutic table.

"It has been a pleasure to collaborate with Leg Up Therapeutic Riding to provide Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) for the children and adolescents I work with. This program has made a profound difference in many ways for these children, and has boosted motivation for their residential treatment. While this population typically does not have the opportunity to enjoy success, it was a joy to see their eyes light up each session as they mastered new skills and demonstrated a sense of pride in accomplishments. In addition to development of equine care and riding skills, Leg Up Therapeutic Riding provided a safe environment for the participants to explore issues of trust, bonding, respect, communication, awareness, safety, self-control, and setting appropriate boundaries with others. An emphasis was placed on generalization of these fundamental life skills so that each participant was able to identify ways in which their experiences apply to life outside the arena.

"The structure of the program was individualized for the needs of my clients and each week there was flexibility to ensure the participants’ unique needs were being addressed. Debra Rose, Deb Steddom, and all assistants brought consistency, support, patience, and expertise to the program in a way that created a safe, nurturing environment. As with any type of therapy, this relationship between client and professional is invaluable. In EAP, this therapeutic relationship includes the horse as well. The horses responded to the participants in a profound way that mirrored the particular set of difficulties each child brought with him or her. This feedback provided countless therapeutic opportunities for the participants to make meaning out of the experiences that will remain in the memories of these children for life. Leg Up Therapeutic Riding has truly assisted in giving these kids a "Leg Up" in life!"

Deanna M. Kerl, LPC ATR-BC

Sarah Lukens, Colorado College Equestrian Team, Volunteer, Fall 2008 Program:

"I began volunteering for Leg Up last fall, expecting that I might do some good and have some fun working around kids and horses. I was unprepared for the degree of healing and relationship that occurred between the children, the horses, and the staff. When the children arrived at the stable, their facades would begin to melt as the horses interacted with them. In time I realized that the surface tasks of grooming and riding were laying the building blocks for trust. Throughout the session, this trust grew, and expanded beyond the horses to include the staff. I am honored to have been a part of this transformation.

"I am a Psychology major at the nearby Colorado College, and am working with the directors of Leg Up and my advisor to design a thesis around this wonderful program. I hope to explore how horses can help heal victims of trauma and teach the foundations of trust, communication, and relationship."