New Beginnings is an experiential learning program and uses the foundation of Equine-Assisted Learning to build a nurturing, non-judgmental, rewarding and respectful relationship between horse and human. Many studies of Equine-Assisted Learning have been shown to increase self awareness, confidence, focus and a more even or relaxed temperament or behavior, in participants. Being with horses helps to reduces stress and enables an individual to become more relaxed and “at peace.”
New Beginnings is not a therapeutic program. We engage and partner with horses to develop and improve person-to-person and horse-to-human relationships. With the horse as teacher, guide, and partner, friend even, in many ways, the horse is the perfect interpreter of human emotions. Horses help to inspire an open exchange within us, of the heart and mind. Physically too, we become more self aware of where we are and how our body is communicating, in relation to a horse. We learn too, how to move our bodies closer to or away from each horse – the “sensitivity factor,” as we like to call it.
With horses, there is immediate feedback to the person’s emotions and state of mind as well as body language. Horses sense, read and respond to all of this, which is why you may often hear the term, the horse is the mirror to the soul. They “read” us and help us get in touch with our feelings, emotions, mindset, and any stress we may be experiencing. They are a great reflection of who and where we are emotionally. Horses focus on the moment — the be here now concept.
New Beginnings is an exciting new program that Horse Haven Montana developed as an outreach and education project. Our goal is to help young people and adults create, seniors, veterans, and teens, cultivate and be inspired by the unique relationship and partnership we can create and share with horses, also called the equine/human bond. With New Beginnings, most of our horses are rescues and or horses that have come from sometimes challenging backgrounds. The relationship that horses develop with a young person or an adult who may have come from an equally “challenged” background or experience, is often life-changing.
Please note: Participants will not typically ride horses although you may mount and be led within a safe, secure area as appropriate, and no prior horse experience is required.
With specialized training in Equine Assisted Learning or Equine Experiential Education, Horse Haven Montana offers special sessions that pair youth and adults with horses, helping to encourage the unique relationship that can be built between a big, strong animal like the horse and a person. Some of our horses come from a past that may include neglect, abuse, or other less than positive life experiences. Some may simply find themselves in need of a new home. The same may be true for a young person or an adult.
But the relationship that we can build with a horse — non-judgmental, honest, based upon trust, leadership and non-verbal communication, can heal a lot of wounds. From this unique human/animal relationship, incredible outcomes emerge. As members of the Equine Experiential Education Association, we are committed to this unique partnership and relationship process.
As charitable support grows, we hope to keep participation fees for this program as affordable as possible. Eventually, we hope to offer scholarships to make the program accessible to as many people as possible.
Currently, the participation donation fee is $250/month with a requested minimum commitment of two months. This helps to ensure and build a meaningful and valuable relationship.
If you would like to learn more about the program, participate or donate to support New Beginnings or to offer scholarships, your contribution is fully tax-deductible up to the law. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Please contact us by email info@horsehavenmt.org or jrt@montana.com or call 406-880-0683. Donations can be made online through PayPal or by check. Please let us know if you would like an application or you wish to sponsor someone with a scholarship. Thank you!
Horse Haven Montana
New Beginnings
PO Box 599
Frenchtown, MT 59834
Horse Haven Montana founder/director Janet Rose is proud to be a member of the Equine Experiential Education Assn. and trained in Equine Assisted Learning.
Horse Haven Montana 