When I was in the 7th grade I got in trouble for shoplifting and was sent to Ride To Pride. There I learned new coping skills and how to feel better about myself and not so worthless. I learned how to assert myself and how to feel equal to others. I felt very comfortable with the horses. I learned about healthy relationships and how to communication. Horses became my legs and I learned to do things that I could never do before.
My counselor gave me my own horse, Dixie, and I learned how to barrel race and to do different rodeo events. I taught Dixie how to do the events too. I learned how to be competitive and I learned how to win. I was no longer a loser! I especially loved barrel racing and I won several awards during my time with Ride ToPride. I was also featured in the American Girl Magazine, where I got to do a professional photo shoot with the horses at Ride To Pride and my story was told to others. It was all very exciting and it felt really good to think that my misfortune could maybe help others. Almost everything that I would do in life from that point forward I would become very good at. I had learned how to do my best at everything that I tried. I was involved in Ride To Pride for a total of four years. continued...
Anna ~ continued pg 3 ...
More than 40 percent of individuals who start drinking before the age of 13 will develop alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence at some point in their lives.
In 2007, the U.S. Surgeon General estimates that approximately 5,000 persons under age 21 die from alcohol-related injuries involving underage drinking each year.
"Horses Helping Kids Be Kids"
