Rancho Cielo, Hope, Horses and Kids, showcase program at open house event

SALINAS – Horsing around is not often encouraged in a school setting, but with Equine-Assisted Learning introduced at Rancho Cielo, horses can play a big role in student’s education and preparation for life after graduation.

The grand opening of the Hope, Horses and Kids new location at Rancho Cielo, 710 Old Stage Rd., in Salinas, will be celebrated May 26, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., with an open house event that will include activities for all ages, and meeting the horses, goats and mini horses that are part of the program. Guests will also have the opportunity to speak with Hope, Horses and Kids staff members while enjoying coffee, donuts and items from a food truck. Scheduled activities include “Equine-Assisted Learning” starting at 11 a.m., followed by “Horse-Powered Reading” at 1 p.m., providing engaging experiences for attendees of all interests.

Equine-Assisted Learning is based on the idea that horses can help create new ways of thinking and behaving.

Established in 2000, Rancho Cielo is a comprehensive learning and social services center for underserved and disconnected youth in Monterey County who share its vision of their future success. Its goal is self-sufficiency, and the self-esteem it generates, for all young people.

“Touching lives one hoofbeat at a time,” Hope, Horses and Kids was founded in 2010 filling a need for children, especially those with special needs, in Monterey County, according to the organization.

Founder and Executive Director Lori Tuttle said she has been doing equine-assisted learning work for about 25 years.

The nonprofit has moved entirely out to the Rancho Cielo campus since February, becoming part of the curriculum and continuing to provide its brand of services to the community.

Hope, Horses and Kids Lead Facilitator Emily Pedrazzi explained that the program provides a variety of experiences and activities to a diverse group of clients each week. Its programs offer support to individuals with physical disabilities as well as those with emotional, cognitive and behavioral challenges.

“Horses are intuitive and mirror our emotions,” said Pedrazzi.

The facilitating part comes in as we know our horses, their body language and expressions. Working with them day-to-day, we develop a partnership with them and begin to become in tune with them, said Tuttle. They will often drive the direction of the lesson, giving the kids and teens we’re helping to identify their emotions and feelings, allowing them the ability to slow down and connect.

The program also benefits the animals who have exceeded their usefulness to the owners who had them previously.

The horses are donated to Hope, Horses and Kids and find their own voices as the program allows them to be who they are, have a say or have an opinion, said Pedrazzi. Sometimes they say ‘no’ and that’s OK. They are often shutdown because they were not able to have an opinion, but blossom and show their true personality once they are part of the program.

“We let them be who they are,” said Pedrazzi, who added that it is a lesson not lost on the kids and teens they are helping.

The nonprofit Hope, Horses and Kids, has moved entirely out to the Rancho Cielo campus since Feb., becoming part of the curriculum and continuing to provide its brand of services to the community. (Photo courtesy of Hope, Horses and Kids)

Hope, Horses and Kids is currently part of Rancho Cielo’s educational offerings and has brought professionally-facilitated, equine-assisted learning activities to the campus.

Working with the students, Hope, Horses and Kids realized it could develop aspects of leadership skills and how to become a good leader, through its program at Rancho Cielo.

It is about teaching basic life skills, such as empathy and effective communication, to be a productive member of society, said Tuttle.

“Horsemanship is one of seven Enrichment Programs we’ve rolled out over the last couple of years, along with beekeeping, visual arts and canine training, to name a few,” said Adam Joseph, Rancho Cielo spokesman. “In addition to HHK, local nonprofits, including UnChained, the Arts Council for Monterey County and others, have partnered with us to make these programs happen.”

With the Equestrian Program at Rancho Cielo, students develop life skills for educational, personal and professional growth, according to Rancho Cielo. Activities often center on problem-solving, relationship building and critical thinking, assisting students to develop trust, self-confidence, discipline, awareness and focus, among other skills, through the equine-human bond. Students also gain basic horsemanship in the process.

“There are about 40 Rancho students currently taking the horsemanship program,” said Joseph.

The organization’s expansion into Rancho Cielo aligns with its mission to provide enriching experiences and support to the community. It serves the students weekly and offers a range of programs, including horsemanship, life skills and emotional care.

Rancho Cielo offers vocational training and high school education in partnership with John Muir Charter Schools, according to the school. Students can earn a Western Association of Schools and Colleges-accredited high school diploma or equivalent, leave prepared to enter the workforce and/or enroll in post-secondary education.

Hope, Horses and Kids makes horses and horse care available to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.

The nonprofit is proud to be collaborating with Rancho Cielo, open to the community at large and offering programming to all kids, not just Rancho Cielo students, to make horses accessible to everyone.

The new location will allow Hope, Horses and Kids to broaden its reach and introduce its programs to a broader audience. Legacy horsemanship lessons and Horse Powered Reading sessions will now be accessible to more individuals, including those seeking alternative educational options and support.