Horses and Maskwacis Children's Horsemanship

Join host Millie Chalk WnT board member  who is an experienced trainer and instructor that works with horses and youth. She will be talking with our guests Paula Johnson and Dion Yellowbird, who run a program called Maskwacis Horsemanship for youth in the community of Hobbema.  Youth learn and participate in the full process of treating, handling, preparation, and riding the horses. It is a fun and interactive program, but also has a cultural component.

 Dion is a phenomenal instructor who is gentle with the children and the horses. While providing mentorship and roles modelling for the youth, he also includes the culture and spiritual connection with the horses.  Native American values are important in the development of a successful  future for the youth. 

This program however, goes much beyond learning to ride a horse.
Relationship with animals and the environment are an important part of Aboriginal culture and this program allows youth to connect with the horse, as well as the horses spirit. It also teaches discipline as the youth are taught how to properly care for, handle, and treat the horses. All of this provides the youth an opportunity for healing, while reinforcing cultural values.

http://ruralcapicityhobbema.blogspot.ca/

 

www.whispernthunder.org