Respect, responsibility, empathy, and feelings of self-worth are character traits that are no longer commonly found in the majority of today’s youth.   It is well known that in order for a child to do well they have to feel well.  They need to have a feeling of value and a sense of responsibility in which to achieve more.  When a child is empowered by self worth they not only perform better in school, they also become an example to others.

Promise Acres is a local equine rescue, rehab, and re-homing facility.  Every day at our facility we are reminded of how youth with low self-esteem and value turn into adults with these same qualities.  Youth and adults who do not find value in themselves often turn to criminal behaviors, and are often violent to both animals and other people.  The horses that come through our gates have usually started their journey to us from the hands of an individual as described above.  With patience, time, and consistent work we are able to take these fearful, sometimes dangerous horses and revert them back to being safe and trusting mounts who can then be adopted into new, loving homes.  For some though, by the time they get to us, it is too late. 

How do we fix the cycle of abuse to both animals and people before it is too late?  The answer: education and character development.  Using horses from our rescue Promise Acres has developed a program on character development.  This program focuses on each student’s ability to make their own choices, and on how the choices they make today will forever impact their tomorrow.  We outline good citizenship, being ready to learn, respecting others, and finding value in oneself.  We believe that if we can impact these areas early on that students will strive to do better and achieve more.

Our presentations can be modified to include your school's Positive Behavior System (PBS).   Thus further enforcing the principals established and rewarded at each school.  Teaching character development is important.  The use of a horse shows the application of these characteristics and makes it a memorable experience.

Promise Acres is currently booking sessions for the 2009/2010 school year.   Sessions rates vary and the funds received from these sessions go towards the rehabilitation costs of the horses in our care.  For more information or to book a session please contact us at 863-202-0307.

Thank you for helping to make a difference in the lives of our children and their impact in our community.