Stirrup Courage combines owner's passion, expertise for unique therapeutic experience

When 11-year-old Carsen Klintworth enters the barn for his weekly horse riding class, he makes his way to his favorite horse, Pistol.

With practiced hands, Carsen knows the routine. He gently brushes Pistol’s brown coat and pats its white nose. Pistol nuzzles him affectionately, reflecting the bond of trust and companionship between them.

Once Carsen swings himself into the saddle with the help of his volunteer mentor, they set off on their practice.

Carsen is one of 36 participants benefiting from the Stirrup Courage program, founded by Tara Steiner in 2020.

Steiner, a horses expert with a degree in special education, combined her passion and expertise to create a unique therapeutic experience for children and youth facing various challenges in life.

Social tendencies of a horse connect with kids

The program supports children and youth aged 5-21 by fostering connections and boosting confidence through interacting with horses.

“There are a lot of different reasons why parents or guardians sign up their children,” Steiner said.

The challenges encompass a range of experiences, from socioeconomic adversities such as coping with loss, parental divorce, childhood trauma and school bullying, to addressing developmental disabilities and diverse learning needs.

Meanwhile, horses are known to be social animals that can strongly connect with human emotions.

Studies suggest horses can read humans in various ways through body odors, posture, facial expressions and attentiveness. They develop sophisticated communicative skills that foster their ability to respond to human emotional state.

In Stirrup Courage, participants build their confidence as they interact with horses.

A judgment free zone

Steiner said when a child is capable of walking with the horse and then riding it, it slowly builds their confidence, along with healthy coping skills.

“Clients who do counseling using horses have said the reason why they feel more open or safer on horses is because you know that the horse isn’t making any judgments about you,” Steiner said.

Horses have no preconceived about what the person looks like or who they are, they only respond to the person’s actions and how they are treating them.

“That helps people to feel like they can let their guard down and feel more comfortable and better self-esteem,” Steiner said.

Each level of the program spans four sessions, with classes held once per week for an hour. Typically, there are two-four participants in each class, supported by volunteer mentors.

Sessions include activities, games and challenges that gradually build up their skills and confidence.

Four levels with horse and mentors

Newcomers begin with an introductory level where they learn about horse care and body language.

“We do a lot of activities gradually building up and being able to lead the horse through different obstacles and through different games that we play,” she said.

Once the participants graduate from the first level, they can go to the riding levels.

This level starts with riding led by a volunteer mentor. The activities at this level are geared toward balancing and getting comfortable in the saddle.

“It’s all completely hands-free, we are doing games and activities to get them confident in their balance,” Steiner said.

In the next levels, participants move up gradually toward becoming independent riders.

A journey to outside of the comfort zone

Volunteer mentors like Michelle Klintworth, affirm the transformative power of equine-assisted activities.

Klintworth has been volunteering at Stirrup Courage since nearly two years ago when she enrolled her son, Carsen, in the program.

“My son was at a private school and then we switched him to a public school,” Klintworth said, noting the transition for Carsen wasn’t easy.

She said as a previous horse owner she knew the program could help him feel more confident and make friendships.

“This program has helped him come outside of his comfort zone,” she said. “Now he plays guitar and ukulele, he is also doing golf,” she said.

Klintworth’s role differs from one level to another. Whether showing them how to groom a horse or lead them while riding, her favorite part is when they ride independently.

“I love watching the kids ride and to see their faces when they’re doing new things,” she said.

Support comes from many sources

Stirrup Courage relies on individual donors, business sponsorships and community support.

“There are also different community organizations and churches who have had fundraisers and donated to us on their own,” Steiner said.

The funds lay a pivotal role in supporting Stirrup Courage's mission. They are used to provide scholarships to families in need, ensuring financial barriers do not hinder access to the program. Additionally, the contributions help to cover essential expenses such as feeding and caring for the program's horses.

As the summer season approaches, registration for Stirrup Courage's program is open on its website. Each four-week session is $100.

Individuals who are passionate about horses can sign up to volunteer, regardless of prior experience. The inclusive approach welcomes all who share a love for horses and a commitment to positively impacting children’s lives.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Orrville's Stirrup Courage promotes confidence boost for kids in need