9/14/21
*I wrote this article for another blog. However, it is not going to be published in time for its related content, so I am posting it here.*
Back to School Jitters: Horses Can Help!
By: Jaime Battestella-Williams
It’s that time of year again! Children and their parents, along with teachers and other school staff members, are preparing to head back to school.The start of each new school year inspires a mix of feelings. Excitement and hope mingle with anticipation and curiosity. What will my teacher be like? I hope I like my classes! Who will I sit with at lunch?
For some, those back to school feelings may include anxiety. These feelings of anxiety may be related to finding that perfect first day outfit, a stylish backpack, or even a cute mask. Other feelings of worry may be about making friends or fitting in. Well, horses can help kids, as well as adults, manage all of these feelings to have a great school year!
A Girl Scouts troop recently visited my farm to participate in equine-assisted learning activities with my horses. While it wasn’t the first day of school, it was the first day of camp. Both the girls and the horses had those jitters. Anxiety was abound, as the girls and the horses were waiting to meet each other for the first time. After introductions and a lesson on safety with horses, the girls carefully selected their seats just outside the fence. I prepared to lead my horses, June and Cherokee, out of the barn. They were both dressed for their first day of camp. Cherokee was a handsome sight in his matching royal blue halter and fly leg wraps, and June dazzled in her hot pink. Cherokee trotted out to meet the girls, and his excitement was evident. He carefully sniffed the girls and basked in their attention. He was the popular kid at camp.
Shy and unsure, June hesitantly walked out of the barn. She cautiously observed the new faces from a distance while the girls observed the scars on June’s side. I explained that June had faced a lot of struggles before coming home to our farm. Two of the girls got up from their seats and walked up to the fence, gently talking to June. June slowly moved forward, and the girls held their hands out for sniffs before slowly reaching up to pet her.
As the girls began to engage more with the horses, one of the girls piped up, “You know, I never thought about it, but horses are like people. They have anxiety, too!” This prompted another girl to burst out, “Yes, it is like the first day of school. I’m always nervous about meeting new kids for the first time just like how I was nervous to meet the horses.” A third girl jumped in, “If June was a girl at my school, I would be her friend.” The other girls chimed in with their agreement. I asked the girls what made June such a special friend. The answers I heard included, “June was shy and scared at first, but then she gave us a chance,” and “June just accepted us for who we are. She didn’t care about what we were wearing or what we looked like.” In addition to June’s acceptance and non-judgmental attitude, they spoke of her kindness and gentle nature. Another girl noted June’s beauty, despite the numbers burned into her side. As I held back tears, as many parents do on that first day of school, the little girl explained that we all have scars, and whether they are on the inside or outside, we are all still beautiful.
The horses taught the girls powerful lessons that day that I hope they remember as they prepare for back to school. I also hope that they inspire their friends to treat others in the same way. As we lay out our first day outfits, pack our new backpacks, and set the alarm for that early morning rush, let’s also remember the lessons we can learn from horses: love, acceptance, kindness, and a non-judgmental attitude. These are the perfect ingredients for a great school year!
Horses and Little Girls
After making the little girl, God said:
“You’ll need something to lean on. Something with substance that will teach you the value of hard work, perseverance, and to never give up. A thing that won’t cast judgment when you mess up in life. Because you will often, it’s just part of growing up and becoming a decent human.”
“You’ll need something whose impressive physical presence must be respected at all times. A being who could break your bones in a whisper but will never break your heart. A creature who will be there for you when you cry for hours after someone you love lets you down. A non-speaking, breathing being that will teach you to check all the noise in your head and completely listen to what he is saying.”
“Sometimes in life you need to let go and just hang on. I call this trust. The terrifying ability to follow something blindly out of the conviction of only your heart. It will keep you centered and restore your faith when life happens. When you realize that you are forgettable to the world you won’t be to this creature.”
“Something that will keep you truly humbled yet teach you how to fly!”
“You need to understand the painful reality of death. Sometimes it’s ok to let go. That kindness will always be rewarded before the use of force. And that courage means trusting him to get you safely to the other side.”
“Something to get you out of bed in the trying times. When you feel like you have nothing he will remind you that you are still wanted. Something to give you perspective about what’s really important in life.”
“You’ll need a best friend. Do not take this relationship lightly. It just might save your life someday when you see no out. Treasure it always I’m trusting it to you to take care of for a reason.”
“A creature who will restore your faith about all of the goodness in the world even when you are so broken down that you cast Me aside.”
“In turn with time and healing he will bring you back to Me. Know that your struggle won’t be made alone, and don’t forget to enjoy the ride.”
“So I will make a horse.”
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