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The Program

Foster Horse Matching

Caring Barn Location

Transportation Arrangements

Horsemanship Lessons

Grooming Supplies and Tack

Veterinary Care

Stable Friends seeks to provide a safe, stable, and supportive environment for children in the Colorado foster care system by enabling them to build a lasting relationship with a horse. Studies have shown that the lack of consistency and loss of relationships increases the trauma caused by a childhood in the foster care system, while time spent with animals in known to be good for physical, mental, and emotional health. Equine therapy has been used for many years for physical and cognitive behavioral therapy. Caring for horses requires concentration, selflessness, and teamwork, and can help people improve self-esteem, self-awareness, confidence, and empathy. Additionally, equine therapy has been shown to help treat behavioral problems, relationship issues, grief, anxiety, depression, ADD/ADHD, and addiction.

Stable Friends will vet horses for the correct temperament, obtain them through purchase or donation, and fund their care through barns local to children who are currently placed in foster care in Colorado. Children will be paired with a single horse to become their constant friend, allowing the child to build a stable relationship regardless of their living situation. The children will be taught horsemanship and how to care for their horse, and will be provided with transportation to and from the barn. If a child is relocated, Stable Friends will transfer the horse to a location more convenient to the child's new placement. In addition to allowing children to build a lasting relationship in the midst of a turbulent time, it also allows children to have a new story, something positive to talk about when introducing themselves in a new environment. The children will also develop job skills, teaching them responsibility, accountability, and perseverance. 100 percent of the organization's time beyond the minimum required to obtain funding and meet compliance requirements will be dedicated to the operation of this program.

Through funding from grants and donations, and the work of volunteers, Stable Friends will build a community to support these children throughout their time in the system, helping them to break out of the cycle and reach toward their own successes. Once a child has aged out of the program (which is 2 years after aging out of the Foster Care system - 4 years if they are on the traditional college track), they will be invited to pay it forward by helping to select the next child who will be paired with their horse, creating a new cycle of acceptance and care.  College graduates will be awarded a horseback adventure in another country.  

Having an Impact

Your donation matters!  $10 can buy a grooming brush or halter in the child's favorite color or a bag of horse treats.  $50 can buy a hoof trim a saddle blanket or a pair of jeans.  $100 may buy a week of hay, a dental treatment, a horsemanship class or a pair of western boots.  $500 will cover a saddle, a month of pasture or paddock rent in some areas.   For every $100,000 donated, a child and horse will be paired to ensure a long-lasting stable friendship.  

Frequency

One time

Monthly

Amount

$10

$20

$50

$100

$1,000

$5,000

$10,000

$20,000

$50,000

$100,000

Other

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Success Stories in the Near Future

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My horse became my homework buddy.  It just seemed easier to do with him around.  I plan to graduate from high school.  That wasn't something I ever cared about before.  The drama of my life took up all of my headspace.  Now, I just sit in peace with my horse and think of things I want to do in my future,  
The other horse people at the barn have big plans and I want to as well.   

Supporting Dreams

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I found my best friend. My horse, Ella, has been a constant source of joy and support. I no longer feel lonely and it comforts me to know that where ever I go she goes too.  We support each other when we feel stressed.  She has a story too and lets me know how she feels with her ears and soft nickers.  

A Bond Like No Other

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Stable Friends has helped me pursue my passion for horses even after aging out of the foster system.  I have job skills now!
My goal is to become a manager at a hunter/jumper barn in Florida.

Setting Up for Success

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So I was labeled a troublemaker.  I got kicked out of a couple of schools and it became harder to find a placement for me.  Stable Friends introduced me to Happy.  He is kind of a troublemaker too.   I see how it can be kind of annoying.  But I love him a lot and I'm glad he's here for me.  

The Perfect Match

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My mom loved horses.  I guess that is where I got it from.  When she died I never thought I would smile again,  But I do now because my horse is a clown.  Everyday he gives me a reason to smile.  My mom would have loved him too,  

Heaven Sent

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I did it!  I went to college!  Stable Friends incentivized me to do well in school and to get my education.  When I graduated, they took me on a horseback safari in Botswana.  We ran our horses with giraffes!

A Lifetime of Rewards

Join the Stable Friends Community

Address

U.S.A.

Contact

info@stablefriends,org

970-445-8204

© 2024 by 360 Project Management. 

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