FEBRUARY 1997 BACK ISSUE

Part of Horse Previews Magazine website. Posted on 2/1/97; 10:00:00 AM.

Changing Our Lives Together

The warmth of his breath gave her goose bumps. The strength of the embrace took away all her fears. Next to him she experienced "no worries." She only felt his unconditional love and devotion.

A romantic scene from a Hollywood movie? NO. Instead, picture a child with her arms wrapped around the neck of a strong, majestic horse. He offers her emotional shelter from the pain that the world so often exposes our children to. The love and confidence horse and rider give to each other is a very rewarding and effective alternative to drugs, gangs and violence. The need to be loved, and to love, is no secret to our modern day "mental awareness."

Once an amazing drea, C.O.L.T. has become a vivid reality in the year 1997. Teaming with COPS WEST of Spokane, the aid of equine professionals such as Dr. Jerry Ponti, Dr. Bruce King, local farrier Jerry Highland and enthusiastic volunteers, C.O.L.T. will unveil in February, this areas first and only such program.

The program targets kids from the ages of 11-15 from at risk neighborhoods. They will complete 12 workshops educating them on all aspects of the horse. Safety is key, as well as challenging their minds. Also volunteering his services is Brian Coe, a local professional horse trainer and an advocate of the John Lyons training techniques. Come Spring each child will receive their own horse to train with.

C.O.L.T. is relying solely on the contributions of the community, and needs donations of healthy, kid safe horses, tack and feed. If you would like to offer any of these tax deductible gifts, would like to contribute financially, or have questions, please call Marla or Michael Warnecke at 509-926-5802, or Sara Lesher at 509-926-2276. We are always looking for eager volunteers.