Sessions are flexible, making sure we are able to best serve the unique needs of each student and horse. Instead of being lost in a group, each individual is nurtured by a leader who shares in the student’s individual tears and triumphs.

The horses at Gateway are at different stages of healing and emotional health. A session may consist of learning to care for a recovering horse, or learning to take a horse to the next level of growth. We strive to encourage students to do something to improve the life of someone else. This fulfills an elementary need in our hearts; the need to be needed. Feeling valued is an integral part of the healing process.

 

Sessions may also include theory lessons, including watching videos and doing simulations before actually working with a horse. This is not a riding program. The sessions will involve learning to understand and work with horses from the ground.  Working from the ground enables the students to establish good communication and relationship skills with the horse.

 

Gateway’s goal is to provide a holistic ministry.  We not only address the body, mind and emotions, but also the spirit. The horses give us many opportunities to illustrate spiritual truths to the students. We believe God is the source of true healing. It is our desire that our students understand how much they are loved and valued by God, that they can have hope for their future through Jesus Christ and that they can experience the presence of the Holy Spirit for power and strength in their lives.

 

Students are taken on a referral basis from physicians, social workers, pastors etc., who are willing to work with us and help evaluate the effectiveness of our program.

 

Thanks to the generosity of individuals, businesses and volunteers who want to have a part in making a difference in the lives of hurting horses and people, we are able to offer our services free of charge. In doing so, we can ensure that no one is denied access to our program.