Program To Teach Benton Harbor Youths About Horses

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The Boys and Girls Club of Benton Harbor is teaming up with the Spring Creek Horses Help Foundation to provide local young people some experience with the animals. Spring Creek Horses Help Foundation board member Sally Bogert tells WSJM News the group runs a farm in Three Oaks and teaches young people all about the horses. She’s seen the difference horses make in children, helping them improve social skills, confidence, and responsibility.

“If you’re frightened, your horse will be frightened,” Bogert said. “If you’re calm, your horse will be calm. If you’re happy, your horse will be happy. They really are sensitive to the child, and I’ve seen horses cuddle the children and really reflect what the child is feeling, and build the child’s confidence.”

Starting this weekend, eight girls from the Benton Harbor Boys and Girls Club are taking part in the Spring Creek Horses Help Foundation program. They were to have their first day this Saturday. Bogert says the girls are all in the free lunch program at school, and so they’ll be given good meals before starting their three hour session. They’re also being provided with apparel and scholarships for the program’s cost. They’ll return on four consecutive Saturdays to learn about grooming, feeding, and riding their horses.