At the Perks Family Equine Center in Lockwood Park, youth and teens are given a unique opportunity to improve their mental health and develop social-emotional skills through the power of horses. In a time when many young people are facing a mental health crisis—characterized by high rates of violence, anxiety, and depression—this innovative program provides a refreshing approach to healing and growth.
Healing Through Horses
The Rockford Park District recognized the rising mental health challenges among young people, which led to the creation of the Perks Family Equine Center. This facility serves as a therapeutic space for individuals facing mental health struggles, developmental disabilities, trauma, domestic abuse, substance abuse, and more. With the help of horses, the center offers several equine-assisted programs designed to foster emotional healing and social skill development.
Already, the facility has served over 100 individuals in need of support, using horses as therapeutic tools to help participants learn to cope with and understand their emotions. The horse-human connection has proven effective in addressing a variety of needs, providing young people with a non-traditional but highly impactful form of therapy.
Equine-Assisted Programs for Mental Wellness
Two of the primary programs offered at the Perks Family Equine Center are Equine-Assisted Learning and Beyond Horsemanship. These curriculums integrate equine therapy concepts with social-emotional learning techniques, empowering youth to explore their mental health and develop social skills. The hands-on experience with horses helps participants connect with their feelings in a way that traditional counseling or schooling may not be able to accomplish on its own.
A new addition to the center’s offerings will soon be Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy, which further expands the potential for mental health support through the power of horses.
Kayla Tilly, the program director, explains the impact of this approach: “We create an environment that is emotionally safe for them, so they can actually learn differently than going to counseling or school.” This approach allows individuals to address their mental health challenges in a relaxed, non-judgmental environment where they can form a bond with the animals and feel empowered to open up.
The Benefits of Working with Horses
For participants like Ashlyn Redlin, the process of learning to work with horses can initially feel overwhelming, but ultimately it is a valuable experience. Ashlyn reflects, “You just need to make sure your words are clear and you aren’t talking over others and confusing the person with the horse. It was quite confusing when you were with the horse, but you just have to trust everyone.” This trust and communication-building aspect of the program are key to developing both emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills.
Horses are particularly suited for this kind of therapy because they are highly sensitive animals, capable of sensing human emotions and adjusting their behavior accordingly. This natural sensitivity allows them to mirror the emotional states of the people they interact with, providing a unique opportunity for individuals to work through their own emotional challenges.
As Kayla Tilly explains, “It’s just enjoyable to be around horses. They have a calming nature to them. When you approach them, they can regulate your heart rate and it actually helps to slow it, which creates a relaxation effect.” This calming presence is invaluable for those dealing with anxiety and stress.
A Year-Round Space for Healing
Thanks to the partnership of donors and the efforts of the Rockford Park District, the Perks Family Equine Center was built to offer year-round programs in the Blazer Foundation Therapeutic Learning Arena. This indoor facility ensures that the healing benefits of equine therapy are accessible no matter the weather, allowing the programs to continue uninterrupted throughout the year.
The center’s programs are open to individuals aged 8 to 25, offering an inclusive space where young people can learn to manage their emotions, connect with others, and experience the therapeutic benefits of horses.
Community Support and Funding
The development of the Perks Family Equine Center was made possible through the support of local partners and donors. A grant from the Winnebago County Community Mental Health Board helped fund the creation of this valuable resource for the community. According to Dick Kunnert, vice president of the board, “We come from a place where we look for evidence-based programs that are going to be helpful for kids and adults in our community and we say this as being one of those.”
By prioritizing evidence-based programs, the Rockford Park District has ensured that the Perks Family Equine Center offers an effective solution to the growing mental health crisis faced by young people in the area.
A Vital Resource for Mental Health
The Perks Family Equine Center offers a vital service for young individuals struggling with mental health issues. For many, the programs provide a welcome distraction from the pressures and stressors of everyday life, as Kayla Tilly notes: “If nothing more, it’s just a nice distraction from the daily stressors kids in our community go through.”
In addition to providing a unique and calming form of therapy, the center gives youth the opportunity to build emotional resilience, social skills, and self-confidence, all while forming a deep and meaningful bond with horses. For many participants, this experience can be life-changing, offering them tools to navigate their mental health challenges and empowering them to face the future with a sense of hope and strength.
With the continuing need for accessible mental health services, the Perks Family Equine Center stands as a beacon of healing and support, offering a new way forward for youth in crisis.
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