Photo: Lowell Police Department
LOWELL, Mass. (WBZNewsRadio) - Nearly 30 youngsters in Lowell got the chance to saddle up and participate in a free riding program at Challenge Unlimited at Ironstone Farm in Andover, side by side with police officers.
The program which ran from July 17th through August 4th, aims to strengthen relationships between the local kids and local police department. It's one of several programs put together by the Lowell Police Youth Services Program.
"Topics that are highlighted during their week on the farm include teamwork, building trust, service, communication and cooperation. We do this while also supplying a liberal amount of good, clean fun," said Dave McCann, of Challenge Unlimited at Ironstone Farm. "Working with a horse can be both challenging and rewarding. Witnessing their increase in confidence is truly inspiring, and I believe that the things which the kids saw and did this week will remain with them as they continue to grow."
Through out the week-long program, the group consisting of both youth and Lowell Police officers, works with the horses, learning how to form a bond, groom them, and finally learning how to ride.
"This was my second year doing the Ironstone Farm program with the kids and I love it every time. It's amazing how much kids change throughout the week," said Officer Erica Torres. "Day one they are very shy and nervous but by day three or four you see them opening up so much. Between staff, the other kids and even the horses. It's a beautiful thing to watch. By the end of the week I see their confidence levels go up and that's a beautiful thing to see."
“The progression and growth they go through in such a short amount of time is incredible and it’s really all thanks to the horses. A lot of these kids have the mindset that they can’t do things or they feel extremely powerless in their lives and this program helps them feel confident and makes them feel like they finally have control of something, said Abigail O’Keefe, who is a fourth grade teacher at Shaughnessy Elementary School. “It sounds so silly to think that leading a horse would have that big of an effect on someone but it is something I will never get tired of watching. My favorite part about this whole program is seeing these kids blossom into such confident little humans and getting to see the endless smiles that these horses bring them.”
The program was made possible with funding by the Shannon Community Safety Initiative. Breakfast and lunch was provided by Lowell Public Schools.
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