When you’re involved in horses, you know there is subjectivity. It surrounds us in and out of the show pen. That’s not always a bad thing, but it provides us an interesting opportunity to learn from everyone. There is one thing that we can all agree on though, that horses heal. If a movement is strong enough it’s usually referred to as ‘horse power.’
Horses are just that amazing. We have seen everything from therapeutic riding centers to work horses that represent nationwide brands. Horses have made their mark in our hearts, and a Detroit teacher is using his heart and horse sense to bring new life to kids within the city. Watch out Detroit, this is a whole other kind of horse power.
David Silver grew up on the East Coast competing in Three-day Eventing. In 2012, he moved to Detroit, Michigan to become an elementary school teacher. Silver quickly recognized the student’s need for a safer space outside of school. Silver understood from his own past what a huge role horses could play in a child’s life.
Silver (pictured in the middle) says, “I was passionate about recognizing and teaching character traits like grit, confidence, and conflict resolution in my classroom. I know that horses instilled a lot of those valuable life lessons in me. Those character building experiences are inherent in our life with horses: early mornings going to shows, long nights applying ice and poultice, setting goals and working hard to achieve them, believing in yourself and your abilities.”
In 2015, Detroit Horse Power (DHP) was born.
This program offers five day horse camps for Detroit youth at barns that have partnered with Silver. Children from 7-18 years old will be considered for the camp programs. There is a selection process, but kids who are chosen participate for free.
The first summer consisted of two weeks of programming with 18 kids involved. The summer of 2016 is only their second year, and has grown to six weeks of camps with 75 kids attending. According to the DHP proposal, “Research over the last decade has confirmed the therapeutic effect of working with horses, something that has been known anecdotally for far longer. These skills and traits will help children arrive at school more prepared to learn and support them with a network of mentors outside of school to guide them through difficult life decisions.”
There are three components to the DHP program. First, students will develop riding and horse care skills. The second component involved developing natural horsemanship skills. The project proposal explains that this teaches, “children to understand the world through the horse’s eyes and how their actions stimulate a response from the horse.” The final component of the camps incorporates research on equine-assisted learning to provide academic benefits.
At the end of each camp is a showcase for participants to show their family the skills they have acquired. “We regularly have parents moved to tears because they are so proud of what their children can accomplish when given the chance. And our kids have an amazing time,” comments Silver.
The DHP excitement has gone to a whole new level as returning kids share their experience with friends. There is more interest in the program than what DHP can currently accommodate, which leads to the tough duty of turning some away. This is helping to prove the value of what DHP has to offer, and how an expansion is necessary.
In the midst of running camps, DHP is preparing to raise money to construct a new urban equestrian facility. The barn plan includes twenty stalls, and an apartment for the barn manager. The facility will also include an indoor and outdoor riding arena, and paddock space for daily turnout. Another perk for Detroit area horse owners—DHP will offer boarding and equestrian event services. The funds generated from board, and events will support further programming for Detroit youth.
DHP is currently facing a problem with the municipal code which prohibits farm animals (horses included) from being in the city. The group is staying involved in the development of a new livestock ordinance that will allow the use of vacant land for other purposes. The ordinance is expected to be adopted later this year, so DHP is moving forward with site selection that would be the best fit for both the neighborhood, and the horses. In the meantime, DHP depends on the generous use of other equestrian centers.
The 2016 summer host for DHP events is Ringside Equestrian Center, located in Lyon Township. Along with the generosity of event hosts, volunteers are crucial to the success of each camp. Kate Clapp, an AQHA exhibitor has just taken on the role of a DHP volunteer. She says, “Having the opportunity to share my love of horses, and the lessons that they have taught me with the children in this program is going to be extremely rewarding and is already inspiring. I can’t wait to get started!”
Silver grew up with the valuable life lessons that only horses can provide, but took a step back to further his career. When asked if he had foreseen horses playing this role in his life he said, “During college and my teaching career, it was important to have the space to pursue my passion for serving children in need. I knew I could always choose to come back to horses later in life, but I had no idea it would take this form.”
We’re glad it did. Because of Silver’s vision, and understanding of the power in a horse’s heart Detroit Horse Power is transforming a community. Horses have given us a chance at winning, losing, understanding, learning, working, responsibility, and the confidence that nothing else could. Silver took a leap of faith, and with it he gave children another shot at the same experience we all may sometimes take for granted.
Detroit Horse Power’s Mission: “Detroit Horse Power uniquely addresses two persistent problems facing the Motor City: the shortage of opportunities for metro Detroit’s vulnerable populations (especially children) and the abundance of vacant land. Through riding and caring for horses in a safe and enriching space, program participants learn valuable skills that set them up for future success. Our facility, built on re-purposed vacant land, will contribute to the city’s renewal and be a center for community events and equestrian services”
The programs are based 100% on grants and donations.
To contribute, visit www.detroithorsepower.org and sign up for their e-newsletter. Follow DHP’s progress at www.facebook.com/dethorsepower. For more information, contact David at [email protected].
