“EmpowerStride’s mission is to provide social and emotional support to women and children who are victims of trauma or abuse through hands-on equine assisted learning methods to empower and heal,” according to its website.

Unlike traditional horseback riding programs, EmpowerStride teaches attendees how to guide horses through obstacle courses that emphasize communication, trust and mutual respect.

There are multiple programs available for different ages and types of groups. It also offers seasonal, community events throughout the year.

The stars of EmpowerStride’s programs are the four horses and a pony: Gigi, Smarty, Charlie, Doc and Joker. Most of whom were rescued or given to Foresman to care for.

PHOTO PROVIDED

She is certified by Equine Connection, an organization that teaches people interested in facilitating equine assisted learning.

According to the Equine Connection website, “equine assisted learning is an experiential method of developing life skills. Facilitated by a qualified professional to meet educational, professional and personal needs through intentionally designed interactions with horses.”

After Foresman retired from her career in public education, she reflected on what she wanted to do in the next chapter of her life. Out of her 34 years, 13 of those were spent at the Loyalsock Township School District in a variety of roles. She served as assistant principal at Donald E. Schick Elementary School as well as the supervisor of curriculum for the district.

Her background in education and deep love for horses were her inspiration to create EmpowerStride.

“I wanted to use my horses to help children who are struggling and have been traumatized,” she said. She saw the need for programs like hers first hand.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Foresman transformed her barn into a classroom to have a space for participants to discuss the objectives for each lesson. She said she begins and ends each class in the barn.

Participants use everything they have learned in the classroom lesson to complete the day’s challenges such as Blindman’s Adventure. In this exercise, there is one horse and two people. The blindfolded person must lead the horse through the obstacle course while being guided by the partner through vocal instruction.

“You have to be confident to lead the horse, they won’t follow if they don’t feel safe,” she said.

That is one of the activities in her 12-week empowerment series. The free program is for women and children that are referred by a school counselor.

“It’s a powerful activity,” said Foresman. “Victims of abuse lose trust and the ability to communicate their needs.”

PHOTO PROVIDED

Tasks like Blindman’s Adventure are aimed to build confidence, resilience, trust and improve communication skills.

To spread the word about EmpowerStride, Foresman invited guidance counselors from eight local school districts to visit the farm. They spent half a day there, learning and participating in the programs.

Jennifer Cooley, organization board member and guidance counselor at Donald E. Schick Elementary School, was one of the counselors that attended the training.

During the session, everyone learned about the curriculum and the healing potential that horses possess. The counselors started by brushing the horses in order to gain their trust and create a connection, Cooley said.

Then they were given a problem solving task where they had to work with their team to achieve the goal. She could see how those activities could be transferable to a student’s own life.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Once the obstacle course was complete, everyone returned to the barn to debrief.

“I end every lesson with a journal entry to make the objective stick,” Foresman said. Attendees write about what their horse taught them that day and choose a word that resonates with them from the day. Some selected words like motivation, discipline and perseverance.

The power of EmpowerStride is the processing before, during and after the activities, Cooley said. She believes it is a unique and powerful way to reach and heal hearts.

“I’ve been a school counselor for almost 30 years and have had the fortune to serve countless children who have had traumatic experiences,” she said. “If we don’t address the trauma, it will severely impact kids emotionally, behaviorally and academically.”

From a professional standpoint, she has seen how this type of therapeutic experience can help children. She said, animal therapies are highly effective to improve mental health and social skills.

PHOTO PROVIDED

“Using horses is such a creative way to reach and impact children that regular talk therapy cannot duplicate,” she said.

Fellow board member and longtime friend of Foresman, Karen Lamper shared Cooley’s sentiment that there are no similar programs in the local area.

“When you walk on to Foresman’s farm, there’s a calming feeling right off the bat,” Lamper said. A different experience from the four walls of a counselor’s office.

Not everyone can thrive if talk therapy is the only option, she said. She believes the organization is addressing a gap in the structured programs offered in the area.

She said people learn differently, so it makes sense that they will work through difficult situations differently too.

“I hope that EmpowerStride brings healing to those who have suffered trauma who haven’t been able to find an avenue to be able to help them get through it,” Lamper said. “It’s an alternative method of healing.”

Looking ahead, Foresman plans to expand EmpowerStride’s programs, including developing an anti-bullying initiative for local school districts. She aims to connect with other agencies to broaden the organization’s impact.

EmpowerStride will hold a three-day summer program, Horsin’ Around Kids Camp, for children ages seven to 12. The two sessions are in June and July.

To learn more about EmpowerStride, please visit its Facebook page or empowerstride.net. To support the agency, it will be participating in Raise the Region on March 12 to 13.

PHOTO PROVIDED