"Being with the horses has been so healing for me, it's helping me deal with my depression and other difficult issues in my life."
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"I liked how we were able to move around and interact with the horses; we learned about ourselves from their behavior. It was fun." (Participant from Teen Girls Group)
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"I honestly don't know how I could ever find the right words to tell you how your program changed my life. Realizing that God didn't owe me anything has completely redefined my life. My days are so full of thanks for all of the blessings I am given each day. I was always thankful in the past, but not to the level I am now. I feel that the work that you do is so important, so life changing."
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"This really made me look at life in a whole different way! The horses are amazing, you can relate to them and they start to act like your family."
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"I was amazed at how quickly the horses picked up on things that I've been dealing with, it was like looking in a mirror. Working with them has helped me begin to address some of the issues I've been dealing with for a long time."
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"We came looking for help for our daughter, but found so much more as we also began to address issues as a family. By interacting and working with the horses, through a variety of activities, you can begin to see how you individually and as a family relate to each other and handle different situations. We learned some valuable communication skills which has helped us not only with our daughter but our whole family."
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"This is helping me deal with my fears."
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"Because of the trouble my son got into he had to go through a chemical dependency treatment program. As a mother, I knew deep down that wasn't what he needed. I always felt that he never dealt with the death of his father. The other programs didn't really work. But I've seen a big change in him since he started his sessions at Hillside HOPE. He has matured, he isn't angry anymore and the outburst of tears have stopped. He found a good job and is a much happier person with himself. I wasn't sure how the whole horse therapy would work out, but he would always come home and tell me how it went and was pleased with himself. Working with him in the last session was an eye opener for me. He wanted my help and advice when we worked on an exercise together and it made me feel very proud on how far he had come. Losing his father will be an ongoing thing, but he realized that he has to go on living. He seems more at peace with himself and he is the kinder and caring person he used to be. I think what you are doing to help others with this program is wonderful!"
"From a very thankful mother"
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"This is a great program and the kids really enjoyed it. They learned a lot about trust, team building and communication from our time out there with the horses. We will definitely be coming out again and recommend it to others." T.B. Group
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"School Group Comments" - We realized how important communication is; that there is no "I" in team; that working together you can accomplish a goal and get things done faster. That there are obstacles in life but no matter what it is you can do it. Just keep trying and don't give up!
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"Hillside HOPE has been a blessing for my family. Terry and Angel have great ways to approach life situations through the use of horses. The lessons they have for us and my daughter are great. They make you really think about who needs to be in charge of our lives by giving it all back to God who is the healer of all. I was so surprised to see how the horses really do mirror how one feels inside, but working with them gives one a peace and calm. Like how Jesus does when we trust Him."
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"I really appreciate Hillside because I've learned a lot about skills that will help me with life's struggles. It's great working with the horses, and it's cool to see how they relate to what you're feeling. Terry and Angel have really helped me see that I need to work out my issues and they've taught me healthy ways to do that. I'm thankful that God has given me some pretty great counselors."
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