Avalon participants say farm boosts self-esteem

Credit: Regan Hill photo

Morgan Little, 16, is assisted by her health aide, Heather Truesdale, during an afternoon visit with Lily, a miniature horse at Avalon Farm.

By: Chyna Broadnax | Statesville Record & Landmark
Published: July 02, 2010

Over the past nearly six months, Ashley Dudley has transformed from a self-described shy girl into a rambunctious, talkative, and outgoing 12-year-old.
The change, she said, has much to do with the time she has spent volunteering at Avalon Farm Retreat Center in Stony Point.
Every Wednesday, Ashley and other volunteers perform an array of services at the farm: cleaning stables and grooming the horses, Lucky, Simba, Lilly and Priscilla.
"Coming here helps boost my self-confidence and teaches me I can do things," said Ashley, a Northview IB student.
But the farm's effect on volunteers is secondary to its main focus: facilitating self growth through animals and nature.
The farm — which also houses two pigs, two goats, two cats and three dogs, as well as the horses — provides services to anybody aged 10-25, including those who have special needs and disabilities.
Avalon Farm, which was started two years ago by founder Kimberly Clarke, boasts four programs: Stress Management and Wellness, Breathwork, Creativity Art Therapy and perhaps the facility's most popular, Healing With Horses.
Healing with Horses is a 10-week program that focuses on various character-building traits, and the farm's horses are incorporated into each lesson.
Children learn about respect, trust, communication, self care, stress management, goals, attitude, and more.
Although Ashley doesn't participate in any of the farm's programs, she has witnessed the positive impact the programs have had on the children.
"It teaches kids who have special needs how to have self-confidence, patience and they learn how to be gentle," Ashley said.
Jonathan Barker, 13, has nothing but great things to say about the farm.
In the two months the Troutman Middle School student has volunteered at Avalon and participated in its programs, he has become better adjusted to his environment and responds to his parents in a more positive light, said Avalon behaviorist Richard Saucier.
"I like coming here because it keeps me calm," said Jonathan. "It's fun working with animals."
Jonathan said he is shown how to manage stress and anxiety through working with horses.
Kendra Kohuth, 10, said she has learned one very important life lesson through interacting with horses.
"I can do what I want to do, I just have to believe in myself," she said.
Clarke's desire to open a facility that intertwines nature and animals in the learning process came as a result of a vision she had.
"Healing happens through spirit, it doesn't happen in our minds," she said. "For some reason, horses are catalysts for that."
Saucier said the programs will soon expand to include respite care, in which children can stay for up to 10 days. The facility will also partner with the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council to work with youth who utilize its services.

Want more?
To learn more about Avalon, including volunteer opportunities, visit www.healingwithhorses.com or call (704) 585-6377.

Avalon participants say farm boosts self-esteem

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