Aspire- Life of an intern

Well it is week six of being an intern. There are so many things I have learned. Being organized is one of them. Also being able to always take input when it is being given. When assigned a project there may be a certain way things are handled. I have had the privilege of working with children that have disabilities not only in classes, but on a one on one basis.

In the past two weeks we have also had some troubled youth come to the ranch. It was so nice to see them making connections with not only the horses, but the staff as well. A young man moved me with his story on Thursday. Last week the kids were able to paint a story on the horses. They were allowed to paint whatever they wished.

 He painted the horse two colors yellow and blue. There were two stick figures. One was all yellow and the other was half yellow half blue. He proceeded to explain to us that the blue meant sadness and the yellow meant happy. Apparently there was a person in his life who made him feel like he  could be happy again. So he painted himself at the very end with another yellow person. In the end they were both happy. It was so moving to hear his story and others as we continued our day.

On Friday we were able to take them riding. They were on a rotation. The first group would ride and the second would sit with myself and a few other volunteers and interns. We played horse bingo and also threw a ball that had random questions on it. It was meant to help them open up. I enjoyed this portion of classes as well because it gave them a chance to open up about things that may be bothering them.

Overall I have taken in a lot and hope to continue to do so. Classes will also be held this morning, but not with troubled youth. These classes are held for the children with disabilities in hopes that their joints may grow stronger and their fine motor skills.

Adventures in the Consignment Store!

Well I was at work yesterday and when we were about to close there were these twin brothers. I really enjoyed talking to them. It started with them asking me if  I knew what they were into. As I rang up the books with a theme that seemed to be jokes I said "yes." One of the brothers then proceeded to tell me a few jokes while I rang up the other brother. It was quite amusing. In fact as I rang them up I pictured Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum. They just had some of the expressions and loved to joke as did the cartoon characters.



Another fun thing was discussing eighties video games. The brothers continued to tell me about how the first ever video game high score was in Ottumwa, Iowa only thirty minutes from my hometown. They even had an old Donkey Kong ringtone. It was the highlight of my night to say the least. They were also excited about going to get Popeye's chicken. I would have to agree. It is quite delish. I hope to see them again. :P

Second Week at ASPIRE!

Well Monday was a fun day. I was able to take the mini horses to a church. There were about seven children all waiting to pet the horse. We took Cody with us and most of the time he just stood there. This was a smaller group so we were able to talk them about the horse. They asked questions about the mane and tail and his hooves. Each child got to use three different brushes and Cindy and I showed them the proper way to brush them. I also lead the child and Cody in a circle while they held the lead. I learned something new. Apparently when walking a pony or a horse you should not wrap the lead in circles. They prefer you to wrap them in a eight shaped pattern. This way if the horse decides to take off the lead will be easily let go and you will not get caught up and dragged by the horse. Tuesday I worked on the below poster board and put together the Horsemanship 101 binder with tabs.

Today, (Wednesday) has been a busy day as well. I started off finishing the Waterloo Days poster board for the parade. Also a few things for Camp Hope. We still need a d.j. I called today and left a message. I am also hoping to hear from the Northeast Iowa Saddle Club Association. I am hoping they could come speak for our Showing horses lesson during Horsemanship 101. The weather has also been affecting our lessons. Riding days have been cancelled constantly it seems thanks to rain. I will be helping with lessons on Thursday. Let's hope for no rain!

Here is a picture of the poster I did and a flyer for the upcoming Cowboy Breakfast!

Mini Angels Program

Today has been a wonderful one at ASPIRE. This morning myself and two other people took the miniature horses Pixie, and Cody to the Grundy Care Center. When we got there the elderly were waiting to pet and enjoy the horses. Who knew little ponies could bring so much joy? I was able to lead Pixie. She loved rubbing her head on my pants. The people reacted really well to the two "mini angels" as ASPIRE calls them. I hope to get to do this again. Maybe I will bring my mini horses from home to the care centers in Fairfield. Here are some pictures of the horses that went with us today! The first one is Cody and the second is Pixie.

                           


I have also been working hard on the Horsemanship 101 classes. We now have a steady schedule and are typing up and adding events to the courses. Sadly showing videos to the children will not work seeing as the equipment they have needs to stay in the best of shape. Time has also been an issue when planning  the schedules. I will keep you posted as we work towards our goal.

Second Day at ASPIRE TRP!

Well let me tell you first about how my first day as an intern went with this non-profit agency. When I came in I immediately got to meet two other interns. The idea of this program is so excited. I have a love for horses and children. This is a great way to get me involved with both. Yesterday I was able to interact with the horses and get to know them on a more personal basis. (poop scooping) I didn't mind since part of owning a horse is taking care of it as well. It is like a giant litter box :) Anyways the two events will be filled with horse knowledge and also some sensory games. The ages will range from 6-12 years old.

Now let me tell you some things about ASPIRE. ASPIRE's Mission statement is this: ASPIRE Therapeutic Riding Program provides benefits to individuals with disabilities through animal-assisted activities and outreach programs. They are always looking for volunteers seeing as it is a non-profit administration. 

Marilyn is the executive director and graduated from UNI in 1991 with a BA in Social Work with an emphasis in Family Services and Criminology. She has always enjoyed working with children with special needs as well as horses, and it was her dream to start a program that involved them both. In 1998, she and her daughter started ASPIRE. "ASPIRE has been a blessing and inspiration in my life."   Facts posted on this blog are accredited to the website. You can look into this more by visiting http://www.aspiretrp.org/default.php

Tim's Place-Who wants a hug?

Here is another wonderful video about a young man who was diagnosed with Down Syndrome, but opened a restaurant in spite of his label. His parents could not be happier and hey who doesn't want a HUG?

NICK VUJICIC

This is an amazing video about a man who does not have arms and legs, but still stays smiling. He focuses on a young audience and is not afraid to be himself. His name is NICK VUJICIC and here is a video about what he does. Talk about inspiration!

Nicholas James Vujicic (born 4 December 1982) is an Australian preacher and motivational speaker born with tetra-amelia syndrome, a rare disorder characterized by the absence of all four limbs. As a child, he struggled mentally and emotionally, as well as physically, but eventually came to terms with his disability and, at the age of seventeen, started his own non-profit organization, Life Without Limbs. Vujicic presents motivational speeches worldwide, on life with a disability, hope, and finding meaning in life. He also speaks about his belief that God can use any willing heart to do His work and that God is big enough to overcome any and all disabilities. (referenced from you-tube video information)