Horses have long been recognized as powerful partners in human growth and healing. LUCK harnesses this unique bond to unite youth from diverse backgrounds, offering them an inspiring and transformative experience. Through hands-on interactions with equine partners, participants cultivate essential life skills, build meaningful relationships, and develop a greater sense of self and community.
This program empowers young people to bridge cultural and geographical divides while learning to communicate effectively, advocate for their needs, and strengthen both their bodies and minds. By working alongside horses, participants experience personal growth as they build trust, practice self-regulation, and develop valuable talents and skills. Horses, with their honest and responsive nature, provide immediate feedback, encouraging youth to lead with clarity, confidence, and empathy.
Designed to reduce trauma and promote resilience, LUCK creates a safe and inclusive environment where youth learn to trust not only their equine partners but also themselves and the supportive adults guiding them. As they connect with their horses and peers, they discover inner strength, foster accountability, and gain confidence that will serve them well beyond the barn.
Whether grooming a horse, leading it through an obstacle course, participating in a book or documentary discussion, journaling, or simply sharing moments of quiet connection, participants experience profound lessons that nurture self-awareness and meaningful growth. Together, they cultivate respect, compassion, and skills that open doors to future possibilities. This program serves as a bridge between urban and rural youth, united by the shared goal of becoming stronger, more confident, and compassionate leaders through their partnership with horses. value.
LUCK’s monthly programs are free of charge, and no children are turned away as long as we have the resources to accommodate them. Participants work with horses, some rescued from slaughter. LUCK’s three-tiered program includes: skill building, introduction to horsemanship, and fundamentals of horsemanship. We also offer workshops for students interested in related trades such as farrier work or braiding; internships; employment opportunities; individual lessons; and opportunities to compete.
Embedded in each programmatic level are fundamentals of Ohio Department of Education curriculum (math, science, physical education) as well as soft skills like critical thinking, communication, conflict mediation, teamwork, and negotiation.
Other Established Urban Equestrian Programs that have our outmost respect include:
- Compton Jr. Posse, Los Angeles, CA
- City Ranch Inc., Baltimore, MD
- Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club, Philadelphia, PA
- Detroit Horsepower, Detroit, MI
- Work to Ride
- More!
Further Reading:
- “Crossing the Line: A Fearless Team of Brothers and the Sport that Changed Their Lives Forever,” Kareem Rosser
- “The equestrians of North Philly”, Emily Anne Epstein, The Atlantic, 2017
- “Detroit Horse Power: Urban Horsemanship Provides a Proven Tool for Changing Lives”, Nancy Kotting, Huffington Post, 2016
- “Compton Jr Posse students pick horses over gangs”, Alex Michaelson, abc7.com, 2015
- “Compton Jr Posse Fights Gang Membership on Horseback”, Caleigh Wells, Juvenile Justice Information Exchange, 2018
- “The Wire meets the Wild West: Urban cowboys tackle gang violence and drugs of inner-city America”, James Nye, dailymail.co.uk, 2012
- “Working with horses reduces stress hormones in young people”, Katy Muldoon, The Oregonian, 2014
- “Human-Animal Interaction and Metaphor in Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy: Empirical Support for the EAGALA Model”, Angela K. Fournier, Human-Animal Interaction Bulletin, 2018
