Rainbow Wranglers
Why Horses?
Working with horses provides a unique opportunity for self-discovery because of the horses' natural ability to read and respond to subtle cues, body language, and emotions. Horses are non-judgmental and sensitive to the energy of those around them, making them ideal partners for helping teens build self-awareness and emotional regulation.
Through safe, hands-on activities, teens learn to recognize their own emotions and practice expressing and managing them without fear of judgment. Horses offer valuable life lessons in communication, trust, and boundaries, while providing a calming and grounding presence that helps teens navigate emotional challenges.
Rainbow Wranglers is a 6-week support group designed specifically for LGBTQ+ teens. This empowering program offers a safe and inclusive space where participants can explore their identities, connect with others, and develop emotional resilience. With the guidance of trained facilitators and the presence of our compassionate herd, teens have the opportunity to process their emotions, build meaningful connections, and discover new ways to cope with life’s challenges.
Throughout the program, teens will engage in equine-assisted activities that promote self-awareness, communication, and personal growth. No prior horse experience is required—just an open mind and a willingness to connect.
This is a purposefully built 6-week program, with each session building upon the last. To fully experience the benefits of Rainbow Wranglers, we encourage participants to commit to attending all six sessions. Each week introduces new tools, skills, and opportunities to connect with others and the horses, creating a transformative experience over time.
This program is completely free for participants, thanks to the generosity of our supporters and donors.
What to expect:
Through weekly, guided sessions, participants will:
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Build Community: Connect with other LGBTQ+ teens, forming friendships and finding a sense of belonging in a space that celebrates each person’s unique identity.
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Explore Identity: Discover and reflect on their personal journey through self-awareness activities, fostering greater understanding and confidence.
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Engage in Equine-Facilitated Learning: Develop valuable life skills by interacting with our herd, using horses to model healthy boundaries, communication, and trust.
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Practice Self-Care and Mindfulness: Engage in calming practices, including mindfulness exercises and grounding techniques, to help manage stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges.
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Build Emotional Resilience: Gain confidence in managing difficult emotions, developing tools for navigating life’s challenges, and strengthening inner strength and resilience.
2024 Group Participant
“My favorite part was getting to hang with the animals and have choice. I've realized I don't get choice a lot and I'm afraid to speak up. This helped”
Upcoming Programs
Round 1: Saturday, February 22 - Saturday, March 29 (12 - 2 PM)
Registration Available Soon
Round 2: Tuesday, June 17 - Tuesday, July 22 (5 - 7 PM)
Registration available May 1st
Round 3: Saturday, October 4 - Saturday, November 8 (10 - 12 PM)
Registration available September 1st
Impact of Your Support:
While Rainbow Wranglers is free for participants, running this empowering program requires significant resources. Your donations help make this transformative experience possible. Here’s how you can help:
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$8,100 covers the cost of one full 6-week program.
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$810 provides one participant access to the complete program.
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$135 funds a single two-hour session for one participant.
Every donation, no matter the size, makes a huge difference! Together, we can help LGBTQ+ teens grow, heal, and thrive through this special connection with horses Thank you for your support!
