Horse Program

I’ve suffered gross indignities from users and winners,

I’ve felt the touch of kindness from losers and sinners

I’ve given for the cruel hand and given for the kind,

Stood beside the Appomattox when surrender had been signed.

I can be as tough as hardened steel, fragile as a flower

I know not my endurance; I know not my own power

For you who took my freedom, I’ve no malice or remorse

I’ll endure…  I’ll last forever…I am the Horse.

Wylie Gustafson,  Equus Caballus from Hooves of the Horses

 

            No partnership in the history of mankind has endured like that of a man and his horse. The horse has carried man to his greatest victories and defeats, meals that nourish and away from deadly blizzards. What has made the horse such a unique and integral partner with mankind is his patience, tolerance, power and heart. It is for these reasons the horse has been such an essential and healing aspect in the lives of the boys of Morning Star Boys’ Ranch.

            My name is Catlin Dix and I am the equine program supervisor. I am excited about this opportunity and committed to making the boys’ experience with these creatures as thorough and fulfilling as possible. I have a long family history of supporting this organization and have volunteered in the past as an aid to the equine program. I have twenty five years of international experience as a horseman and hold a B.S. in Animal Science from Washington State University. I grew up on a horse farm and beef cattle ranch and believe in the cowboy way of life. The cowboy way of life consists of hard work, simplicity, patience, love for nature, and quiet strength; all of which are virtues that can improve the lives of the boys here at the Ranch.

            My goal in this program is simple, yet powerful…create as much boy to horse contact time as possible. I believe the horse is the best of therapists, though underpaid, and allowing them to do their work unabated is a key component to improving the boy’s everyday life. As an experienced member of the horse community, I plan on using my resources to allow the boys opportunities to enjoy activities like trail riding, polo, roping, jumping, reigning and rodeo. In addition the boys will also have agriculturally based experiences like visiting ranches, university Ag centers and varying Ag based cultures.

            Morning Star Boys’ Ranch is committed to improving the emotional and psychological well-being of its residents. To further improve the Equine Program,  the Ranch has encouraged myself and mental health specialists to educate ourselves on the practice of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, or EAP, using the EAGALA model. I have already completed the level one certification and am excited for the next step. We are looking forward to practicing EAP here at the Rranch as soon as we have completed certification requirements.

            I am excited about using my experience to improve the equine program at Morning Star Boys’ Ranch and encourage friends of the Ranch to visit and see what it is all about. Thank you for your continued support of this program and the mission of MSBR.