Missy Wryn’s Training the Whole Horse® is rapidly spreading among parents of adjudicated youth that working with horses is not just about riding, but teaches healthy boundaries, mindfulness, body language and the value of positive reinforcement. “When working with and around horses”, Missy describes “you learn life skills such as healthy boundaries, body and emotional awareness along with presence of mind and focus."
Developing life skills
When a troubled young person is empowered to move a 1000 lb animal with just a look and a point of their finger, the recognition of their ability without force or use of pain is dynamic.
"When a child is empowered to move a 1000 lb animal with just a look and a point of their finger, the recognition of their ability without force or use of pain is dynamic. Put that in the hands of an adjudicated youth whose recent experience is abuse or violence, the moment that child makes the connection they don’t need force to control a situation is absolutely profound.
The young person begins thinking on a subtler level recognizing awareness of body language, awareness of thoughts before action while learning about prey/predator psychology; they get excited about life realizing there is a smarter, gentler way to live.
It is a humbling and heartbreaking moment when I get the phone call from a scared parent whose child is in trouble with the law. They are looking to renew the passion their child once had for horses in the hopes of turning their child’s situation around. It’s hard to see youth as young as 15 showing up with ankle monitors, but my horse Paco is used to the sudden vibration coming off an ankle monitor of a rider that he never misses a step.
My greatest reward is watching the transformation of the youth to a child who loves horses, while parents try holding back tears as they see their child’s face light up with accomplishment. Managing a job, workshops, a barn and sitting on a board of directors is time consuming enough, BUT I will always have time for a troubled youth” Missy ends.
Nationally recognized horse trainer Missy Wryn developed Training the Whole Horse® on the foundation of Do No Harm. Specializing in Iron Free (bitless-spurless) riding for both English and Western riders, Missy teaches safer communication and control while deepening the relationship between horse and rider.
Missy serves on the Board of Directors for Parrott Creek Child & Family Services is the founder of the Equine Support Center for Fibromyalgia, IRON FREE Riding, HorseMAREship™, Nature’s Balance Care®, and creator of the ALL-IN-ONE Rope Halter Bitless Bridle.