Empowered Strides Summer Camp

This camp is designed for girls aged 10-14, to boost their confidence in exploring new activities.

Camp Dates: June 23rd – 27th

This fun camp for girls 10-14 years old focuses on relevant topics like making friends, peer pressure, body image, self esteem and anxiety. Through forming relationships with the horses, they will learn about trust, communication and connection. As they engage in new experiences they will be able to practice emotion regulation, persevering through challenges and practicing self compassion. (Please note this is not a riding camp)

***This camp is only available to foster children, refugees, or girls referred by social workers, therapists or agencies verifying financial need. Prior to registration you must contact [email protected] for approval for admission. The cost of camp is fully covered through the NC State Grant, however, a $100 deposit (refundable with 5 day attendance) is required to hold a spot.

Camp opportunities include:

Learning: to halter, groom, lead and care for horses
Practicing training techniques: like lungeing, driving and round pen work
Crafts: Making jewelry, sewing projects, soap and chapstick
Games: Practicing teamwork, building trust and communications skills

Registration Forms & Rules

Program Application

Barn & Property Rules

Downloadable Files

Participant Application

Waiver and Liability Release Form

Medical Treatment Release

Photo Release

Barn Rules

Property Rules

Mending Hearts,
One Stride at a Time

Mending Strides Ranch is the premier equine-assisted psychotherapy establishment in the Charlotte Metro area, committed to creating a sanctuary for individuals facing the impacts of trauma, abuse, and emotional obstacles. Our approach involves guided experiences with equine-assisted therapies that are specifically tailored to enhance mental well-being, build confidence, and find more joy in life.

Our Programs

6 Benefits of Equine-Assistance Therapy

Improved Confidence

Successfully navigating the tasks involved with Equine-Assisted Therapy helps instill a sense of resilience and achievement among participants, which boosts their confidence.

Better Communication Skills

Working with horses encourages non-verbal communication, such as body language and subtle emotional cues, that improves communication skills with others.

Trust

Participants learn to build a bond with the horses based on trust and mutual respect, which carries over to other areas of their life.

Connection

Building a relationship with a horse requires trust, patience, and mutual respect. Through these interactions, individuals can develop skills for building and maintaining healthy connections with others in their life.

Growth

Through regular interactions with horses and the therapeutic process, individuals may gain insights into their strengths, values, and personal identity to help them grow as a person.

Self-Acceptance

Interacting with horses in a therapeutic setting creates a safe and supportive environment where individuals can feel accepted and valued for who they are.