About Us

What is Matty's Mark:

 Teaching Natural Horsemanship for the past several years, Terry began to see positive changes in adults and children and how they were better able to handle challenges, crisis and ongoing problems in their lives.  Using the natural healing of horses, giving them tools to handle the challenges of a  1000 lb animal and to be able to exact a change in behavior in the horse was an invaluable tool for them to take home.  These same principles are then applied to dealing with difficult situations in their daily lives.   

How:

  The natural horsemanship format, by design, is built to develop the tools in the human to understand the horse. This format builds on itself and encompasses ground work for safety, dealing with emotions as they unfold,  putting in place the idea of using phases, tools to figure out different horse personalities and different strategies for dealing with those personalities allowing for valuable insight into themselves.  

  Each child will have “their” own horse. To start, they will have one on one instruction to facilitate the most of their self discovery.  There is no competition - only the child and their horse and the relationship they build. The kids will be instructed, through the use of structured games played with the horse, how to safely be around horses and care for them.  Their play will include ground work and riding which will provide them with good habits for being around horses.  This systematic approach will show them the need for good habits in other aspects of their life.  The program is set up for the child to make self discoveries, which we believe will bolster their self esteem because it comes from them. 

  The program is set up in levels. There is an additional measure of success where a certificate and colored string can be assessed for (signifying completion of each level) from the Parelli Natural Horsemanship Program.  Certified instructors, would be brought in periodically to assess the children.  Video assessment is also available.

  In addition, the program uses art, photo journaling and martial arts to enhance each child’s awareness of self. 

  When each child is ready, we will work them into a group lesson situation.  This will allow them to practice in a safe environment the new skills they have learned to deal with peers.  Staff/volunteers will be there to facilitate any intervention needed.

  With horse rescue as part of our program, children can earn their way into assisting with the restarting of horses who find themselves “in trouble” for bad behavior or have been neglected and headed for slaughter.  These horses will also be put through the same program as the children.  Children involved in this program will be able to see first hand how they are able to exact a positive change and save a life.  The kids will understand the horse’s problems because they often will mirror their own. 

  In addition aspects of horse health and nutrition will be taught and the opportunity to see first hand how that works. 

  Children who successfully complete the program will have the opportunity if they wish to become counselors and horse handlers.

When:

  Programs can be arranged anytime of the day to facilitate different agencies needs.  Examples of agencies may be:  Behavioral Special Ed programs through the school districts, juvenile detention centers, court appointments, church programs, domestic violence groups.  After school programs will be available as well as camps during the summer and during breaks to occupy kids at risk due to lack of supervision.

Future: 

  The possibilities are only limited by our own imagination. We have seen tremendous success in our programs paid for by parents.  Matty’s Mark takes these learning opportunities to kids who cannot afford them because of circumstances out of their control.  It is a way to give them control and power over their own lives.  Making them stronger individuals who will have the skills to build a life they can be proud of instead of finding their way to trouble and never making their own positive mark.      

  Scholarships will be developed for children to further their education either in an approved Natural Horsemanship Degree Program, at Western Montana State, Colorado or through the Parelli Natural Horsemanship Instructor/Professional Program.  Scholarships would also include more traditional Veterinarian Program or Holistic Equine programs such as massage therapy, or a hoof care practitioners program.