Serving Dekalb citizens through programs in growth and learning is not about teaching riding.  It is about learning to be powerful in the world by using the impartial, unbiased response of a horse.  The volunteers and staff of Stride Ahead, Inc. are dedicated to bringing these benefits to the disadvantaged people of DeKalb County.

Outreach and Education

We’ve hosted groups of students from DeKalb school Special Needs classes.  These children come to take an introductory class “horse 101” and get the experience of the farm setting and large animals.  Stride Ahead plans to expand this program in 2007 to provide curricula appropriate to these groups.  These visits are provided by Stride Ahead at no cost.

We also offer ongoing weekly visits by middle and high school student(s) who are mentored by a Little Creek volunteer.  That volunteer guides them through a curriculum over the course of six weeks.  The students are earning school credits for the work.

DeKalb CHOICE (Choosing Habilitation Opportunities in Community Environments): 

CHOICE is a program of the DeKalb Community Service Board.  Operating as Hands On Horses, Stride Ahead, Inc. has hosted several day programs for CHOICE clients.  The experience at Little Creek meets the CHOICE objectives for a day experience.  We are planning to expand the program to include a series of six sequential day programs.  These visits are provided by LCFC at no cost.

Mentoring Kids in DeKalb County

In 2006 Hands On Horses created the Mentor’s Program.  This program guides a mentor and the mentored child through six programmed visits to Little Creek Farm in which the youths will gain developmental experience in interpersonal communication, responsibility, socialization skills, and self expression.  A Stride Ahead volunteer hosts a child and their mentor from organizations including:

•Big Brother Big Sister

•Jerusalem House

Hands On visits by area elderly citizens provides more than memorable outings. 

“Your facility brings more than pet therapy ever could...The experience that you provided increased [our residents’]  long-term memory and sparked an increase in the social interactions of our residents.” 

Melissa Scott Walker

Activity Director

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