My name is Greg Dixon. My wife Bonnie and I have been staying with my brother Doug in Merritt for four years.
I first met Phil Dumont in a men’s group. Although he mentioned what he was doing with young people and horses, it took me some time to understand what he was trying to do.
One of the things I could offer in support was this website.
I have also attended many meetings with community members and also the mostly young women who are in the program.
Here are some of the benefits and challenges to the program, and why I am appealing to the community to help.
Opportunity to Learn Horse Skills
The young people have an opportunity to care for and work with horses.
Some of the youth want to participate in rodeo and other horse skills competitions.
Positive Activities
Like many communities across Canada, the youth of the Nicola Valley face temptation with drugs and alcohol. Many are living with families still recovering from their own traumas.
I have attended meetings with local police and councillors who describe many of the young people in the group as at-risk youth.
The program is intended to provide healthy alternatives for young people.
Community Criticism
Some of the pushback from police, councillors, and doctors is that many of the youth in the group are getting into trouble and are setting a poor example for the younger members of the group.
Exactly the problem the group is trying to address.
The mission is not easy.
Youth Leadership
I see a lot of leadership potential in the young people within the group. When asked, the young women are very direct about what they want to see happen in the program and calling out poor behaviour within the group.
We are working on a Code of Conduct driven mainly by them to set guidelines for behaviour while participating in group activities.
Many are quick to express frustration with their experiences with schools and various organizations, including boredom, racism, and hypocrisy.
Some of that is teenage rebellion, but much is not.
I support the youth in creating the framework and guidelines for the program.
And try to avoid being just another adult telling them what to do.
How You Can Help
The main areas where the community can help get the program running in a good way include.
- Coming to Planning Meetings
There is a lot to do and more input and support is appreciated.
- Volunteering
The facilities need work, and there is always a need to help with the care of the horses, training, chaperoning, and transportation for events.
- Sponsoring
Ongoing needs include materials for the facility, feed, medical attention, travel expenses, training expenses, and more.
The intention is to become a registered society.
What Is Needed Now
Here are some things you could help with now:
- Wheelbarrows for cleaning the stables.
- Tools for cleaning and for caring for the horses.
- Building materials to fix the stables.
- Soil.
- Feed.
- Medicine for the horses.
- Veterinarian support.
- Trained horses.
- Volunteers for work parties.
- Help with fundraising.
- Help to obtain sponsors. Do you want to be a sponsor?
- First-aid, safety, and horsemanship training.
- Support for travelling to events. (chaperones, trailers, transportation, expenses).
- Planning committee members.
- …
Do you want to help create a better future for youth?
You can start by joining our mailing list.
And contacting us:
Phil Dumont
equineprograming@gmail.com
(250) 280-4558
Greg Dixon
gregdixon@sharedvisions.com
sharedvisions.com
