Project Uplift
Purpose
In a rapidly changing society, empowering our youth with the life skills needed to become leaders are paramount. PURE LA has harnessed the unique power of equine-assisted activities to bring about incredible psychosocial effects in children and adolescents. Studies have shown that participating in EAA can lead to a range of benefits, including:
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​Socialization and Companionship: Horses provide a safe space for meaningful human connections.
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Self-Esteem Enhancement: Interactions with these majestic animals boost self-worth and confidence.
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Emotional Growth: Participants learn about personal boundaries, attachment, and emotional expression.
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Enhanced Learning: Equine Assisted Activities improve motivation, attention, concentration, and listening skills.
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Problem Solving: Guiding horses through obstacles promotes mature problem-solving and expressive behavior.
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Recreation: Structured physical outdoor activity stimulates overall well-being, physical fitness, mental health and cognitive function.
PURE LA Equine Assisted
Learning Program (EAL)
Experience the transformative power of our distinctive Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) program, a full day of immersive activities with horses, guided by our dedicated team of facilitators and volunteers. Delve into learning activities held within the tranquil surroundings of the Project Uplift Equine Ranch in Sun Valley, CA. We host monthly sessions that provide participants with a distinctive combination of learning, connection, and personal growth. This unique experience is facilitated through the therapeutic presence of our gentle equine partners, ensuring a meaningful and enriching learning journey for all involved.
Horse Introduction
and Safety Lecture
In our pre-session briefing, we prioritize safety and discuss the objectives for the day, outlining what participants can expect to learn about both horses and themselves. Like humans, horses possess distinct personalities and seek steady leadership for safety, given their prey animal instincts. They offer immediate and honest feedback, fostering effective communication and a quick ability to forgive. Participants gain confidence as they absorb essential insights into horse anatomy, care, behavior and communication.The session blends theory with a little hands-on experience, focusing on safety protocols, ensuring a secure, supportive and fun learning environment.
Hands On Grooming
The second activity involves a hands-on-experience
grooming the horses. The participants are given grooming tools and taught how to safely use them. This interaction fosters knowledge, pride, problem solving, teamwork, communication, and empathy, creating strong bonds between the participants and our equine partners.
In small groups, participants team up with an equine partner and a skilled facilitator to navigate through various obstacles and activities prepared in the arena for approximately 30 to 45 minutes. These experiences often offer valuable insights into participants' social skills, such as teamwork and leadership.They learn how to approach new challenges and practice problem-solving techniques while maintaining composure.
Hand Walking
Obstacle Training
Pizza Party
After the activities, we reconvene for a debriefing session to reflect on the day's lessons. Participants share their experiences and observations, fostering a sense of community and trust. This process allows for personal growth and the opportunity to build relationships based on mutual respect and motivation to learn and evolve together. To conclude this transformative day, PURE LA hosts a lively pizza party at Shakey's Pizza. Participants receive laminated photos of themselves leading the horses, coloring books and crayons to creatively express their feelings about their equine experience. They then receive tickets to play in the Fun Zone Arcade, fostering further social interaction and good fun.
2024 PURE LA Outing Calendar
JANUARY (Weather Permitting)
Saturday 20th - Pure LA Outing Project Uplift Ranch Equine – Sun Valley at 9:00am
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FEBRUARY (Weather Permitting)
Saturday 24th - Pure LA Outing Project Uplift Ranch Equine – Sun Valley at 9:00am
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MARCH
Saturday 23rd - Pure LA Outing Project Uplift Ranch Equine – Sun Valley at 9:00am
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APRIL
Saturday 27th - Pure LA Outing Project Uplift Ranch Equine – Sun Valley at 9:00am
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MAY
Saturday 25th Pure LA Outing Project Uplift Ranch Equine – Sun Valley at 9:00am
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JUNE
Saturday 22nd - Pure LA Outing Project Uplift Ranch Equine – Sun Valley at 9:00am
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JULY
Sunday 21st - Bill Picket Invitational Rodeo - City of Industry from 3:30pm – 7:00pm
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AUGUST
Saturday 17th - Pure LA Outing Project Uplift Ranch Equine – Sun Valley at 9:00am
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SEPTEMBER
Saturday 21st - Pure LA Outing Project Uplift Ranch Equine – Sun Valley at 9:00am
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OCTOBER
Saturday 19th - Pure LA Halloween Outing Project Uplift Ranch Equine – Sun Valley at 9:00am
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NOVEMBER
Saturday 16th - Pure LA Thanksgiving Outing Project Uplift Ranch Equine – Sun Valley at 9:00am
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DECEMBER
Saturday 14th - Pure LA Holiday Outing Project Uplift Ranch Equine – Sun Valley at 9:00am
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