St. Joseph’s Dedicates Equine Therapy Center

There’s something incredibly special about the connection our students share with the horses at St. Joseph’s Indian School.

There’s something to be said about an empty piece of land. While the eye may gaze upon it and not see anything, sometimes your mind’s eye sees beyond the emptiness. It sees what it could be, and a dream takes root.
For years there has been a piece of land just like this at the north end of St. Joseph’s Indian School. It has sat patiently waiting for its purpose. It wasn’t until recent years that the dream of its great purpose became known. For it would hold St. Joseph’s Equine Therapy Center. A place for minds, bodies, hearts and spirits to heal.

The Equine Therapy Center at St. Joseph’s Indian School is a literal dream come true!

We’re humbled and honored to say that the dream that took root has come true. The kindness of others made it so. Where once vacant land rested now stands a beautiful facility with a stable for up to 12 horses, a classroom, office space, an arena for Equine Therapy sessions and cultural events, a raised observation deck and more for a total square footage of approximately 15,600 square feet.

The completion of the Equine Therapy Center will allow us to offer opportunities for students to connect with the horses year-round.

“The interactions students have with the horses fosters development in cultural identity, connection with the ancestors, and healing practices that students can connect to for life,” said Robyn, St. Joseph’s Director of Counseling. “We are so blessed to be able to offer a space that can build protective factors that will have a lasting impact on students’ lives.”

Counselors lead four of the St. Joseph’s horses around campus on a sunny day.

It took a lot of work, as is the case for most things worth doing. This dream was born before supply chain struggles, rising costs and inflation, and a pandemic that attempted to hinder its growth. But our supporters joined hands with us and defeated all of those obstacles.

Recently, our Equine Therapy Center was dedicated. Donors attending powwow, St. Joseph’s staff, students and families were able to take part and view the center.

Pony Boy received extra love and attention from guests during powwow in September.

 

 

 

In the future, as our eyes gaze to the north, we will think of you and all the people who believed in our dream as much as we did.

Philámayayethank you!

We’ve created the following video with highlights from the building progress. We hope seeing this special place — this dream — come to life brings you the same joy we feel.

To learn more about St. Joseph’s Indian School, visit www.stjo.org today!

Author: St. Joseph's Indian School

At St. Joseph's Indian School, our privately-funded programs for Lakota (Sioux) children in need have evolved over 90 years of family partnership, experience and education. Because of generous friends who share tax-deductible donations, Native American youth receive a safe, stable home life; individual counseling and guidance; carefully planned curriculum based on Lakota culture and individual student needs and tools to help build confidence, boost self-esteem and improve cultural awareness. All of this helps children to live a bright, productive, possibility-filled future.

2 thoughts on “St. Joseph’s Dedicates Equine Therapy Center”

  1. Blessings, so very happy for St, Joseph’s,,, been a contributed for years, retired now, and so happy you are getting the support you need. Many prayers and love around you for all you do….

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