HORSES IN THE HOOD
Photo by Donna Gulnac
WHO
Horses in the Hood Los Angeles (HHLA) is a nonprofit public benefit corporation that has been working with organizations and institutions in the low-income, largely African-American and Latino community of Watts within the South Central section of Los Angeles since 1999. As of the end of 2006, HHLA has sent 526 at-risk youth to 46 horse camps.
WHAT
Our primary goal is to continue to provide five-day horse day camps, which are made possible by our donors.
WHY
Watts is infamous for the riots of 1965 and 1992. But, HHLA has been enriched by the experience of working with wonderful people in Watts who work hard to improve their lives and their community.
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HHLA believes that people learn by doing, and that education should be rewarding and fun. Instruction emphasizes safety and logical progression. As students acquire skills, they will be encouraged to assist in the instruction of others.
Horses in the Hood works with programs for youth but people of all ages are invited to participate. "A little bit of success for these young people can spark an enormous amount of future success," according to Ken Mason, professor of African-American History.
Developing responsibility and communication skills are an integral part of learning horsemanship. Working with horses is conducive to forming emotional bonds.
Shared experience promotes personal growth.
HHLA hopes to teach the students new skills, which will help build their self-esteem, and confidence.
HHLA communicates on an ongoing basis with Watts organizations to develop outreach activities and programs with community groups, including neighborhood schools, churches, and recreational centers.
