The Mustang Ambassador Program (MAP) teaches (1) life and self-leadership skills to regional youth and (2) helps veterans with healing and personal growth through equine assisted learning (EAL) using our trained mustangs. MAP strives to provide personal “navigational” tools to all of our participants. The youth programs promote self-awareness, self-confidence and self-direction while also teaching riding and horse care skills. The veteran programs facilitate self-insights and provide tools to assist with emotional regulation through connection with the horses that give non-judgmental feedback and support.
Everyone benefits from a safe, positive, supportive, and engaging environment that fosters skills that will help them successfully “navigate” life challenges. MAP’s overarching goal is to provide such an environment specifically for youth and veterans. For youth, we believe it is important to learn self-leadership skills including responsibility, communication, problem-solving, relationships and resilience, in addition to horsemanship skills. For veterans, the ability to master stress reduction, self-regulation and having connection through an equine partner is the objective` to make a difference in their life.
1. Expand MAP’s youth programing by at least 10% in 2027
2. Reach at least 50 veterans through MAP’s Horses for Heroes programming in 2027
2. Increase MAP’s Give Campaign $ results by at least 10%
3. Expand the number of Give donors by 10%
4. Optimize creative content to increase website results
Horses sense emotions and the human heartbeat from as little as 4 feet away. This is why horses’ sensitivity and authenticity help people recognize how their behavior is perceived and allows for non-judgmental feedback.
“Two of my sons have been students in MAP's Youth Equitation and Leadership Program for multiple years. In doing so, I saw them grow in their self-leadership, confidence and horsemanship skills. I was so inspired, I became a volunteer and student myself! I highly recommend the MAP programs.” — Mother of 2 MAP students
Phone: (630) 379-8213