New Trails Learning Systems
Ending the notion that suffering is necessary for learning
I got up early, cleaned the stalls, fed the horses. I pet the dog, kissed my husband and flew across the US. I arrived at midnight and hopped a cab to a funky rented bedroom hosted by a kind stranger. The next morning, I put on warm clothes and hiked a mile or so through an unfamiliar city. I descended three floors down into a basement of a high-rise. In my backpack was my presentation – my 25 minutes of the best I had to offer.
It is all related…
Just recently I spent some time at New Trails in Texas, the cradle of Movement Method and Horse Boy. People often ask me, “How do you do it all?”
Dissertation candidate- I did not even know that was a thing.
After a year of classes, always worrying for the ‘pink slip’ to be delivered, it was finally here: Residency 851 (whatever that meant…)
Flying out, I longed to escape. I am no academic, but to make the change I want to see, this was the route that higher spirits had placed me on. With an uncomfortable feeling, I packed my bag with dresses and high heels- no jeans allowed (yay for the land of the free!). The flight went well, but the Uber driver had to circle the hotel about three times until he realized it was in the gated compound complex, with armed security guards welcoming us to the high fenced in campus. The hotel was lovely, beautiful palm trees bordered pool, inviting heat, and cozy crackling open air fire place. Oh, but little did I know.
Working with Horse Boy and Movement Method makes you an expert in helping others- but I noticed, I am still a wife and mother, and often it is challenging to support and understand the ones closest to you.
Movement Method has proven to be ground breaking in schools. Students love to learn again, teachers on the verge of burn out refind the passion for education, feel re-energized by seeing the behavioral problems evaporate and students engage in learning activities and reaching their goals, while having fun, feeling relaxed and content.
Giovanni has autism and is considered for lack of better terms ‘low functioning’. You might have read some of his earlier success stories in the blog, and his journey continues. By following his interests and opening up to the way he learns- by moving, talking to himself, etc. Giovanni unlocked a potential that even his paraprofessional, who knows him for a couple years now, did not expect.
“Do you know what my favorite thing about horses is?”
The boy paused and listened. I went on-
“My favorite thing about horses is that they always forgive me – no matter what.”
Yes- just what I was thinking! Horses, people, and nature- what more can I wish for?
wow , great Bianca
Thank you so much- it will be amazingly fascinating and interesting!
Bianca, wishing you all the best on this new adventure set before you!
Short Reflection on United States Airforce Academy Equestrian Center Training:
ntls.co/blog/equine-therapy-blog/240-horse-tribes/…
