May 15, 2024
By Nikalena Iacono
Editor
Fifteen members of the Wonder Girls Club experienced the healing power of horses when they visited a mustang training and rescue facility in Allendale on April 25.
Run by the non-profit Unbridled Heroes Project, the horse farm houses 10 mustangs and four miniature horses. The organization was established in 2018 with the goal of offering equine therapy to veterans. Now, it also provides services to schools as well as children and adults suffering from trauma.
In addition to interacting with the horses, students on the field trip learned meditation techniques, planted flower seeds and decorated rocks with positive words or drawings.
They ended their visit by watching a two-minute video about wild mustangs. They learned that mustangs have been forcibly removed from public land in the United States so cattle ranchers could use the land for livestock.
Spanish teacher Mrs. Silvelo, who advises the club, said the field trip was so successful that the group ended up staying an hour longer than planned.
“[I noticed] how zen everyone was despite some nerves and fear of those giant horses,” Silvelo said. “They were just so peaceful and calm [away] from the hustle and bustle of the school’s hallways.”
“Wonder Girls’ mission is to help girls be confident and improve wellness, and Unbridled Heroes does just that.”
This is the club’s second visit to the horse farm. In April 2023, its members helped clean the stables as a volunteer activity.
Silvelo said she especially enjoyed watching the students interact with the horses and two therapists. They also met an equine therapist, two volunteers and Unbridled Heroes Project founder and CEO Amy Steppe, who is a military veteran.
“[The students] asked thought-provoking, educated and relevant questions and were willing to hear every detail shared,” Silvelo said.
Senior Michelle Boinett, who is vice president of the club, said Unbridled Heroes was the perfect field trip destination.
“[Unbridled Heroes] help[s] people redefine their purpose, rediscover their inner strength and maximize their potential,” Boinett said. “Wonder Girls’ mission is to help girls be confident and improve wellness, and Unbridled Heroes does just that.”
Boinett said the field trip helped her discover her passion for taking care of animals and feel more at peace.
“Being around the horses and just feeding them, petting them and talking to them made the whole trip amazing,” Boinett said. “It has improved my wellness, and it made me focus on my emotions more.”
Junior Melania Ogando said attending the field trip taught her how to enjoy the outdoors more by connecting with nature and animals.
Ogando said she especially enjoyed petting the horses.
“I got to feel their emotions and be aware of mine as well,” Ogando said.
She said another highlight of the field trip was planting flower seeds because she carried out the task with positive energy.
“It was a really calming experience, and it was really fun overall,” Ogando said.
She said the field trip was a beneficial outing for the club’s members.
“[We] connect[ed] with one another and [had] a safe space [to] feel more comfortable with each other and with ourselves,” said Ogando.
