Stacey Carter, the equine specialist at Saving Grace Farms, teaches a rider about balance, trust and relaxation on Alistar. Submitted photo

new friend: Scout gets special attention from a student with the Times Two Mentoring Group. Submitted photo

Saving Grace Farm, a Salisbury nonprofit that provides horse-related activities to people with special needs, is offering a program its operators say will help keep young people out of gangs.

The farm's GALLOP program offers the opportunity to strengthen leadership skills and empower youth to say no to negative influences, a press release said.

"Horses are wonderful teachers and in working with them, anyone can gain insight about themselves and how they relate to others," Saving Grace Farm's press release said. "GALLOP allows people to enter this world of horses and build valuable skills that will last them a lifetime."

Stacey Carter, the farm's equine specialist said in the press release that "as a matter of survival, horses must work together as a group, or herd. Their herd dynamics can show us the importance of order and balance in the community or work environment, and working together as a team."

The GALLOP program focuses on that herd concept and can be customized to address the specific needs of any individual, group, team, or family.

Liz Tennent of the Rowan County Youth Services Bureau Times Two Mentoring Group said young people in her program have attended day sessions and week-long camps and that the program exceeded expectations.

"Our students learned to work with supporting staff and peers and grasp many important qualities. They learned how to control anxiety, frustration, anger, and the program is a calming experience that helps them learn to control these feelings in their home and environment," Tennent said in the press release. "It is tangible and applicable to everyday life. If you take these qualities of cooperation, leadership and responsibility into your homes, schools and community the results are very meaningful and powerful.

"I can't thank the staff at Saving Grace enough for bringing us into this partnership," Tennent said. "It has had an impact on me and an impact on our youth."

Saving Grace Farm offers businesses and organizations a half-day seminar to address topics such as team-building, leadership and problem solving. Fifty percent of the fee for the seminar covers a session for a youth group from the local community, such as the Times Two Mentoring Group, and is considered a tax deductible donation, the press release said.

Anyone interested in the GALLOP program can request an information packet or schedule a time to see a presentation, which provides additional information.

For further details or to sponsor a group of youths, contact Program Director Janna Griggs at 704-638-2339 or janna@savinggracefarm.com. To learn more about Saving Grace Farm visit www.savinggracefarm.com.

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