The Youth Leadership Program runs half-day to fourteen-day courses for community youth, ages 7-17. The curriculum includes activities that worked with horses to promote self-awareness, self-esteem, communication, team building, and leadership, in addition to an understanding of basic horse care and riding skills. See our 2007 Brochure (PDF)

Our Philosophy

At Centaur Leadership Services, we believe that when a child is given the opportunity to develop their leadership skills, they build the self-esteem, confidence and interpersonal skills that are key to future success.

What we Teach

Our programs are designed to foster awareness and leadership through activities which teach skills that can be used in real life, through work with horses. Future leaders learn these important life skills, the responsible care and treatment of horses and each other, horsemanship skills based on understanding and respect, and have the chance to practice personal success with them all while enjoying the laughter, fun, friendship and fulfillment of learning and growing together.

We offer single-day, multi-day, girl only, and co-ed programs that combine the best aspects of adventure education and relational horsemanship to create powerful and unique group learning experiences based on partnership with horses.

Staff
Our staff are a diverse group of Prescott College graduates and students who have demonstrated high levels of both horse skills and leadership skills themselves.

They may have worked previously in therapeutic equine programs, been wranglers at dude ranches, or been instructors at programs like NOLS and Outward Bound.

Our staff are trained in group development as well as relational horsemanship. They lead by example. Full time staff are certified in First Aid and CPR, and many are qualified as Wilderness First Responders.

They serve as teachers, friends and role models for the programs youth.

Health and Safety

The safety of the students is our first priority. Every program begins with an introduction to basic horse psychology, and strategies for keeping ourselves, each other and the horses safe at all times.

Riding programs teach students skills that help them be comfortable communicating with horses on the ground before they mount and ride, and all riding is done with SEI-approved helmets (provided), long pants, and appropriate footwear.

The sequential curriculum and emphasis on both personal and group responsibility fosters a safe learning environment for all. 

The CLS Youth Leadership Program is proud to support the work and mission of Women's Empowerment Breakthrough: Helping teenage girls explore, define and achieve their goals.