Do you have a childhood memory that stretched you beyond what you thought you could handle? You gained self-respect, and still remember the adult who encouraged you and confidently stood by your side, coaching you through it. Like me, you probably see those as defining moments, and the lessons you learned come back in a flash when you need to muster up your inner strength. Recently, I caught up with a guy and a gaggle of groovy volunteers who have made a science of impacting kids' lives in ways they will fondly remember.
Meet Jeff Evans, vice president of The Stables—Equine Assisted Services. Today, Jeff is doing his dream job, living his passion, and helping special needs kids gain the confidence to make their way in this world. It's been a curvy road that has led him here, but today, his passion and love of horses are helping caring adults pay forward those life lessons to some really cool kids.
Jeff and his crew help kids gain confidence through a love of horses
My name is Jeff Evans. Being around horses as a kid gives you plenty of life lessons that follow you throughout your life. Training horses and teaching people about them and how to handle them is now, for me, second nature. Today, I have my dream job as the vice president of the non-profit The Stables, located just outside Farmington. The wonderful thing about horses is there is always something new to learn or a different way to think about them—I'm always learning! It's an honor to be in a position to pass that information along to the kids and to get to work with so many amazing volunteers who make this all possible.
I am the former owner of Light Rein Ranch in Bonne Terre, where I trained mounted patrol horses, boarded, and taught riding lessons to children and adults. My "real" jobs supported my horse habit and included radio, print, and film. I went to the Broadcast Center in Clayton and have worked in many different capacities for several different radio stations. KLPW AM/FM, KFMO, KDBB, and KSLQ are a few. I was a program director, talk show host, assistant news director, and Morning Drive Host throughout the years. "Horse Sense" was a weekly show I put on the air, which focused on horsemanship and featured the top names in the equine industry. Horse Sense was broadcast on numerous radio stations across Missouri. I've been involved in the movie industry as a prop builder, stuntman, and actor. I've served as the Desloge Chamber of Commerce President and Vice President. But the thing I'm most proud of is being a father to my daughter, Reagan. She has become quite the rider and genuinely enjoys helping out around the Stables. Her compassion and sincere desire to help our students achieve their goals have made me about as proud as a father can be.
Our mission at The Stables is to strengthen, teach, advocate, bond, love & educate individuals in need through Equine Assisted Services. We teach riding and horsemanship skills to individuals with varying abilities to help them achieve greater physical strength, flexibility, and balance, as well as providing an opportunity to develop emotional bonds with caring volunteers and gentle horses.
573: What kind of kid benefits most at The Stables?
All the children and adults who ride at The Stables benefit in different yet important ways. Some kids who have trouble walking can sit on a horse. As the horse walks, the movement mimics the human gate and provides a lower abdominal workout….this provides strengthening. For the shy participant, learning how to use verbal commands and be in control of a 1000-pound animal can help embolden and encourage that person to be more assertive and social. For children who are challenged with ADHD, being with a horse keeps them present and focused in the moment. The volunteers who show up even though they have had a tough day to help because they are committed will often leave feeling more peace and joy because of the noticeable difference they witness. There are many HUGE benefits for all involved in this industry.
Jeff's daughter has become a super stable hand and is learning the trade.
Jeff with The Stables founder Roxanne Miller. Dr. Ken and Roxanne Millers' vision and dedication have enriched the lives of so many people in our community.
Some kids who have trouble walking can sit on a horse. As the horse walks, the movement mimics the human gate and provides a lower abdominal workout….this provides strengthening.
For children who are challenged with ADHD, being with a horse keeps them present and focused in the moment.
Not all horses are able to adapt to being a schooling horse...
573: What makes a good horse?
A good horse for the Equine Assisted Services industry is VERY forgiving. Horses, by nature, are honest. Not all horses can adapt to being a schooling horse, let alone an Equine Assisted Services horse. It is desirable if the horse has a quiet nature, has had a lot of "miles," and has seen A LOT of different things. Our horses have to accept sudden outbursts from riders on their back, allow random items to be thrown from their backs, and be strong enough to aid riders who may ride unbalanced and uncontrolled. We need magical horses, unicorns, because they will work magic in their rider. These horses will inspire confidence and strength.
None of this could be possible without our volunteers and founders, Dr. Ken and Roxanne Miller. The Millers' vision and dedication have enabled us to enrich the lives of so many people in our community. Regarding volunteers, we have some dedicated folks who invest many hours of their lives here, and we thank every one of them. If anyone would like to volunteer or would like to check into the services we provide, please call 573-705-0902
A good horse for the Equine Assisted Services industry is a horse that is VERY forgiving.
We need magical horses, unicorns, because they will work magic in their rider.
...we have some dedicated folks who invest many hours of their lives here, and we thank every one of them.
573: Any plans for the future?
We are not sure of "plans" per se, but we are always hopeful for what the future holds. We are increasingly blessed with volunteers who have huge hearts and an eagerness to help in any way. Slowly but surely, we are seeing improvements to the facility, which will help us enrich our program offerings. We are seeking the consultation of others in the industry to help us continue to reach those in need.
Slowly but surely, we are seeing improvements to the facility, which will help us enrich our program offerings.
There you have it. Follow your passion every day, and you will realize your dream sooner than later. If one person can do it, so can you. And remember, a horse is a horse. Now Get Out There!
Words, pics, and other fluffy stuff by
573 Magazine Supreme Leader Smugala
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