Pictured above is Kylie Murray on her second round of the barrel bull. After her first go-round, Kylie was scared and cautious to ride again — but after some coaching and trust-building with head Cowboy Jim Davis, Kylie was ready to dominate this challenge. Not only did she go for another round, she held on like a real bull rider with only one hand! Although Kylie’s first ride may have been difficult and testing, the second ride was nothing but smiles and sheer joy as she learned to trust herself and others that she really can do anything!

Inner City Slickers is an on-going “Old West Program” that was inspired by the film City Slickers. This was chosen as the program because the “Old West” symbolizes Strength, Perseverance and Hard Work and this program builds self-esteem, self-confidence, character and breaks down the social prejudices that are so prevalent in our culture today.

Our Slickers learn what it’s like to be a cowboy/cowgirl and they learn to live by the “Cowboy Code of Ethics”. Kindness, Dependability, Keeping Your Word, Being Responsible and they learn what it’s like to Trust and Respect the horses, themselves and each otherethical and moral codes that will stay with them throughout their lives.

In addition, our Slickers learn to rope, groom, feed, sit and horse and work together as a team. The Inner City Slickers program is one of the only means we have seen that can virtually erase the color barrier between teens. With the Magic of horses and our expert volunteers, our kids are transformed. They change right in front of your eyes. They forget about color, peer pressures and their own challenges and they learn to concentrate on what’s in front of them – a magnificent animal! Our kids face the challenges we ask of them with Courage and Optimism and by the end of the event, they have learned to Trustand have Hope.

There is something that happens, a magical thing, when a child and a horse meet for the very first time. Maybe some suspicion and distrust at first, usually on both sides, but as the child and this magnificent animal start to relax and see what is in front of them that is when the true magic begins. As they develop a relationship and sense of trust, you find that both of their lives are being touched in a unique and profound way. There is a sense of peace, balance, and oneness, that only could happen between the meeting of these two beings -helping each other learn the lessons of life.

Of huge importance after our Slickers have completed the program is ICS’ continued contact with them. We believe experiences at the Slicker event combined with our follow-up and contact provides a much better opportunity for them to become responsible, caring citizens. And that’s what Inner City Slickers is all aboutMaking a Difference in the lives of Children, One Child at a Time.

If you are interested in getting your children and teens involved in this wonderful event please contact Brenda Gardner at PBGardner@lpctel.net. Brenda hosts on average two events per year. There are a maximum of 15 kids allowed at one event so be sure to sign up right away! You can also check out the Inner City Slickers Facebook page for more information. The age range is apx 6-17.