Horses have always been sacred to the Native
American people. A riding program is
re-introducing young people to a part of their
culture that has been lost in today’s world. Kim
Riemland shows us how.
SCRIPT:
(Locator: Spirit Lake Nation, North Dakota)
The Dakota Tribe has lived on the plains of
North Dakota for almost 150 years. Young people
here are carrying on a tradition of their
ancestors. Neal Whitmer leads lessons in
horseback riding.
Neal Whitmer: “Just walk her around slowly, slow
and easy…”
Neal Whitmer, Equine Diversion Program: “Some of
the greatest horsemen who ever came in the world
came from the Sioux Nation and sadly, a lot of
that’s been lost.”
The Equine Diversion Program gives Native
American teens opportunities most have never
had.
Noah Herman, Teen: “Is the horse gonna fall on
me? Is it gonna buck? You never know when things
are gonna happen.”
(Missionary to teen on horse) “Need some help
with your stirrups? They’re just too long. I can
help you.”
“Sunka wakan ah-ku” means “bring back the
horses.” It started as an intervention for
troubled youth — but now is available to all
teens. Twenty are chosen each summer for a
wellness ride.
Justin Azure: “It’s fun meeting new kids, riding
new horses.”
Noah Herman: “It’s beautiful, all the colors in
the hills, seeing the sunrise. I just had a lot
of time to think.”
Kids gain confidence from working with the
horses.
Neal Whitmer: “We’ve seen their grades improve.
We’ve seen their behaviors improve.”
The program depends on partners like the Dakotas
Conference of the United Methodist Church, which
maintains camp facilities on the reservation.
Donations make a difference.
(Teen talks about horse) “He was donated to us
from Idaho, the horse program. So he made a long
trip coming out to high country, to the flats.”
(Missionary talks about horse) “An FBI agent
actually donated Frosty to the program what, 3
½, 4 years ago? 3 ½ years ago?”
(Ride leader) “Ready to roll?”
United Methodist missionary Mike Flowers says
the ride has a spiritual side too.
Mike Flowers, United Methodist Dakotas
Conference: “They’re riding through the
reservation, through all four districts and
praying that they’ll be healthy and they’ll make
the right decisions.”
Noah Herman: “If you like to ride horses and you
like to have a good time, this program’s for
you.”
