Equestrian group helps students develop life skills

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Ponies and Kids (PAK) of West Lafayette is introducing its new interscholastic equestrian team made up of students in the area who travel within Indiana and neighboring states.

PAK is a non-profit group that teaches kids how to grow and learn with horses. The team is part of the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA), which is a national non-profit that introduces students to equestrian sports.

Team members Jill Cornell, Natasha Slipchenko and Alexis Pearson compete as individuals and they say they have found PAK to be beneficial.

Cornell has been riding horses for 4 years.

“Jill discovered a new world with horses that gave her a place to find herself,” Equestrian coach Wilene Gillim said.

Slipchenko has been taught by Gillim for 6 years.

“Riding unfamiliar horses at other schools has taught me how to be a confident rider and true sportsman,” Slipchenko said.

“She encourages her peers to do the best they can,” Gillim said.

Pearson, who is from Tri-County High School, has been riding horses for a little less than 2 years. She said her participation is a great way for her to get outside of her comfort zone.

These students and others like them are able to boost their confidence and become more knowledgeable about horses because of their participation in PAK.

To see other examples of how PAK is supporting local students by promoting self-worth and encouraging physical activity, work ethic and sportsmanship, head to PAK’s website. For more on IEA, visit this site.

You can learn more ways to support PAK or IEA by contacting Gillim at 765-426-6479.