By MacLaren QMHP Stacey Varner
Since 2005, I have worked for the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP). During that time, the youth committed to us have changed significantly, with substantial increases in the frequency and complexity of mental and behavioral health issues.
Youth in OYA custody demonstrate developmental and cognitive delays, have emotional and psychological disorders, and most struggle with addiction and trauma. They often lack resources such as food, water, and educational opportunities, and they have not learned how to socialize with healthy and safe peers. In the face of these obstacles, OYA offers educational, vocational, and rehabilitative opportunities through trauma-informed and restorative justice practices.
Forward Stride is one such opportunity, and it offers a powerful tool to gain skills for some of our most challenging youth.
In their work with the horses, youth learn about emotional regulation, trust, and reliance on others. The horses are indifferent to diagnoses , ethnicity, history, or one’s perceived self-worth; horses are only interested in whether a person is safe. As horses mirror human emotions through nonverbal communication, they are ideally suited to reflect back to youth their emotional landscape. To invite the animal near, the youth must demonstrate a level of emotional regulation and safety.
Youth create community through symbiotic relationships with the horses, other youth in the group, Forward Stride facilitators, and staff. This strengthens their sense of belonging, and they begin to generalize prosocial behaviors with their living units, families, and communities. Youth can challenge negative assumptions and beliefs throughout the process.
What is especially poignant about the groups is the hope and curiosity that develops in each youth. As youth begin to feel safe and more confident in their abilities, they begin to take safe risks, such as allowing themselves to be blindfolded and leading a horse through an obstacle course while verbally guided by a peer. Each group builds and reinforces skills from the previous sessions.
Each Forward Stride herd member brought a unique lesson to the youth. Rune stood forehead to forehead with a youth the week after the youth’s mother passed away, and Rune offered support in a way that no one else could. Cooper was a youth favorite, and his chronic pain and irritability allowed the youth to practice compassion and perspective taking. Mack overwhelmed youth initially by his size and quickly challenged stereotypes that big equals scary. Thistle allowed youth to practice patience and repetition, while Pippin’s gentleness invited in the more insecure youth. Jewel was steadfast and confident on the lunge line, while Kip liked to see what boundaries he could challenge. Mini donkeys that weren’t wanting to do what was being asked of them allowed for youth to work with – rather than against – opposition. The connections were palpable, profound, and life changing.
Adolescence is a cringe-worthy period for all of us. It is a time of trial and error, passions, failures, growth, innovation, and change. It is emotionally volatile and challenging, full of changes and development, and few navigate it gracefully or without error. Youth are in OYA custody for a brief yet developmentally critical period of time, and the partnership with Forward Stride bridges those areas of risk by building skills and connection. Forward Stride offers opportunities in healing and safety that the youth can carry with them as they return to our communities.
Note: On May 17, 2025, MacLaren QMHP Stacey Varner and Superintendent Troy Britting spoke at the annual gala for OYA partner Forward Stride. This is an adaptation of Stacey’s remarks. OYA thanks Forward Stride for the opportunity to speak about our transformational partnership. We also want to thank Janus Youth Programs – Hope Partnership, which funds and coordinates Forward Stride at MacLaren.