Tl’etinqox | Equine Youth Program

Horses, Healing, and Empowerment in Education

The Tl’etinqox Equine Program is helping students connect to their culture, their confidence, and their future—one horse at a time. With support from the K-12 Education Grant, this school-based program offers youth hands-on experience with horses throughout the academic year, fostering responsibility, self-esteem, and cultural connection.

What’s Happening at Tl’etinqox

Each student in the program is paired with a horse for the entire school year. They care for the animal daily—feeding, grooming, riding, and bonding. For many, it’s their first time working so closely with an animal, and the impact is powerful.

The program supports over 25 at-risk youth, helping them develop social and emotional skills in a safe and grounded environment. It’s not just about riding—it’s about showing up, caring for something outside themselves, and being part of something meaningful.

As shared in the video, “This program is more than horses—it’s about building confidence, giving purpose, and bringing joy to our youth.”

Rooted in Tsilhqot’in Tradition

The program is grounded in the cultural teachings of the Tsilhqot’in People, bringing traditional equine relationships back to life for the next generation. Horses have long been central to Tsilhqot’in life, and by reconnecting students with these traditions, the program fosters pride, healing, and cultural resilience.

This work is part of a broader community vision for wellness—one that includes land-based learning, cultural restoration, and youth empowerment.

About the K-12 Education Grant

The K-12 Education Grant provides funding to First Nation communities in BC to support initiatives that enhance learning experiences for Indigenous students. Projects can include land-based learning, cultural programs, tutoring, mentoring, and initiatives that build confidence and connection—like the Tl’etinqox Equine Program.