Horseplay Youth – We develop critical thinking, team building, and social skills in youth through transformative experiences with nature, animals and environmental education.

Welcome

We develop critical thinking,
teambuilding, and social skills
in youth through transformative
experiences with nature,
animals, and environmental
education.

Helping humans to discover
their passion for life through
social and emotional
learning is what we do.

Educating children how to be
courageous and strong through
playing with our equine friends.

About Us

Horseplay Youth was born from decades of knowledge from many different facets.

Todd Azevedo

Founder, Todd Azevedo (career horseman) and his family have generations of knowledge from the Equine Industry. His passion is to educate students about the history and the influences on the modern day horse, while sharing the joy and excitement of a ranching life.

I am a creator of physical places where people and animals can feel safe unconditionally.

Cutting through surface appearances to what truly matters to man and beast; a complete understanding of who they are and want to be.

Darlene Azevedo

Founder, Darlene Azevedo has combined her talents of horsemanship, together with her knowledge of PLAY & Nutrition. Darlene has worked with Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play (www.nifplay.org) for 15 years. Horseplay Youth will be educating children and teachers of the importance of play by discovering their own play images through equine companionship.

What makes me tick is to assist humans and animals to a higher vibration, helping them see the endless possibilities.

I believe one tiny discovery of the human heart can change a course of a life.

Nichole Hoaglin

I am a voice for those who have not found theirs.

Vivian Voss

I am happiest helping others be happy. I find the good news in the bad news. I love to inspire.

I enjoy option exploration

Board Members:

Todd Azevedo
Darlene Azevedo
Erik Dahlstrom
Sue Korp
Stacey Brosseau

Volunteers:

Stuart Brown. Vivian Voss Azevedo. Nichole Hoaglin. Q Tavener. Dakota Rego. Wyatt Lang.Bobby Greene. Lacey Matthews. Keith Garratt.

Our Mission

We develop critical thinking, teambuilding, and social skills in youth through transformative experiences with nature, animals, and environmental education. Our goal is to enhance the lives of our youth, shifting behavior patterns, developing both fine and gross motor skills, increasing emotional congruence and authenticity.

PROGRAM

We know that ranch kids are taught a huge variety of skills at a young age with practical applications.

Having this kind of confidence as a child / young adult, propels them into life’snext stage without the fear of basic survival.

Ultimately, our program focuses on the essential life skills with emphasis on social and emotional learning.

Diversity

We show our students the importance of diversity with the education on the different breed of horses. All breeds are important and have different jobs. Humans are the same, we are all important with variety talents to share. We emphasize the challenge for a student is to be curious about all things (diversify). We want to help students change their perception of school. There should be a curiosity to learning, leading to knowledge. Knowledge should be applied and practiced, not just memorized.

Benefits

Emotional and social awareness and congruence, a capable and connected community, motivated youth that have critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

GALLERY

This all started with the numerous volunteer requests that we have had throughout our community over the past decade. If we were independently wealthy, we would do this all day long without question, yet sincerely we need support so we founded Horseplay YOUTH, Inc. to help us do what we love to do!

HELP OUR CAUSE

Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our education goals, improve conditions & expand our mission in new locations. Any size donation is very much appreciated, thank you!

DONATION CAMPAIGNS

Horseplay YOUTH Apperal

Donations go directly to YOUTH Apperal. You can donate for a specific class or individual items. Tee-shirts, Hats & Water bottles! Or if there is something specific you would like – LET’S MAKE IT! – Printed upon request.

$0.00 donated

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Sustainability

“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”

Lao Tzu