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Haven Horse Ranch program helping troubled teens steer away from life of crime

A local group helping troubled kids is using horses to give kids a way out of a life of crime. The Haven Horse Ranch in St. Johns County runs a six-week horse therapy program for teens from correctional centers.

A local group helping troubled kids is using horses to give kids a way out of a life of crime.

The Haven Horse Ranch in St. Johns County runs a six-week horse therapy program for teens from correctional centers.

During the six weeks, the teens visit the ranch once a week and learn how to take care of the animals as well as ride them.

On Friday, teens from the Duval County Correctional Center participated in the program.

“Our first and biggest goal has always been that they learn the world doesn’t revolve around them and what they have and don’t have is a product of their choices,” said Ric Lehman, executive director of Haven Horse Ranch.

“This program is really helping out with a lot of problems I had … have had in the past and I’m becoming a better man in this program than I came in before,” said Caleb, a 17-year-old participant.

Six teens take part in the horse therapy program. They’re chosen by the correctional center and have to continue to prove themselves throughout the six weeks, maintaining good scores and reviews at the correctional center so they can return to the ranch each week.