Located just outside Atkinson, Illinois, Sol’s Legacy Ministries combines horsemanship, hands-on learning, faith and community outreach. The ministry gives children an opportunity to step away from their devices, spend time outdoors, and develop meaningful connections with horses.
Wells explained that Sol’s Legacy is a ministry rather than a horse therapy program. Children learn about horses, care for them, communicate with them, and participate in prayer during their lessons. The ministry’s goal is to point children toward God while allowing them to experience the unique relationship that can develop between a child and a horse.
A Legacy Built Around Horses
The name Sol’s Legacy Ministries comes from Wells’ first dream horse, Fable El Soul. She purchased the horse when she was 14, during a difficult period of her teenage years. Her relationship with the horse helped provide a sense of purpose and greater self-esteem.
Wells has been around horses since childhood, receiving her first pony at 2½ years old. She eventually recognized that her lifelong experiences with horses, combined with her professional experiences, could be used to create something that would benefit children.
The nonprofit officially began in 2014. With the help of its board of directors, volunteers, and supporters, the organization has grown to work with hundreds of children.
Today, Sol’s Legacy has seven horses, including two miniature horses, ponies, and larger horses. The horses are selected and used with children in mind, with the ministry primarily serving children ages 8 to 14.
Building Confidence One Horse at a Time
One of the most important aspects of Sol’s Legacy is the opportunity for children to develop confidence and trust through their interactions with horses.
Much of that work happens on the ground rather than in the saddle. Children brush and care for the horses, learning responsibility while becoming comfortable around the animals.
For children who have experienced bullying, trauma, or difficult relationships with people, the relationship with a horse can provide a new experience of trust. The horses respond to the children without the same social pressures that can make relationships with other people difficult.
The ministry also uses exercises that teach children how to communicate through body language. In an indoor arena, a child can work with a horse without a halter or lead rope, learning how to use intentional movements and body language to encourage the horse to move and eventually return to them.
The exercise can help children practice leadership, communication, planning, confidence, and intentional decision-making. Seeing a large animal respond to their direction can be an empowering experience, particularly for a child who may not feel confident in other areas of life.
The lessons also emphasize responsibility. Children are expected to help get their horse ready, brush it, care for it, and learn the basics of saddling and horsemanship.
Faith Is at the Center
Prayer is another important part of the Sol’s Legacy experience.
During lessons, children have an opportunity to share what they would like prayer for. The ministry incorporates prayer and Scripture into its programming, giving children a chance to bring their concerns into a peaceful environment surrounded by horses.
Wells also emphasized the importance of teaching children to focus on gratitude. Sol’s Legacy has created gratitude journals that include Bible verses, pictures of the horses and farm, and space for children to draw or write about things they are grateful for.
The idea is to intentionally train the mind to recognize positive things rather than becoming consumed by negativity.
Sol’s Legacy also works with Foster Hope and has served children in foster and adoptive situations. For those children, developing trust can be particularly meaningful, and the ministry uses the relationship with horses as an opportunity to practice that trust.
Horse-Powered Reading
Sol’s Legacy has expanded beyond traditional horsemanship with its Horse-Powered Reading program.
The program uses miniature horses to make reading practice more engaging. Children can participate in games and activities involving the horses while working on skills they are already learning in school.
One example involved teaching a child about the Pony Express while practicing word endings. The child could dress up for the activity, sound out words, and then take the miniature horse through the activity as part of the learning experience.
The program is designed to make reading fun while reinforcing vocabulary and other skills. Sessions are private and tailored to the individual child’s needs.
More Than Lessons
Sol’s Legacy also welcomes groups to the farm for educational and recreational visits. The organization has hosted homeschool groups, preschool groups, civic organizations, and FFA students.
Activities can include leadership development, educational experiences, and special events. The ministry has also hosted Paint with the Ponies, allowing participants to create artwork with the help of a local artist.
The miniature horses have become an important part of the ministry’s community outreach as well.
The horses began visiting nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic and have since traveled to nursing homes, churches, schools, Vacation Bible School programs, and community events. They provide an opportunity for people of all ages to interact with the animals through petting, brushing, and leading them.
Sol’s Legacy plans to bring its miniature horses to the Boss Brothers Farm Show in September.
Upcoming Events
The community will also have an opportunity to visit the Sol’s Legacy barn for a praise and worship night on Sept. 19 at 6 p.m. The evening will include music and a message in the ministry’s barn.
Following the worship service, Sol’s Legacy will hold its annual Pick a Pony Raffle fundraiser.
The fundraiser features 300 numbered rubber ponies that correspond with raffle tickets. The ponies are placed in buckets throughout the arena, and the miniature horses are released to move around the area. When the horses are ready for a snack, they choose the buckets that determine the raffle winners.
Tickets for the fundraiser are available through Sol’s Legacy Ministries.
Supporting Sol’s Legacy
Sol’s Legacy relies on prayer, volunteers, and financial support to continue its work.
The ministry maintains a prayer network where supporters can receive anonymous prayer requests related to the children, volunteers, horses, and ministry.
Financial donations are also important, particularly because caring for horses comes with ongoing expenses.
Volunteers are always welcome, and previous horse experience is not required. Sol’s Legacy provides training for people who want to work with children, support the ministry, and become another positive person in a child’s life.
The organization also welcomes referrals for children who could benefit from its programs.
For parents, organizations, or community groups interested in learning more about Sol’s Legacy Ministries, its programs, farm visits, miniature horse visits, or volunteer opportunities, the ministry’s website provides information and contact options at solslegacy.com.
Through its horses, faith, and dedicated volunteers, Sol’s Legacy Ministries continues to create opportunities for children to build confidence, learn responsibility, develop trust, and discover the power of having someone in their corner.
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