LCLead Changes
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About Lead Changes
At Lead Changes, youth ages 11 to 17 learn leadership on horseback and through the everyday work of a working ranch. They care for horses, build confidence, practice responsibility, and take part in activities like camping, archery, fly fishing, cattle drives, and team building. Your support can also help remove financial barriers through scholarships, so more young people can participate.
Lead Changes uses horsemanship alongside the responsibilities of ranch life to teach confidence, integrity, respect, and character. No previous horse or ranch experience is required, and scholarships help youth with financial need take part.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Youth leadership programs
Leadership programs for youth ages 11 to 17 that use horsemanship and ranch life to build confidence, integrity, responsibility, honor, respect, and character.
Horsemanship instruction
Instruction in horsemanship skills, including riding and responsibilities related to the care of horses.
Ranch-life education
Educational activities on a working horse ranch that introduce youth to ranch responsibilities and physical work.
Outdoor and ranch activities
Activities include archery, fly fishing, overnight or teepee camping, cattle drives, and team building.
Nancy Thelen Scholarship
Financial assistance for youth who face adversity or obstacles to success, are working to improve themselves, and have financial need.
About this work
Mission
Lead Changes is committed to using the horse as a tool to equip youth with leadership skills, confidence, and integrity, putting them on a better path for life.
Who they serve
Youth ages 11 to 17 from rural communities and inner-city neighborhoods, including young people from varied economic, racial, and ethnic backgrounds. No previous horse or ranch experience is required.
Their impact
- Lead Changes supported 12 youth in 2025.
- Tatum, the first Nancy Thelen Scholarship award winner, placed first in Ranch Trail out of 64 competitors and second in Ranch Riding out of 55 competitors at a 4H regional competition.
- Tatum progressed from being a shy camper who avoided eye contact to holding her head high, believing in her abilities, and serving as an example to younger campers.
How your donation helps
- Scholarships and financial assistance so youth can participate regardless of financial barriers.
- Youth camps and leadership activities that use horses and ranch life to teach responsibility, integrity, leadership, resilience, and hard work.
Need help?
How someone in need can access Lead Changes’s services.
Youth can participate in Lead Changes leadership programs and camps, including through scholarships that provide financial assistance for those facing financial barriers. The provided content does not specify an application or intake process.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
“The solution is simple: A horse, a young person, and your support.”
“Real leadership isn’t always learned in a classroom; sometimes, it’s found in the arena.”
“If you want to learn, there is no better teacher and role model than Chris.”, Nancy Thelen
Events
Lead Changes youth camps
Each yearYouth camps on a working horse ranch combine horsemanship instruction with archery, fly fishing, camping, cattle drives, team building, and horse-care responsibilities.
Girls Youth Camp
A Lead Changes youth camp attended by girls, including the camp attended by Nancy Thelen Scholarship recipient Tatum.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
What activities do youth participate in at Lead Changes camps?
Youth take part in horsemanship instruction, archery, fly fishing, overnight or teepee camping, cattle drives, and team building. They also learn to care for horses and take on responsibilities connected to ranch life.
Does a young person need previous horse or ranch experience?
No. Previous horse or ranch experience is not required.
How do the programs use horses to teach leadership?
Young people learn responsibility both in the saddle and across the ranch. Caring for horses, working with them, and taking part in ranch activities help build confidence, integrity, respect, work ethic, and character.
Are scholarships available for youth who cannot afford to participate?
Yes. Lead Changes offers scholarships and financial assistance so cost does not prevent a young person from participating. The Nancy Thelen Scholarship supports youth facing adversity or obstacles to success who are working to improve themselves and have financial need.
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