PROGRAMS

Horse programs have been used for everything from handicapped therapy to executive training programs. They have taught trust to recovering alcoholics and taught teamwork to corporate and military personnel. Equine Studies have found their way into the curriculum of many major universities. Simply put, horses enrich our lives and can teach many valuable lessons which can be applied to life in general.

Our carefully planned program has been designed after years of experience with horses, giving lessons and running camps. The programs are the organizational framework that embody the Components of Learning, and the method by which the individuals participate and experience horses and nature.

The Equine Experience reflects the growing interest in horses and the rapidly changing horse industry and provides students with a well rounded relationship with these animals. As a former teacher and counselor, as well as a lifelong horse person, I have carefully developed the lesson plans to maximize their interest and value to the students. We are working with schools to provide enrichment programs which will fit their needs. The program is flexible enough to fit students in a wide age range.

Our goal is to introduce young people to horses and the world of horses. Long term, there a many interesting and well paying vocational opportunities in the horse industry and we would like students to at least be aware of those possibilities from a young age. Short term, horses and nature offer valuable learning tools, and relief from stress.

Not every Equine-Experience facility will offer every program, and programs may vary slightly depending on the location, instructor, facility, and target group. But each will embody the principals of the Learning Components.

WEEKLY SESSIONS

Weekly sessions meet as enrichment programs, either after school, or on weekends. Each unit is 12 weeks long, (meeting at the same time each week, for an 1 1/2 hour session~ which is divided into different activities) and affords students the opportunity to build on their experiences and see progress.

SUMMER CAMPS

Summer camps may be either half day camps, full day camps, or residential wilderness camps. We recommend one to two week sessions. Campers experience the benifits of extended exposure and the chance to develop learning patterns.

SINGLE DAY VISITATIONS

Many groups can bring a sizeable number of children to the farm facility for a single day. Schools usually arrange this as a field trip, while other organizations need weekend trips. Equine Experience programs feature various activities, rotating groups of children from one venue to another, so that each individual receives attention and valuable experience.

SCHOOL VISITATIONS

School programs reach the furthest into the inner cities, and expose the largest number of students to horses. They require solid animals and good transportation, along with careful co-ordination with teachers and administration. These visitations are most benificial if they are the culmination of a teaching unit on horses. See teaching units