Ground Programs are “unmounted”, meaning the lesson takes place on the ground. Ground programs are a wonderful way for the participant to learn about horses and their behaviors. There will be opportunity to groom, lead and participate in variety of exercises and activities with the horse. The participant does not at any time mount the horse and does not ride the horse. Ground Programs are open to all.
Rates for Group Ground Program: $100.00/per session – Sold in Packages of (4) for $400.00
Rates for Individual Ground Program: $125.00/per session – Sold in Packages of (4) for $500.00
Program 1
“H” is for Horse
4-Week Ground Program. Specially Designed For Children Aged 3-5.
Led by an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning, and an Early Childhood Educator, this group program will focus on the development of language and social skills through an introduction to horses and basic horse care. Children will have the opportunity to groom and care for horses while being led through a fun and developmentally appropriate educational curriculum. Parents are required to stay with their child for each hour-long session.
Program 2
Horses Help-ADHD
4-week Ground Program. Specially Designed For Children Ages 4-8 and 9-12.
Led by an Occupational Therapist and Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning, this group program will focus on ground activities that are designed to recognize patterns of self-regulation, increase focus, and develop strategies to carry out tasks to completion. Parents are not required to stay with children.
"Many of the common goals of ADHD therapy; increased focus and organization, as well as improvements in executive functioning—can be met by riding and caring for a horse."
– CHADD
Program 3
Horses Help-Autism Spectrum Disorder
4-week Ground Program. Specially Designed For Children Aged 3-5 and 6-10.
Led by an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning, an Occupational Therapist and an Early Childhood Educator, this group program is specifically designed for children with ASD and will focus on social skills and communication and will be rich in sensory experiences. Participants will learn about basic horse care and how horses communicate with each other and humans. Parents are required to stay for hour-long sessions.
"Equine therapy is highly beneficial to children with autism. It helps them develop the natural, core skills they need to function in society"
– Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation
Program 4
Fostering Stability
Ten-Month Relationship Based Ground Program. Specially Designed For Children Ages 3-17.
Led by an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning, this program is designed for children in foster care/adoption, each participant is paired with a dedicated mentor and a horse. Weekly sessions focus on activities and exercises that build trust, improve self- worth and responsibility, focus on building healthy relationships and fostering independence. The individualized attention nurtures life skill development specific to the participant and uses patience, routine and empathy to foster personal growth. The sessions are one hour long and done exclusively on the ground, no mounted work or riding. A caregiver is not required to remain for the entire hour session.
"Equine Assisted Therapy can be a powerful and magical way to assist our children and adolescents in multiple social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and behavioral domains"
– Psychology Today
