Our unique and wonderful horses will be paired with one leader and one child for a 90-minute lesson. The lessons which we offer free of charge, are flexible, allowing that time to best serve the unique needs of the children. There will be occasions where a parent will be asked to be part of the lesson if the family challenges would best be met in this way.
The 90-minute lesson will include:
- Chores: The first part of the lesson is typically a 10-15 minute time in which the child will help their leader with a chore around the farm. This is an important time of interaction between the two while building character as the child can give back to the farm in a small way. This time is designed to teach the importance of serving others by giving through the work of your own hands. Chores bring an opportunity for children in knowing that their efforts can make a difference to the farm.
- Working with horses: Children have the opportunity to not only learn how to ride a horse, but also how to care for, handle, and build a relationship with a horse. Through the horse’s unique ability to connect with people, an emphasis is placed on learning good communication skills and creating healthy attachment. Activities that foster this can include riding through obstacles, painting a horse, or tending to their nutrition and medical needs.
- Experiencing Farm Life: During the remainder of the lesson, a variety of activities can take place. These include, playing in the hayloft, wading in the stream, playing with chickens, petting the sheep, brushing the cats, helping in the garden, gathering treasures found around the farm, and making a craft to help remember their time at the farm.
