Programs for Kids & Teens
Through Horse Powered Learning
Horse Powered Programs
Horse Powered Reading®, Math, Social-Emotional skills, and private coaching & tutoring focuses on the learning process for the individual and builds upon children’s natural curiosity and determination.
During sessions, students are allowed to make discoveries and experiment with knowledge firsthand.
The interaction between client and horse gives the facilitator insight into what the client is experiencing inside and what patterns are working or not working for them. That interplay allows for profound learning to take place.
Through this process, the horse creates an opportunity for immediate feedback and experiential learning to take place.
Our Horse Powered programs are inclusive and serve all neurodivergent and neurotypical participants, including those who are autistic, have ADHD, learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, anxiety, depression, and more. We can help support IEP and neurodiversity-affirming ABA goals.
Powering through challenges
Horse Powered equine-assisted programs take learning to a new level with a whole-body learning approach which emphasizes individual learning styles and challenges. Whole body learning engages students in multiple ways; physically, mentally and emotionally.
Your child will have the opportunity to complete all activities on the ground (no riding). No prior horse experience is expected or required. Your child will be interacting and learning with horses in a fun and sensory oriented environment.
Fall 2024 Group Programs
Horse Powered Reading & Math
Horse Powered Reading Program Overview:
Our 6-Week Equine Assisted Learning Reading Skills Program is designed to help young children in grades K-2 develop and strengthen their reading skills in a fun and supportive environment, with the added joy of interacting with horses. Through engaging activities that blend literacy with hands-on experiences, children will enhance their love for reading and gain confidence in their abilities.
Week 1: Introduction to Reading with Horses
Introduction to the program and the horses, creating a friendly and welcoming environment.
Storytime sessions with simple, horse-themed picture books, where children listen and discuss the story.
Activities focused on identifying letters and sounds, using horse-related words and names.
Week 2: Exploring Vocabulary and Word Recognition
Learning new vocabulary related to horses and the barn environment.
Fun word recognition games that involve matching words with horse-related items, like grooming tools or feed.
Interactive activities where children practice reading simple words and phrases out loud.
Week 3: Building Sentences
Creating simple sentences using horse-themed flashcards with words and pictures.
Activities where children build sentences by arranging words in the correct order, using phrases related to horse care and activities.
Reading practice with short, horse-related sentences to build fluency.
Week 4: Storytelling and Comprehension
Engaging in guided storytelling, where children help create a short, horse-themed story.
Reading short stories out loud and discussing the main ideas, characters, and events.
Activities focused on improving comprehension, such as answering questions about the story and predicting what might happen next.
Week 5: Interactive Reading and Role-Playing
Role-playing activities where children act out simple stories or scenarios involving horses, enhancing their understanding of the text.
Reading aloud to the horses in a calm and supportive setting, building confidence and fluency.
Activities that encourage expressive reading and using different voices for characters.
Week 6: Reading Review and Celebration
Reviewing the reading skills learned throughout the program.
Special activities where children create and illustrate their own short, horse-themed storybook.
A celebration where each child shares their story with the group and receives a certificate of achievement.
Program Benefits:
Enhanced reading skills through interactive and engaging activities.
Development of vocabulary, word recognition, and comprehension in a supportive environment.
Increased confidence in reading aloud and understanding texts.
A unique and memorable experience that combines literacy with the joy of interacting with horses.
This program is ideal for young readers who want to build their reading skills while enjoying the companionship of horses. Through this creative approach, children will discover the magic of reading in a way that is both educational and fun.
Horse Powered Math Program Overview:
Our 6-Week Equine Assisted Learning Math Skills Program is a fun and interactive way for young children in grades K-2 to develop foundational math skills through engaging activities with horses. This program integrates the excitement of working with these gentle animals with educational exercises designed to strengthen basic math concepts, making learning both enjoyable and memorable.
Week 1: Counting with Horses
Introduction to the program and the horses.
Fun activities that involve counting objects related to horse care, such as counting feed, grooming tools, or horse steps.
Learning basic number recognition and sequencing through interactive games.
Week 2: Understanding Shapes and Sizes
Exploring different shapes and sizes found in the horse environment (e.g., round bales, square stables).
Hands-on activities where children match shapes and sizes with horse-related items.
Simple shape identification games, both in the arena and the barn.
Week 3: Introduction to Addition and Subtraction
Using real-life examples, such as adding or subtracting the number of apples to feed the horses.
Interactive activities that incorporate basic addition and subtraction, using horse-themed objects like hay bales or buckets.
Visual aids and hands-on materials to help reinforce these early math concepts.
Week 4: Learning Patterns and Sequences
Identifying patterns in the colors and markings of horses.
Creating sequences using horse-related items, like arranging grooming brushes in a specific order.
Simple games that involve recognizing and completing patterns, with the help of the horses.
Week 5: Exploring Measurement
Introduction to measurement using horse-related items, such as measuring the height of a horse or the length of a hoof.
Activities that teach basic concepts of length, height, and weight in a hands-on environment.
Fun measuring tasks that help children understand the importance of accurate measurement.
Week 6: Math in Action – Review and Celebration
Reviewing the math skills learned throughout the program.
Special activities that combine all the skills, such as a math scavenger hunt in the barn.
A celebration where children receive certificates of achievement for their hard work, with opportunities to share what they’ve learned.
Program Benefits:
Reinforcement of key math concepts in a fun and engaging way.
Hands-on learning experiences that make abstract math ideas concrete.
Development of confidence in math through interactive and playful activities.
A unique learning environment that combines education with the joy of working with horses.
This program is perfect for young learners who want to build strong math skills while enjoying the excitement of interacting with horses. Through this creative approach, children will gain a love for math that extends beyond the classroom.
📅 Dates & Registration
Horse Powered Reading:
Wednesdays from 11:00-12:30
10/23/24-12/4/24 (No class the week of Thanksgiving)
$350 per student
Horse Powered Math:
Thursdays from 1:00-2:30
10/24/24-12/5/24 (No class the week of Thanksgiving)
$350 per student
Register for both sessions for $600 per student!
10% sibling discount available.
Private Programs
Individual Sessions- Ages 10 and Up
Designed for children ages 10 and up, these private 1:1 programs provide individualized attention, catering to the specific needs and goals of each participant. Sessions are primarily held on the ground, but riding can also be incorporated to deepen the student’s connection to the horse.
Program Activities
Ground-Based Activities:
Participants engage in various ground-based activities, such as leading a horse through an obstacle course, grooming, or observing and reflecting on horse behavior within a herd. These activities help develop trust, communication skills, and an understanding of non-verbal cues.
Therapeutic Riding:
Therapeutic riding is a specialized form of equine-assisted activity that helps individuals with physical, emotional, or cognitive challenges improve their well-being through structured horseback riding sessions. This holistic approach enhances balance, coordination, and confidence while fostering a deep connection with horses.
Emotional Regulation and Self-Awareness:
Horses, known for their sensitivity to human emotions, serve as mirrors, reflecting the participant's emotional state. This interaction helps individuals recognize, understand, and manage their emotions, fostering greater emotional regulation and self-awareness.
Problem-Solving Tasks:
Participants are challenged with tasks like guiding a horse through a specific pattern without physical contact, which encourages creative thinking and problem-solving skills. These tasks require participants to strategize and adapt, promoting cognitive flexibility and resilience.
Assertiveness and Boundaries:
Horses respond best to clear, confident communication, making them excellent partners for learning about assertiveness and boundary-setting. Participants practice expressing themselves clearly and setting appropriate boundaries, skills that are crucial for healthy interpersonal relationships.
Single 60-Minute Session: $150
Package of 3 Sessions: $425
Package of 5 Sessions: $700
We will contact you to schedule once registration has been received
Specialized Programs
For students requiring more focused educational support, Horse Powered Reading and Math programs are available on a 1:1 basis. These specialized sessions integrate academic learning with equine activities, enhancing engagement and comprehension in a supportive, hands-on environment.
Equine Assisted Learning programs offer a holistic approach to development, combining emotional, cognitive, and social growth through the unique and powerful bond between humans and horses. By participating in these programs, children and teens gain valuable life skills that extend beyond the arena, equipping them with the tools they need for personal and academic success.
Participants all of abilities and learning styles are welcome. We are also able to support IEP and neurodiversity-affirming ABA goals.
Single 60-Minute Session: $150
Package of 3 Sessions: $425
Package of 5 Sessions: $700
We will contact you to schedule once registration has been received
Pony Playtime- Kids Under 10
Children under 10 can delight in our private 1:1 pony playtime sessions, where they experience hands-on healing through playful interactions with our gentle ponies. These sessions are thoughtfully designed to engage young participants in a variety of activities that promote emotional well-being and personal growth.
Imagine your child brushing the soft coat of a friendly pony, feeling a sense of accomplishment and connection with each gentle stroke. Walking side by side with a pony, they learn trust and responsibility, developing a bond that encourages empathy and compassion. The simple act of spending time with these affectionate animals can bring immense joy and a calming presence to a child's day.
Beyond the fun and excitement, these interactions are profoundly therapeutic. As children engage in these activities, they naturally build confidence and emotional resilience. The ponies provide a non-judgmental and supportive companionship that helps children express their feelings and navigate their emotions in a safe and nurturing environment.
These sessions are not just about play; they are about fostering a deeper understanding of self and others. Through the consistent and positive interactions with the ponies, children learn valuable life skills such as patience, mindfulness, and communication. Each session is tailored to meet the individual needs of the child, ensuring a personalized experience that promotes healing and growth.
At Harmony and Horses, we are committed to providing a space where children can thrive emotionally and socially through the magical connection they form with our ponies. Discover the transformative power of pony playtime and give your child the gift of healing and happiness.
Participants all of abilities and learning styles are welcome.
Single 45 Minute Session: $50
We will contact you to schedule once registration has been received.
About Horse Powered Reading®
Horse Powered Reading® is a research-based curriculum developed by Dr. Michele Pickel in 2012. Her one-of-a-kind program combines equine-assisted learning with the best educational practice to engage your child's mind, body and emoting. Dr. Pickel utilized the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) model while developing her program.
Students practice reading, comprehension, fluency and vocabulary skills in a corral with various props and toys being used to visualize their individual learning obstacles. As your child interacts with horses, a certified teacher, and trained volunteers, he or she will discover new ways to break through social and emotional barriers.
This curriculum offers the following benefits:
Each lesson is tailored to the individual student in a way which engages the whole body.
Research shows whole body learning designed to engage your child's kinesthetic and sensory modes of learning dramatically improves his ability to retain important academic skills. In other words, your child is seeing, touching, and interacting with what he is learning in a way which uses many different areas of his brain.
Your child will improve her motivation, confidence and critical thinking while learning critical academic skills.
Recommended for grades K and up.
Please be assured I will tailor the session to meet your child's individual reading struggles.
If you would like more information on Horse Powered Reading, please visit the following website, www.horsepoweredreading.com.
Why Horses?
Horses can help clients learn to build connections
They are honest in the way they react to situations
Horses are extremely sensitive to the actions of humans
Horses have an incredible ability to pick up on our non-verbal behavior
Horses will only bond with someone when they feel the person is being "authentic"
Skills addressed
Decoding - building phonics skills and sight word recognition
Vocabulary enhancement
Fluency development - reading quickly, accurately and with expression
Overcome barriers blocking comprehension
Practice study skills
Comprehend textbooks
Learn new, unfamiliar, and multi-syllable words
Achieve higher order thinking
Use critical and creative thinking
BRIDGE TO READING
Ability to hear, break apart, and blend individual sounds that make up words
PHONEMIC AWARENESS
In effective reading instruction there are 5 key areas that must be taught: Phonemic Awareness; Decoding (phonics & sight word recognition); Vocabulary; Fluency; and Comprehension.
PHONEMIC AWARENESS, the most basic and most critical skill for learning to read, is developing
the ability to hear the individual sounds (phonemes) that make up a word. Children must be able
to take apart the word sounds and blend them together. This is foundational in any alphabetic
language.
DECODING is learning to match sounds with letters and build them into words. It encompasses
both phonics (sounding out words) and sight words (learning words that don’t sound like they
are spelled).
VOCABULARY, understanding word meanings, is vital in order to understand what is read. There
is a very high correlation between vocabulary and comprehension and success in school!
FLUENCY, is the ability to read words accurately, quickly, and with expression. It forms the
“bridge” between squiggly marks on a page (text), and Comprehension. However it is impossible
for that bridge to work without the pillars of Decoding and Vocabulary build firmly on the
bedrock of Phonemic Awareness.
COMPREHENSION- making meaning from words-is the GOAL OF READING!!!
Horse Powered Math was developed by Nancy Lyon after years of working with youth as an educator at the Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center. Her approach builds upon the principles Dr. Michele Pickel used to develop Horse Powered Reading. Your child will work in a corral setting and all the work is done on the ground using various toys/props to visualize individual learning obstacles.
A whole-body learning approach is used in a way which allows your child to break through any social, emotional, or behavioral barriers which may be hindering her learning. You know your child is an awesome learner and we do, too!
Horse Powered Math
Use this program to help your child develop the following math skills:
Memorizing facts
Creative Problem Solving
Discovering Patterns
Story Problems
Don't be surprised if your child acquires many more math skills along the way! Also be prepared to see your child grow in her motivation, confidence, and critical thinking.
Recommended for Grades K and up.
Please be assured I will tailor the lesson to your child's individualized needs.
Contact me to book a single or series of workshops for your child, siblings, homeschool group, and more!