Our HorsePowered Group Life Skill Development & Academic Programs

Our HorsePowered equine-assisted programs take learning to a new level with a whole-body learning approach which emphasizes individual learning styles and challenges.  According to Georgia Southern University, teachers utilize whole body learning when they strive to engage 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 required.  Your child will be interacting and learning with horses in a fun and sensory oriented environment.

Group programs are limited to six (6) participants per group.

All programming (individual & group) will begin in April and ending in November – weather permitting.

Recommended for ages seven (7) and up.

HorsePowered Reading

HorsePowered 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.

Group size is limited to six (6) participants. Please be assured we will tailor the session to meet your child's individual reading struggles.

If you would like more information on Horse Powered Reading or to become a certified facilitator, please visit the following website, www.horsepoweredreading.com.

HorsePowered Book Clubs

This program goes beyond reading and answering standard “comprehension" and “vocabulary" questions.  This unique Book Club is centered around “Literacy Circle" concepts.

Small groups of students gather together to discuss a book in depth. The discussion is guided by students' response to what they have read. You may hear talk about events and characters in the book, the author's craft, or personal experiences related to the story.

HorsePowered Book Clubs provide a way for students to engage in critical thinking and reflection as they read, discuss, and respond to books. Collaboration is at the heart of this approach. Students reshape and add onto their understanding as they construct meaning with other readers.

The Book Clubs meet four consecutive weeks for 1.5 hours.  Each Book Club focuses on a different book and different reading levels.

HorsePowered Math

HorsePowered 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!

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.

Group size is limited to six (6) students per group.

Recommended for seven (7) and up.

Please be assured we tailor the lesson to your child's individualized needs.

HorsePowered Life Skill Development – Stable Relationships

Does your child struggle with social, emotional, behavioral skills?  Are you looking for a program which will help your child develop life skills in a supportive environment? 

Facilitators include a certified school counselor and trained staff/volunteers.

• “Stable Relationships – Part 1"
• Group size is limited to 5 participants.

This program is a five-week initiative program tailored for young individuals ages 11-17. It engages youth with horses in a casual outdoor environment. Through social and emotional equine-assisted learning activities, the program provides opportunities for youth to develop and nurture a solid base of self-acceptance which is fundamental to all healthily relationships. It emphasizes the cultivation of skills like authenticity, emotional stability and self-esteem.

Youth will be partnered with a specific horse for the duration of the course and participate in a variety of ground-based activities (no riding) to develop the following skills, but not limited to:

• Effective Communication Strategies
• Relationships
• Creative Problem-Solving Techniques
• Teamwork
• Responsibility
• Confidence
• Emotional Regulation
• Trust
• Respect
• Resilience

• Stable Relationship – Part II 
• (New in 2025)
• Group size is limited 10 participants.

Youth who have successfully completed Stable Relationships I are invited to participate. Developing leadership skills will be the focus of this program. 

• Your Circle Matters – Girls only
• Ages 11-17
• New in 2025

(More details to come.)