CHILD Horse Classes
Early Intervention & Child Development Program (Ages 0–4)
PonyUp4Kids Foundation is expanding access to early childhood programming through a new pilot program designed specifically for children ages 0–4, a critical window for early intervention and child development.
This innovative program blends indoor and outdoor pony play areas with hands-on learning, sensory exploration, and gentle equine interaction to support developmental milestones in a safe, nurturing, and non-clinical environment. Guided activities encourage sensory integration, emotional regulation, motor development, early communication, and social engagement—while fostering empathy, curiosity, and confidence.
Children learn through touch, movement, sound, and connection, engaging in age-appropriate pony experiences such as grooming with soft brushes, guided lead-line walks, nature-based sensory stations, and imaginative play. Parents and caregivers are active participants, strengthening bonds and gaining tools they can carry into everyday life.
By introducing humane education and equine-assisted experiences early, PonyUp4Kids Foundation creates meaningful opportunities for early intervention, developmental support, and family connection—laying the groundwork for lifelong learning, emotional resilience, and respect for animals.
No prior horse experience required. Just bring curiosity and a sense of adventure!
Spots are limited—sign up today and let the learning begin, one hoofbeat at a time.
Children 5-15yrs
Put the books down and join us for a fun, interactive equine-assisted Early Intervention & Child Development learning experience designed to inspire young minds through humane education and hands-on horsemanship. In these special classes, children and families engage in age-appropriate activities that support emotional, social, sensory, and physical development while learning the basics of horse care, communication, and teamwork—building confidence, self-regulation, and body awareness along the way
This program aligns with New York State Education Law § 809, which mandates instruction on the humane treatment and care of animals. Through direct, supervised interaction with our rescued horses, participants experience empathy, responsibility, and trust in a safe, inclusive, non-clinical environment—culminating in a confidence-building obstacle challenge that reinforces growth, connection, and a lifelong respect for animals.
No prior horse experience required. Just bring curiosity and a sense of adventure!
Spots are limited—sign up today and let the learning begin, one hoofbeat at a time.
Free Equine Wellness Guide
FREE DOWNLOAD
Discover the heart of equine care—straight from PonyUp4Kids Foundation.
We’ve created a fun, easy-to-read Equine Wellness Guide for horse lovers of all ages. Learn simple, humane ways to keep horses happy and healthy, enjoy a “Did You Know?” fun-fact section, and explore how bonding, nutrition, and daily care make a real difference.
FREE DOWNLOAD
Click the button below to download and print your child's horse activiy sheet.
FREE DOWNLOAD
Click the button below to download and print your child's horse activiy sheet.
PonyUp4Kids Equine Education School Program
Program Overview
The PonyUp4Kids Foundation brings an interactive, hands‑on equine education experience directly into the classroom. Students explore the world of horses through real equipment, models, and demonstrations that teach humane care, animal science, and career awareness.
This program supports New York State Education Law § 809 by promoting kindness, responsibility, and humane treatment of animals through experiential learning.
What We Bring to Your Classroom
Students engage with real tools and models used by equine professionals, including:
- Tack & Riding Equipment Saddles, bridles, bits, halters, reins, and more.
- Equine Nutrition Station Grain samples, hay types, and a scale to learn how horses are fed and why nutrition matters.
- Life‑Sized Horse Head Model Students identify parts of the horse and practice fitting a halter or bridle safely.
- Grooming Tools Brushes, combs, and supplies to learn proper grooming techniques and daily care routines.
- Horse Skeleton Model A hands‑on look at equine anatomy, movement, and how veterinarians, farriers, and trainers use this knowledge.
Learning Objectives
Students will:
- Understand the basics of humane animal care
- Learn safe handling and communication around horses
- Explore equine anatomy, nutrition, and behavior
- Practice hands‑on skills using real equipment
- Discover career pathways in:
- Veterinary care
- Farrier work
- Training & instruction
- Barn management
- Equine nutrition
- Equine wellness & bodywork
- Agricultural and animal‑care fields
How This Supports NYS Education Law § 809
This program fulfills the law’s requirements by teaching:
- Humane treatment and responsible care of animals
- Respect, empathy, and safety around living creatures
- Understanding of animals’ physical and emotional needs
- Real‑world examples of careers rooted in humane education
Program Length
45–60 minutes, adaptable to class periods or assemblies.
Ideal For
- Elementary, middle, and high school classrooms
- Agriculture, science, FFA, and career‑exploration programs
- After‑school and enrichment programs
- Child Development programs
- Camps
PonyUp4Kids Equine Education School Program
To schedule a visit or learn more about our school programs, contact (845) 724-7128 or email info@ponyup4kids.com
DONATE TO THE CHILDREN
Your generous donation will eliminate financial barriers for children and their families.
Earn Book Bucks - Read Across America
Growing Children with Equine Assisted Activities
PonyUp4Kids is all about creating transformative experiences for children to grow with equine assisted activities. Children can EARN BOOK BUCKS by reading to the horses and ponies on the farm.
Reading to Horses and Ponies is Great for Kids and Their Equine Friends!
Reading aloud to horses and ponies is a unique and heartwarming activity that benefits children and their equine companions in so many ways!
- Boosts Confidence: Reading to horses provides kids with a judgment-free audience. The calm and attentive presence of a horse helps children feel at ease, encouraging them to read aloud without fear of criticism.
- Enhances Literacy Skills: Regular practice reading out loud improves fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Pairing it with time spent in a barn or pasture makes learning even more enjoyable!
- Encourages Empathy and Connection: Horses are incredibly sensitive animals. As kids read to them, they learn to observe and interpret their horse's reactions, fostering a deeper bond and understanding of their feelings.
- Provides a Calming Environment: The rhythmic sound of a child’s voice can have a soothing effect on horses and ponies, while being around these gentle animals helps children relax and focus, making the experience therapeutic for both.
- Promotes Responsibility: Incorporating reading into barn time teaches kids the value of multi-tasking care and fun—spending quality time with their horse while also building a skill.
This wholesome activity nurtures both young readers and their four-legged friends.
Ready to bring a pony to your school? Contact PonyUp4Kids Foundation
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