Bring Humane Education to Your School

Bridging Education, Empathy, and Equine Excellence

At PonyUp4Kids, we’re committed to inspiring young minds through humane education, equine experiences, and hands-on learning. Our programs align with New York State Education Law § 809, which mandates instruction on the humane treatment of animals, while seamlessly integrating into core academic subjects such as science, social studies, English language arts, and art.

We aim to educate students about the care and rehabilitation of animals, fostering empathy, responsibility, and a deeper understanding of the animal-human connection. By working with our certified equine professionals and ambassador ponies, children gain real-world insights and life skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

How We Align with NYS Core Curriculum

Our vision is to create a world where every child has access to quality education, healthcare, and basic needs. We believe that by investing in children, we are investing in the future of our society.

1. Science: Understanding Animal Behavior and Care
Students explore the essential needs of animals, such as food, water, shelter, and medical care. Our programs highlight:

How organisms adapt to their environments for survival and well-being.
The mutual adaptations between humans and equines, like trust-building and creating suitable living conditions.

Standards Alignment: NGSS: 3-LS4-3 (How organisms adapt to their environments).

2. Social Studies: Responsibility and Community
We teach the importance of civic responsibility in ensuring animal welfare. Students participate in activities such as creating a “Pony Care Guide” or organizing community outreach projects, fostering a sense of connection and duty.

Standards Alignment: NYS Social Studies Framework: Civic Ideals and Practices.

3. English Language Arts: Narrative Writing and Reading Comprehension
Through inspiring stories of young equestrians rehabilitating animals, students develop critical reading and writing skills by:

Analyzing real-life equine care narratives.
Crafting their own personal or fictional animal care stories.

Standards Alignment: NYS ELA Standards: Writing W.3.3, Reading RL.3.1.

4. Art: Creative Expression
Students create posters and art projects promoting the humane treatment of animals. These activities encourage creativity while spreading awareness about kindness to animals.

Standards Alignment: NYS Arts Standards: VA:Cr1.1.3a.

5. Character Education: Empathy and Kindness
We emphasize the values of compassion, perseverance, and self-awareness. By sharing success stories of students rehabilitating animals, like Cloud the senior horse, we inspire children to embody these traits in their daily lives.

Standards Alignment: NYS SEL Benchmarks: Self-Management and Social Awareness.

Why Choose PonyUp4Kids?

Hands-On Learning: Students engage with equines in real-world scenarios.
Career Exploration: Introduces pathways in veterinary medicine, animal care, and equine management.
Community Engagement: Encourages students to participate in outreach projects that give back.
Holistic Education: Combines academic learning with life skills, making lessons both memorable and impactful.

Bring PonyUp4Kids to Your School

Are you ready to inspire your students with lessons in kindness, responsibility, and the science of animal care? Our team is eager to collaborate with your school to create unforgettable learning experiences. We are happy to customize assemblies and programs to meet the requirements of your school.

Contact Us Today to schedule an assembly or learn more about our programs. Together, we can empower the next generation of compassionate leaders.

Email: info@PonyUp4Kids.com

Sample School Assembly: Horses & Humane Education ExperienCE

horse charity gives equine welfare presentation

Objective:

Bring the New York State-mandated humane education curriculum to life with an unforgettable day where students experience the benefits of equine care, compassion, and responsibility firsthand.

School Program Outline

1. Assembly Kick-Off (30 minutes)

Introduction to Humane Treatment and Equine Care
- An experienced horse handler and representative from PonyUp4Kids opens the assembly, sharing the importance of humane treatment of animals and how horses fit into our natural ecosystem.
- Students learn how caring for animals teaches responsibility, empathy, and respect for all living beings.

2. Meet the Horse or Pony (45 minutes)

Up Close with a Special Guest Horse or Pony
- Students gather outside or in the gymnasium to meet the visiting horse or pony. They learn basic facts about the animal, from its diet and care needs to how horses communicate through body language.
- Handlers demonstrate grooming and explain how proper care impacts the horse’s health and happiness.

3. Interactive Stations (1 hour)

Students rotate through activity stations, each designed to teach a different aspect of humane education:
- Station 1: Responsibility in Action - Students observe or participate in brushing and grooming the horse, learning how these small acts contribute to the animal’s well-being.
- Station 2: Understanding Equine Communication - Handlers discuss and demonstrate horse body language, showing students how horses express comfort, discomfort, and trust.
- Station 3: What Horses Teach Us - Through hands-on demonstrations, students discover how caring for animals fosters patience, empathy, and resilience.

4. Reflection & Q&A (30 minutes)

Wrap-Up Discussion and Student Reflections
- Students share what they learned about humane treatment and animal responsibility.
- Q&A session with the handlers and PonyUp4Kids representatives allows students to explore more about horses and their role in animal welfare.
- Students are invited to share how they felt interacting with the horse and how it may change the way they see animals in everyday life.

School Program Benefits

This assembly provides an immersive experience that supports New York State Education Law §809, which emphasizes humane treatment of animals as part of the elementary curriculum. By seeing a horse up close and learning about its needs, students gain practical lessons in compassion, empathy, and responsibility that will stay with them for years to come.

To bring this program to your school or learn more about humane education, visit PonyUp4Kids.com or send an email to PonyUpforKids@gmail.com

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