Cookies & Cocoa with Santa

 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.  

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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