PonyUp4Kids PROGRAMS

---

We pair youth participants with horses and guide them through activities that require clear communication and trust-building. Participants can practice leading the horse through an obstacle course using verbal commands and body language, fostering trust and teamwork between the youth and the horse. 

We present youth participants with hypothetical scenarios involving challenges or conflicts related to horse care or handling. They are encourage to work together to brainstorm solutions, negotiate compromises, and make decisions collaboratively. This exercise promotes critical thinking, empathy, and effective communication skills. 

We guide youth in reflecting on their emotions and how they affect their interactions with horses. We lead discussions about recognizing and managing emotions such as frustration, fear, and impatience, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and emotional regulation in building positive relationships with animals and people alike. 

We create scenarios where youth must take on leadership roles and make decisions on behalf of their team or group, with the guidance of their mentors. For example, youth may be tasked with planning and executing a horse care routine, allocating responsibilities, and resolving conflicts that arise. This exercise develops leadership skills, confidence, and accountability. 

 We encourage youth to consider the perspectives and needs of the horses they interact with, fostering empathy and compassion. We facilitate discussions about understanding non-verbal cues, recognizing signs of stress or discomfort in horses, and adjusting their behavior accordingly. This exercise promotes empathy, mindfulness, and responsible stewardship of animals. 

We lead discussions about establishing clear communication and boundaries in interactions with horses, emphasizing the importance of assertiveness, respect, and consistency. We role-play scenarios where youth practice setting boundaries with the horse, such as maintaining personal space or establishing ground rules for handling. 

We invite youth participants to groom and care for horses, fostering a sense of responsibility and empathy. Through hands-on interactions with the horses, youth learn about grooming techniques, horse behavior, and the importance of building trusting relationships. These activities promote social skills such as cooperation, teamwork, and communication, as participants work together to care for the horses. 

We teach youth how to lead horses through various groundwork exercises, such as leading, lunging, and obstacle courses. These activities require clear communication, assertiveness, and body language awareness, helping youth develop leadership skills and confidence. Through leading exercises, youth also learn about boundaries, respect, and trust, both for themselves and the horses. 

We offer riding lessons & therapeutic riding sessions as part of the EALA program. Riding horses provides a unique opportunity for youth to develop balance, coordination, and concentration, while also building a deep connection with the horse. Riding activities are tailored to the individual needs and abilities of each participant, focusing on building confidence, self-esteem, and emotional regulation. 

We facilitate reflection and discussion sessions after each EALA activity, allowing youth to process their experiences, emotions, and insights. We encourage participants to share their thoughts, observations, and feelings in a supportive and non-judgmental environment. These sessions promote self-awareness, empathy, and insight, as youth learn to recognize and understand their own emotions and those of the horses. 

We collaborate with licensed therapists or counselors to offer equine-assisted therapy sessions as part of the EALA program. These therapy sessions use interactions with horses as a therapeutic tool to address specific social, emotional, or behavioral challenges faced by youth. Through activities such as grooming, leading, and riding, participants explore issues such as trust, communication, boundaries, and emotional regulation in a safe and supportive environment. 

We incorporate nature-based activities into the EALA program, such as trail rides, nature walks, or outdoor games. These activities provide opportunities for youth to connect with the natural environment, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. Spending time outdoors with horses can enhance mindfulness, resilience, and appreciation for the world around them. 

 We provide an overview of basic equine care practices, including feeding, grooming, hoof care, and stall maintenance. Allowing youth to participate in hands-on activities such as grooming a horse, cleaning a stall, and preparing feed rations under supervision. 

Explore the behavior and communication signals of horses, including body language, vocalizations, and social interactions. We discuss how horses express emotions such as fear, contentment, and agitation, and how understanding these cues can promote safer and more respectful interactions. 

We teach youth about the importance of preventive healthcare for horses, including vaccinations, deworming, dental care, and regular veterinary check-ups. We discuss common health issues and injuries that affect horses, and how to recognize signs of illness or distress. 

We discuss the responsibilities and commitments involved in owning and caring for a horse, including financial considerations, time commitments, and ethical considerations. We explore topics such as proper housing, exercise, and environmental enrichment to promote the well-being of horses & ponies. 

We provide an overview of equine nutrition principles, including the role of forage, concentrates, and supplements in a horse's diet. We discuss how to evaluate a horse's body condition score and adjust feeding practices accordingly to maintain optimal health and weight. 

We emphasize the importance of humane and ethical handling and natural & classical training methods that prioritize the well-being and welfare of the horse. We discuss positive reinforcement techniques, stress-free handling practices, and the importance of building trust and rapport with horses through patience and empathy.  Hands-on horse activities included.

We host a workshops focused on teaching families about equine safety practices. Topics include S.A.F.E.R. horsemanship handling techniques, proper use of equipment such as helmets and lead ropes, and how to recognize signs of stress or discomfort in horses. Hands-on demonstrations and interactive activities can help families practice essential safety skills. 

We plan team-building activities that require parent-child pairs to work together to complete challenges or solve puzzles. These activities can strengthen communication, cooperation, and trust between family members while fostering a sense of unity and shared accomplishment. 

 We set up stations for families to engage in equine-themed art and craft activities, such as painting horse portraits, creating horse-themed sculptures, or designing horse-themed greeting cards. This creative outlet provides an opportunity for self-expression and allows families to bond over shared artistic endeavors. 

 We offer a yoga or mindfulness session for families led by a certified instructor, with horses present in the background. Participants can engage in gentle yoga poses, breathing exercises, and mindfulness activities while surrounded by the calming presence of horses. This session promotes relaxation, stress reduction, and mindful connection with nature for both children and adults. 

This workshop is designed to help couples strengthen their relationship and deepen their emotional connection through interactions with horses. Couples participate in activities that require cooperation, trust, and mutual support, such as navigating obstacle courses, leading horses through challenges, and engaging in reflective exercises. Facilitators guide couples in exploring themes such as communication, empathy, and problem-solving within their relationship, drawing parallels between their interactions with horses and their dynamics as a couple. This workshop provides a unique opportunity for couples to learn and grow together while fostering a deeper understanding of themselves and each other. 

 This combined workshop offers families a holistic and enriching experience that promotes environmental awareness, animal welfare, and family bonding in a beautiful outdoor setting.  

Families enjoy a delicious outdoor meal while facilitators lead discussions about the ecological role of ponies in their natural habitat. Topics include ponies' grazing habits, interaction with other wildlife, and the importance of maintaining a balanced ecosystem. Families learn about conservation practices and the significance of preserving natural habitats for ponies and other wildlife. 

 Following the picnic, families have the opportunity to interact with the ponies up close. Under the guidance of experienced handlers, children and adults groom, pet, and feed the ponies, fostering a sense of connection and appreciation for these gentle animals. Facilitators share insights into pony behavior, communication cues, and basic care practices, promoting responsible and compassionate interaction with animals. 

After the pony interaction session, families embark on a guided nature trail walk through the surrounding landscape. Along the trail, facilitators   encourage families to engage in nature-based activities.    This immersive outdoor experience provides opportunities for families to connect with nature, explore their surroundings, and appreciate the beauty and diversity of the natural world. 

At the conclusion of the nature trail walk, families gather for a reflective discussion about their experiences and observations. Facilitators guide discussions about the interconnectedness of humans, animals, and the environment, encouraging families to share their thoughts, questions, and insights. Families reflect on the lessons learned from interacting with ponies and exploring nature, emphasizing the importance of conservation, stewardship, and fostering a deeper connection with the natural world. 

We collaborate with local schools to offer Equine-Assisted Learning workshops that integrate horses into educational activities. These workshops focus on topics such as leadership development, social-emotional learning, and environmental education, using interactions with horses as a therapeutic tool to enhance learning and engagement. 

We partner with community organizations such as youth clubs, 4-H/Pony Club groups, and scout troops to host Equine Welfare Education seminars. These seminars could cover topics such as responsible horse care, equine behavior and communication, and the importance of animal welfare. Participants would gain knowledge and skills to become advocates for horses and promote compassionate care within their communities. 

We organize training sessions for youth advocates interested in promoting the well-being of youth and animals in the community. These sessions could provide education on effective advocacy strategies, public speaking skills, and opportunities for youth to engage in grassroots activism. Empowered with knowledge and resources, youth advocates can champion policies and initiatives that support the welfare of both youth and animals. 

We partner with government agencies such as social services departments and mental health organizations to conduct Equine Therapy demonstrations. These demonstrations would showcase the benefits of equine-assisted therapy for individuals with physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges, highlighting its effectiveness in improving mental health, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. 

 We host & participate in community awareness events in collaboration with local government agencies and community organizations to raise awareness about youth issues, equine welfare, and the programs offered by PonyUp4Kids. These events include panel discussions, parades, and interactive activities that educate attendees about the importance of supporting the well-being of youth and animals in the community. 

We offer workshops on policy advocacy and legislative engagement for individuals and organizations interested in advancing policies that support youth and animal welfare. These workshops provide training on effective advocacy strategies, coalition building, and engaging with policymakers to influence legislation and allocate resources towards programs that benefit youth and animals. 

 Host a multi-day leadership boot camp designed to immerse youth in intensive leadership training. Through interactive workshops, team-building activities, and guest speakers, participants learn essential leadership skills such as communication, decision-making, conflict resolution, and goal setting. Hands-on exercises and simulations provide opportunities for youth to practice leadership in real-world scenarios and receive feedback from mentors. 

We offer workshops focused on public speaking and presentation skills to help youth become confident and articulate communicators. Participants learn techniques for effective public speaking, including voice projection, body language, storytelling, and audience engagement. They have opportunities to practice delivering speeches, presentations, and pitches related to PonyUp4Kids programs and initiatives, building their confidence and leadership presence. 

We provide training in project management for youth interested in leading community service projects on behalf of PonyUp4Kids. Participants learn how to identify community needs, develop project plans, recruit volunteers, allocate resources, and measure outcomes. They apply project management principles to plan and implement service projects such as trail clean-ups, equine therapy sessions for underserved populations, or educational workshops for local schools. 

We partner with government agencies such as social services departments and mental health organizations to conduct Equine Therapy demonstrations. These demonstrations would showcase the benefits of equine-assisted therapy for individuals with physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges, highlighting its effectiveness in improving mental health, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. 

 Organize leadership roundtable discussions where youth leaders have the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with experienced mentors, community leaders, and industry professionals. Topics for discussion may include leadership challenges, career exploration, personal development, and social impact. These discussions provide a platform for youth to share their ideas, seek guidance, and network with peers and mentors who can support their leadership journey. 

 We offer workshops focused on fundraising and event planning skills, empowering youth to organize their own fundraising events in support of PonyUp4Kids. Participants learn about fundraising strategies, event logistics, marketing and promotion, budgeting, and donor stewardship. They work in teams to plan and execute fundraising events such as bake sales, car washes, or charity auctions, gaining practical experience while raising funds for a worthy cause.