Equine Education

Our Equine Education program provides engaging, hands-on experiences for Green Chimneys School students by teaching them how to partner with horses in high quality, safe, and positive therapeutic interactions. Equine welfare, active care, and recognizing the responsibility humans have toward horses are a foundation of our approach. Equine activities, as part of the school day, enhance our students’ social, emotional, physical, and academic growth by giving them a place to develop new skills.

Experiential Ground-Based Learning

Programming is comprised of unmounted Equine-Facilitated Learning (EFL) and Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) activities, which include groundwork, caretaking, and observation. Lessons and activity periods focus on all elements of horse care and proper handling of equines. and on developing an understanding of equine body language and behavior. Our approach focuses on daily practical care of horses, some of whom may have special needs. This strategy supports our students’ physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development. Increased confidence, empathy and a deeper relationship with horses can be the result of these care-based interactions.

Horses have lived at Green Chimneys since 1947 when the land was still an active dairy farm. In those days students experienced how powerful, gentle, and impactful these animals can be. Today there are 20 equines of all sizes living on the farm. Each animal is a valued partner our Equine Education program. As with the hundreds of other animal species that call our Farm & Wildlife Center home, residential and day students, staff and volunteers have the opportunity to build lasting relationships with horses through observing and sharing their life journeys at close proximity.

Professional Equine Accreditation

Green Chimneys has chosen for many years to affiliate with the Professional Association of Therapeutic Riding International (PATH Intl.). Through them, we attain Premier Accredited Center status and to have our instructors certified in equine-assisted services. PATH Intl. designates safety standards for facilities and we comply with protocols expected of an equine-assisted service center.

  • Without the focus on riding mechanics, students concentrate the horses’ cues during groundwork classes, helping them to practice communication skills.

  • Our herd ranges from 34-inch-tall mini horses to a 19-hand-tall Clydesdale, so students can partner with animals of a size that matches their comfort level.

  • Students assist staff in keeping the horses mentally and physically fit through varied training exercises, like lunging or activities at liberty.