Equine Education - Green Chimneys

Autumn and Nature-Based Activities Inspire Learning at Boni-Bel Farm

October 19, 2020

Equine Education

Our Equine Education program provides engaging, hands-on experiences for Green Chimneys School students by teaching them how to partner with horses both in the saddle and on the ground 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.

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 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.

Green Chimneys has chosen for many years to affiliate with the Professional Association of Therapeutic Riding International (PATH Intl.), to 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.

Cricket

Say hello to Cricket! Born May 15, 2019 to mama Maya, this mini horse foal was the apple of our eye before she even arrived. For students who may struggle with human relationships, communicating or regulating emotions, preparing for Cricket’s birth provided learning opportunities and life lessons. “Watching a new life begin and seeing the foal’s connection to its mother – these experiences are not only priceless, but they can also be therapeutic”, says Michael Kaufmann, Director of Green Chimneys Farm & Wildlife Director and Head of The Sam and Myra Ross Institute.