Announcements

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.
Minka the ferret was donated to the students at Green Chimneys’ Clearpool campus by a family that wanted her to have an outlet for her boundless energy. She gives students the opportunity to learn about animal enrichment as they construct obstacle courses out of collapsible tubes and cardboard boxes for her to play in and show off her agility. This active girl never tires of playing, and sta. and students must be on their toes when she’s exploring the Nature Room because she has a reputation for snatching dry-erase markers and stashing them away in her blankets!