Equine Education - Green Chimneys

hai2022: Focus on A for Animal

November 30, 2021

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.

Gyrfalcon

Crowned the best for falconry in medieval times, gyrfalcons were once reserved for kings. As the largest falcon in the world, with exquisite plumage ranging from bright white to deep charcoal, gyrs are revered for their powerful skill of flight. Their long wings make hunting waterfowl from 3,000-feet-high a feasible and fantastical feat. This falcon was flown in the sport of falconry for several years.