Equine Bridges

FES / Gardiner Reimbursable

Equine Bridges offers neurodiverse children and their families an affirming community and empowering experiences through nature-based learning.

Co-led by 3 professionals:

  • WHO:

    • Students age 7 - 18

    • Sibling group available which meets concurrently

    • Parents are encouraged to join other parents while their children meet to form parent connections

  • WHEN:

    • Meets weekly throughout the school year

    • 2024-2025 school year:

      • Wednesday mornings (homeschoolers)

        • 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

        • August 21 - December 18

  • WHERE:

  • WHAT:

    • 2 hours at the farm in a small group peer learning environment

    • Learning curriculum includes:

      • horse & animal care (unmounted)

      • horse riding (mounted)

      • confidence building

      • developing a growth mindset

      • interpersonal skills & social-emotional learning

      • improved body awareness through stretching


 

How can my child benefit from improved communication and social skills?

The right set of social skills will make it easier for a child to make friends, share with their classmates, and cooperate in social environments. Well-developed social skills also lead to improved cognitive abilities and better mental health.

There is evidence-based research showing how social skills groups have a positive impact on children, including (but not limited to) children with autism.  Developing social interaction and understanding in individuals with autism spectrum disorder: a groupwork intervention - PubMed (nih.gov).

Come join the fun!

**participants must be able to independently and safely follow directions within a group setting for the safety of the participants and animals.