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:
Julia Gerhard, CCC-SLP, DMA (Speech Therapist)
Sally Ann Cheyne, PATH, Intl ESMHL (Equine Assisted Learning Specialist)
Karah Hammontree, Mental Health Specialist
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:
Cheyne Ranch, in Oviedo, FL
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.