Treasures

Please NOTE: This is not a traditional horseback riding lesson program.

Participants will spend time with the horses each week, including mounted activities, but the focus is on connection, confidence, and real-life skill building through animals, nature, and meaningful work. For riding lessons, learn more here

What is TREASURES?

TREASURES is a small-group program for teenagers that meets weekly at Cheyne Ranch.

The goal is to provide an inclusive, accessible, outdoor environment where teens can build confidence, discover their strengths, work together, and experience meaningful connection with both animals and each other.

This program is grounded in the emerging field of Animal-Assisted Activities and Learning (AAA/AAL), also known as Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL).

When:

Fridays (teen girls 14+)

5:00 PM - 7:30 PM

What will we be doing during TREASURES?

Each week will follow a relaxed, predictable rhythm so participants know what to expect while still allowing flexibility.

5:00 – 5:30 PM · Community
Welcome, circle time, and connecting with each other

5:30 – 6:15 PM · Animal Care
Working together on animal care in the barn

6:15 – 6:45 PM · Discover Our Strengths
Dinner together and an activity from the TREASURES curriculum

6:45 – 7:30 PM · Horse Time
Mounted and unmounted activities with the horses

7:30 PM · Wrap-Up
Recap and goodbye until next week

Curriculum

Part of this program is inspired by the TREASURES Curriculum, which includes structured activities designed for small groups in equine-assisted learning programs.

You can learn more about the curriculum here (no need to purchase anything):
https://stridestosuccess.org/product/treasures-curriculum/

Strides to Success is a large equine-assisted learning and therapy program in Indiana and is recognized as a leader in the field.

What are the facilitator’s credentials?‍ ‍

Sally Ann Cheyne is both the owner the founder and president of Cheyne Ranch and the primary facilitator of TREASURES. She has 20 years experience as a software instructor and curriculum writer. She also homeschools her own 4 children, currently all teenagers.

Both Animal Assisted Activities (AAA) and Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) are recognized and growing fields. There are a few respected certifying organizations which offer a rigorous certification processes. Sally currently holds affiliations with the following organizations:

Program Cost

The full cost of this 8-week program is $775 per student.

For our 2025 BoysTown group, Cheyne Ranch is actively working to secure community support, including donated meals from local restaurants and additional funding to help cover program expenses. Our goal is to make this program accessible while still supporting the true cost of care, staffing, and animals.

Definitions:

Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) is an experiential learning approach that promotes the development of life skills for educational, professional and personal goals through equine-assisted activities.

Curriculum

From the Strides to Success website:

Description: Our newest curriculum, Treasures, is finally here!!!  We are very proud of this resource and are excited to share it with you.  We piloted the program over the last few years with wonderful success and are sure you will have the same success.  It is geared toward youth at risk but can be used with any population and any type of equine.  You can customize the succession of lessons to fit the needs of your group of equine-assisted learning client.   Each lesson is built much like our other curricula with a foundation in the Search Institute's developmental assets and focuses on a critical skill each week.  The concept of this curriculum is to help the individuals you serve find their inner strengths, or Treasures, through 12 ground activities that will lead them toward success in life.  All the resources you need are included in the appendix.  Includes 10 new activities created by the intern team at Strides!

Help your students develop trust to connect with others and the courage to try through this resource!  Discover the hidden Treasures in everyone you work with!

Register online below:

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