Youth Programs
An alternative education experience for students who learn best outside of the classroom.
At Ironstone Farm, we believe children are the future. Through Equine-Assisted Learning, we strive to provide students from historically marginalized groups and specialized classrooms with the experiences they need to succeed in school and achieve their long-term goals. The Equine-Assisted Learning Program uses the working farm atmosphere to teach young adults through experiential learning. Students Learn About:
- Horseback riding
- Feeding the horses and nutrition
- Herd behavior and animal biology
- Communicating with horses in a positive way
- Effective teamwork through guided challenges and obstacles
- Mental wellness and restoring trust or a sense of safety
- Work ethic through farm projects
Our equine-assisted programs provide youth living with trauma and mental health challenges a unique opportunity to build trust, develop emotional resilience, and improve self-esteem. Working with horses in a therapeutic setting fosters a calming, non-judgmental environment where these individuals can process their emotions, enhance social skills, and experience healing through the bond with the animals.
How Horses Teach
Our well-trained therapeutic horses act as a mirror, reflecting our own behavior and teaching young adults to think about how their energy and physical actions impact the world around them. Students develop transferable soft skills through learning about horseback riding and care, and they have the opportunity to develop leadership skills in group settings.
Learning to care for an animal teaches important lessons about self-care and personal hygiene. Interacting with our horses increases awareness of the natural world and deepens the students’ understanding of animals and life.