With horses, the routine does not bend. Instead, humans must rise to meet it.

For so many, the dream of owning their own horse never fades. It is always a dream. Mostly a fantasy. The truth about horses is never realized in that fantasy.

Horses demand consistency, structure, and unwavering commitment. Feeding schedules must be precise; a missed or delayed meal can have serious consequences. Colic, a common but dangerous digestive condition, can occur when feeding is inconsistent and may quickly become costly, or even fatal.

Horses must be fed twice a day, every single day. This level of care leaves little room for spontaneity in an owner’s life and requires a steadfast sense of responsibility.

The costs of horse ownership extend far beyond feed. Boarding, stall maintenance, and daily cleaning are essential. Veterinary care can be expensive, and while attentive care helps keep horses healthy, unpredictability is part of the reality. Emergencies can arise at any time, requiring immediate professional attention. In addition, horses need regular visits from farriers, dentists, and sometimes specialized veterinarians to maintain overall health and comfort. I can relate to the Facebook post picturing a horse and the caption, “this is why I never take a vacation”.

Exercise is not optional, it is vital. Horses require daily movement to stay physically sound, just as they need social interaction to remain mentally healthy. Bonding with other horses or animals is crucial to their emotional well-being, reinforcing the fact that horses are not simply animals to ride, but complex beings with physical, mental, and social needs.

At Centaur Stride, these responsibilities are not only honored, they are transformed into opportunities for teaching and learning. The possibilities here are endless, but it takes dedicated people and funding to make them happen.

Research has consistently proven the benefits of horseback riding, and at Centaur Stride, those benefits are visible every day. But the impact of horses extends far beyond riding alone.

Reading can spark your imagination and mindfully take you anywhere. But comprehension and perceptions are based on cumulative real life experiences.

Recently, Centaur Stride brought reading and horses together in a truly meaningful way.

Susan Harris, a high school Foundations of English teacher, shared her reflections on a recent field trip visit to Centaur Stride with her students:

“The gentle clop of hooves, the soft whinnies, the scent of hay, and the quiet excitement of students meeting horses up close filled the air at Centaur Stride Therapeutic Horse-Riding Stables. For students from Westfield Academy and Central School, this visit was more than a field trip, it was an opportunity to step directly into the world of the characters they had been reading about in class.

The trip was carefully coordinated to support their study of a book centered on horses. Many of the students had limited experience with horses, making the hands-on visit especially meaningful. By brushing a horse, filling water buckets, feeding hay, and learning about the special care horses need, students were able to make real-life connections to the story. These experiences helped them visualize scenes, understand characters’ perspectives, recall details, reinforce new vocabulary, and strengthen comprehension.

This experience will surely be a catalyst for creative thought as students return to the classroom, apply it to writing skills, and gain greater confidence and motivation for future learning. Alison Mitchener, instructor and volunteer coordinator at Centaur Stride, provided a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment that made the experience comfortable and enjoyable for all. Even the barn cats added a special touch. Students left with smiles, confidence, and a deeper understanding of the story they were reading. It was a heartwarming day that highlighted the power of hands-on learning and left everyone feeling inspired.”

This enriching field trip was made possible at no cost to students through the “Volunteer Transitions” grant from the Westfield Fund. There are still remaining funds available for additional special education classes interested in learning about horses and volunteering.

Centaur Stride is also a Co-Ser partner with B.O.C.E.S., allowing schools to receive partial State reimbursement for Centaur Stride programs, for students with or without disabilities.

Through responsibility, care, and connection, Centaur Stride continues to show that horses are not only powerful teachers, but partners in learning, growth, and understanding.

Bookings for field trips, afterschool riding clubs and programs are now being scheduled for the Spring season starting in late March. Call the barn at (716) 326-4318 for more information. Centaur Stride relies on volunteers and donations to keep programs going and provide optimal care for the horses. Donations are tax deductible and checks can be sent to: Centaur Stride, Inc., PO Box 174, Westfield, NY 14787. Thank you for your support.

Claudia Monroe is co-founder and President of Centaur Stride.