The group of 15 students in grades two to six visited the barn for two hours, once a week for eight weeks. There, they rotated through three different stations in small groups. They learned about the responsibilities of owning a horse, caring for a horse, and how horses communicate. They journaled about what they learned, what they enjoyed most about their experience, and what they hoped to do the next week.

Some of the comments included:

— “It’s so fun! I’m learning about horses and how they communicate.”

— “Kids who never sign up for activities signed up for this.”

Ripley students took part in creating posters and caring for horses at Centaur Stride.

— “I love horses so much!”

And yes, they got to ride! As one can imagine, that part was a special treat for the participants. “My favorite part is riding the horses! I learned about the personalities of the different horses.”

Holly Reslink, director of programming at Centaur Stride, was pleased with the outcome of this round of Horse Club for the Ripley students.

“The Ripley Horse Club afterschool program had so many wonderful moments where the kids impressed me,” she said. “From the excitement on their faces each week to their engagement at each station to watching the students progress from Week One to Week Eight was nothing less than amazing to be a part of.”

Students received group riding lessons on horseback each week. In addition, they learned ground horsemanship skills such as grooming and brushing the horses. While talking about what a farrier does, students were able to see actual hoof clippings and horseshoes. They learned that horses’ teeth grow constantly, and found out about dental practices for them, including being able to touch a real tooth. Each after school session included a snack while discussing what they had learned and completing a horse-related craft.

The goal of the program is not just for students to learn the specifics of horsemanship, although of course that is important. By communing with these beautiful giants, children learn to overcome initial feelings of nervousness and walk away with a sense of pride in their accomplishments.

“I hope the students gained self-confidence,” Reslink said. “Through this program, I hope they learned how to work together caring for an animal, and I hope they had fun.”

Centaur Stride co-founder Claudia Monroe said she was pleased with the program, one of many options for schools and other groups hoping to use equine therapy with their students.

“We are good for people of all abilities,” Monroe said. “and now we are a CO-SER.” The term refers to a cooperative agreement to establish a shared service between BOCES and two or more districts. The purpose of a CO-SER is to provide educational services to enhance the programing of local schools, and it allows districts reimbursement.

Parents gave the seal of approval to Centaur Stride’s Horse Club, as well.

“I would love to see the program run again,” said RCS parent Katie Knight. “I really liked how they structured the weeks and the kids learned something new every week. It was so interactive.” She praised the way the program built on what students learned the previous weeks, and gave kudos to the staff at Centaur Stride. “Everyone was so friendly and knowledgeable.”

Monroe was proud of the afterschool club, noting that Centaur Stride Therapeutic Riding Facility has many programs that can be tailored to suit the needs of groups or individuals. She said past programs have included an Oregon Trail game done on horseback, a Pony Express activity, and PRIDE (Positive Reinforcement In Different Environments). “That one was great. Students and parents set goals for themselves, and spent six weeks with a checklist. If they met their weekly goals, they earned time at the barn. We did the program with four schools, and the kids in all four schools had perfect results. Every one earned their riding privileges.”

Centaur Stride Therapeutic Riding Facility provides horseback riding lessons for riders of all abilities, which helps to increase confidence and strengthen core muscles. For more information, visit www.centaurstride.org or call 716-326-4318.