EQUINE SERVICES
Equine-Assisted Team Building & Skill Building Program (Grades 4 and Up)
Empowering School-Aged Students (Grades 4+) Through Ground-Based Psychoeducational Growth in Howell, MI
Our School-Aged Equine Team Building Program provides specialized, hands-on support for students who are at risk for academic failure, behavioral challenges, or emotional difficulties. This program operates as a psychoeducational skill-building group rather than traditional process therapy. Through structured classroom sessions and interactive, unmounted equine activities, students learn practical strategies to manage emotions, improve focus, and develop positive interpersonal habits. Our program includes:
- Hands-On Classroom Learning: Students work collaboratively in the classroom on targeted behavioral and emotional management activities.
- Immersive Barn Visits: At the end of each semester, participants visit Honeycomb Equestrian in Howell, Michigan for a 2-hour, fully unmounted team-building workshop with horses. (Note: All activities take place safely on the ground—no horse riding is involved).
- Flexible Scheduling: Available as a single-semester course or a full two-semester curriculum.
Core Skills & Topics Covered in the Program
Our curriculum directly supports Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) goals and addresses specific behavioral challenges faced by school-aged children. Below are some of the topics covered in the program. We can also tailor specific modules or topics upon request to meet the unique needs of your school group or student cohort.
Emotional Regulation & Focus
- Managing Impulsivity: Developing self-control and thoughtful decision-making habits.
- Attention & Concentration: Improving focus and task engagement in academic and social settings.
- Emotional Awareness: Recognizing triggers and navigating difficult emotions constructively.
Social Skills & Communication
- Healthy Communication: Building effective speaking, listening, and expressive skills.
- Social Skills Training: Learning peer cooperation and positive group interactions.
- Team Building & Cooperation: Working together to solve real-world problems.
Self-Advocacy & Resilience
- Navigating Peer Pressure & Bullying: Equipping students with tools to resist negative influences and handle interpersonal conflicts.
- Building Self-Esteem: Cultivating confidence through positive reinforcement and success with equine partners.
- Self-Advocacy: Teaching youth how to express their needs confidently and appropriately.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Equine School-Aged Team Building Program?
Our equine team building program is designed specifically for school-aged students in Grades 4 and up. The curriculum combines classroom-based school visits with immersive barn experience days to build communication, confidence, and teamwork skills through equine-assisted learning activities.
How is the program structured throughout the school year?
The full-year program runs across two semesters, featuring a balanced blend of school visits and an on-site barn visit each semester:
- Semester 1 (Fall/Winter): 5 total school visits (September–November) ending with 1 barn visit in December.
- Semester 2 (Winter/Spring): 5 total school visits (January–April) ending with 1 barn visit in May.
How much does the youth equine team building program cost?
Tuition is $1,850 per semester or $3,700 for the full academic year. This covers all facilitated school visits and end-of-semester barn trips.
How long is each in-school session?
Each classroom or school-based session runs for one hour.
What are the minimum and maximum group sizes?
To ensure maximum engagement and safety:
Maximum group size: 12 participants
Minimum group size: 6 participants
What facilities and supplies does the school need to provide?
Participating schools are asked to provide:
- Signed parent/guardian permission slips for all participating students prior to the start date.
- A dedicated room or classroom equipped with desks for group activities.
- Basic writing and craft supplies (pens, crayons, markers, paper, etc.).
Are there physical requirements or restrictions for students?
To safely participate in all group exercises, students should be verbal and able to walk independently.
How are allergies handled for barn and school visits?
Students with known allergies to horses, cats, or hay are still welcome to participate at their own risk. We encourage participants with sensitivity to wear protective masks or gloves during activities as needed.