— CORE PROGRAM
Core Youth Development
Graceful Growth Equine Youth Initiative
A leadership and life skills program using horses to build confidence, boundaries, communication, and emotional regulation. Horsemanship instruction uses the Parelli
Method — a natural, relationship-based approach.
LEADERSHIP
LIFE SKILLS
PARELLI METHOD
Kids Club
A youth service group focused on community projects, leadership development, and peer support. Kids Club members develop a sense of purpose, responsibility, and belonging alongside their equine partners.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
PEER SUPPORT
Work-to-
Ride Program
Kids earn riding opportunities through barn work, volunteering, and demonstrated responsibility. This program builds work ethic, accountability, and a deep appreciation for the horses who make it all possible.
RESPONSIBILITY
BARN WORK
— STEM + ANIMALS
Equine Education Programs
Hands-on, curriculum-based horse science for curious kids who want to go deeper than just riding.
Jr. Equine Vet Explorers (Levels 1–4)
A progressive, hands-on horse science curriculum that takes students from beginner to advanced concepts across four levels. Perfect for kids who love animals and want to explore careers in veterinary medicine, equine science, or biology.
Skeletal, muscular & digestive anatomy
Disease prevention & case studies
Endocrine & nervous system (advanced)
Health care & first aid
Genetics & horse history
Creative classes using EAL
LEVEL 1
LEVEL 2
LEVEL 3
LEVEL 4
Jr. Vet Camp Intensives
— TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE
Equine-Assisted & Therapeutic Programs
Our therapeutic programs are designed for youth and families who need more than enrichment — they need healing. Horses meet every client exactly where they are.
EAL / EAP Therapy Groups
Equine-Assisted Learning and Psychotherapy group sessions for youth in crisis, safe house residents, and those needing trauma-
informed support. Sessions focus on emotional regulation, connection, and building trust.
Family Enrichment Program
8-week sessions for families to bond, heal, and grow together. Activities include grooming, groundwork, connection exercises, and optional art + creative components — all centered around the horses.
Individual Equine Sessions
One-on-one sessions using horses to support confidence-building, emotional healing, and personal growth.
These private sessions are tailored
to each individual's needs and therapeutic goals.
Peer Mentoring Program
A unique peer-to-peer support experience for survivors. Each mentor has their own individualized story and meets the client where they are on their healing journey — sharing life skills, coping skills, and lived experiences alongside equine interaction.
Conditions Effectively Addressed Through Equine-Assisted Therapy
ANXIETY
TRAUMA & PTSD
AUTISM SPECTRUM
DEPRESSION
ADDICTION RECOVERY
DEVELOPMENTAL ISSUES
EMOTIONAL DYSREGULATION
LOW CONFIDENCE
— EVIDENCE-BASED MENTAL HEALTH
EAGALA — Equine Assisted Growth & Learning
Animals & Kids is proud to offer EAGALA-model sessions — a globally recognized, evidence-based approach that pairs a licensed mental health professional with a certified equine specialist for powerful ground-based therapeutic work.
All Ground-Based — No Riding Required
EAGALA sessions take place entirely on the ground. Clients interact with horses through leading, grooming, and groundwork exercises — then process their thoughts, feelings, and behavioral patterns with the licensed mental health professional present in every session. No prior horse experience is needed.
A Certified Two-Professional Team
Every EAGALA session is led by both a licensed mental health professional and a certified equine specialist working together as a team. This dual-professional model ensures each client receives both clinical support and expert equine guidance simultaneously.
How an EAGALA Session Works
1
Client arrives at the arena — no riding gear needed, just comfortable clothes
2
Equine specialist introduces horses and guides ground interactions (leading, grooming, groundwork)
3
Licensed mental health professional observes, facilitates reflection, and processes emerging thoughts and patterns
4
~1 hour total — session closes with grounding reflection and next-step goal setting
EAGALA Effectively Supports
Trauma & PTSD
Anxiety & Depression
Behavioral Challenges
Addiction Recovery
Family Dynamics
Social Skills
ADHD
Grief & Loss
Formally Certified & Evidence-Based
EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) is one of the most widely recognized certifying bodies in equine-assisted mental health worldwide. All EAGALA practitioners complete rigorous training and must earn continuing education credits every two years to maintain certification — giving families and funders confidence in the quality and integrity of every session.
— ART + HORSES
Creative & Enrichment Programs
Paint & Ride
Horse time combined with a guided art class. Students spend time with the horses then channel the experience into creative expression through painting. Confidence-building through both mediums.
Art Classes
Structured multi-week art sessions for K–12 students covering the elements and principles of art. Classes are designed to complement the equine experience and give children another outlet for expression and healing.
Music Classes
A beginner-friendly music education program introducing children to rhythm, melody, and musical expression. Part of our whole-child enrichment philosophy — healing happens through many doorways.
— BEYOND OUR FARM
Community & Outreach Programs
Gus & Stormy's Family Storytime
Combining literacy and horses for young readers. Families join us for storytime, horse grooming, interactive activities, and pony rides — creating magical memories and a love of reading alongside gentle equine companions.
LITERACY
FAMILY FRIENDLY
Mobile Outreach Program
Bringing the healing power of horses directly into the community — we take Stormy and other gentle horses to schools, shelters, organizations, and community events to share the transformative experience beyond our farm.
SCHOOLS
SHELTERS
EVENTS
— SUMMER PROGRAMS
Camps & Seasonal Programs
SUMMER 2025 ENROLLMENT OPEN
Summer Camps
An unforgettable summer experience combining riding lessons, horse grooming, games, crafts, pool time, and community service. Available in Beginner and Themed Weeks formats for different skill levels and interests.
Riding & grooming instruction
Games, crafts & pool time
Community service component