Horseback Riding has great positive effects for all students! The Plaid Horse identified 5 Psychological Benefits Of Horse Riding for Kids:

• Improved self-esteem and confidence
• Improved sense of responsibility
• Improved mentality
• Reduced anxiety
• Improved social skills

Trail rides have even more benefits for students and riders! Ridge Meadow Horse Farm shared their ‘Top 10 Reasons To Go on Horse Trail Rides’ 

• A horse trail ride immerses you in nature
• Trail riding is so much fun
• Getting out is good for horse and rider
• Trail riding boosts your confidence
• There’s no pressure
• It’s a great way to stay healthy
• Horse trail rides improve mental health
• Horse riding instills discipline
• Almost anyone can go on a horse trail ride
• It’s a fantastic way to spend your leisure time

So, what does this mean for teachers? 

Take advantage of local businesses and take you class to local facilities for them to ride and spend time with horses! There are countless local businesses that offer horse experiences and trail rides – two of my favourites are below!

Freedom Equine is based out of Fort Steele, and offers Therapeutic Riding and Equine Assisted Learning programs right here in Cranbrook! This centre offers options for schools and field trips! They have the resources to have students for trail rides and an introduction to horses, or for group Equine Assisted Learning sessions. This would be a great way to introduce the positive effects of horses to students. 

Windover Equestrian is another great facility in Wycliffe that offers horse experiences for school field trips. Windover provides a safe atmosphere and wonderful horses for students to see the wonderful effects of horses. I have worked here previously and helped with their Kids Camps – they are great for sharing the huge benefits horses can have on people!

Weekly Equine-Assisted Therapy Activities

Activity 13: Groundwork and Boundaries

I absolutely loved this activity. I used this as an opportunity to work with my 2 year old horse, who tends to have issues with boundaries. We worked on giving me space and responding to small body language cues (with the help of my uncle). Check out the video below!

Activity 14: Gratitude and Affirmations

I spent this time sitting with my horse, and being thankful for her and how she has supported my throughout the years. I often take her for granted so this was a very meaningful time for me, that I am so glad this activity gave me. 

Activity 15: Closure and Reflection

This was the final activity of the workbook, and I could not be more thankful for the experiences these activities gave me. I always knew how much horses helped me, and how lucky I am, but doing these activities made me slow down and truly be grateful and reflect. These activities encouraged me to go to my horses in times of stress, and they helped me calm down so much!

Horses always have, and always will be a huge part of my life – but these activities helped show me truly how amazing of animals they are.