THINK Like a Horse

Developing Life Skills, Leadership and Literacy

A unique learning program that uses horses to assist children and youth in developing life skills, leadership and literacy

THINK Like a Horse is an equine- assisted experiential learning program that uses real-life interactions with horses to help students develop and improve:

Awareness of self and others
social skills and communication
life and leadership skills
critical thinking and literacy

through organized, developmentally appropriate lessons.

It is not a learn to ride program - students engage with the horses through specific exercises that take place on the ground.
The program can be customized to provide programming for children and youth from grades one through twelve.

Target populations

Students of all ages and abilities can learn and benefit from participation in THINK Like a Horse
Because of the experiential nature of the program and unique interaction with horses the program is of particular benefit to those who are struggling to learn in a traditional classroom environment including those who:

have failing grades
are disengaged from the educational process
demonstrate behavior that is challenging or disruptive
have special learning styles
have emotional challenges
have mild to moderate developmental delays or autism

Benefits of Using Equine Assisted Learning

Equine assisted learning is a rapidly growing field throughout North America. Several research studies have been recently published supporting the benefits of Equine Assisted Learning. We would be happy to provide copies of this research upon request.

Research has shown that animals can play an important role in shaping child/youth development and that learning can be stimulated by the presence of animals:

Interacting with animals can be a powerful motivator for learning.
Children/youth retain more when they are emotionally invested in the subject
Learning is maximized when it occurs within significant relationships
Interacting with animals teaches children /youth in a concrete manner the needs of the animal thus providing children with the opportunity to apply this newly developed knowledge with others.

Equine Assisted Learning is learning by doing – with a horse.. Working with such a large, and sensitive animal is a powerful experience that engages participants physically, intellectually and emotionally and develops focus, motivation and self-confidence.
As prey animals that live in herds for safety, horses seek clear communication, trust, empathy and respect from us. They will respond in the moment to our human actions providing instant feedback. If we change our behaviours they will also change in that moment. This feedback enables us to immediately experience the effectiveness of newly acquired behaviours and life skills.

The program is offered in two formats:

At our farm in Stouffville

Students visit our farm in Stouffville (about 45 minutes from downtown Toronto) for a one-time full-day visit or for ongoing weekly /monthly sessions to work with our with specially trained horses . Details of the program can be customized to the needs of each group.

At the school

We will bring our mini horses to the school for a half-day introductory program. The program can be conducted in the parking lot or school yard.

Program features

Whenever possible the program incorporates classroom goals and ties into the existing themes and programs of the school
Curriculum is flexible to meet the needs of various ages and ability levels
Curriculum is strength-based and motivational. The goal is to provide a safe learning environment in which students discover that learning can be fun, positive and successful.
Academics can be incorporated into each lesson.
Participants in the on-going farm program are evaluated weekly to track progress in participation, behavior and skill application.

Program Goals

To create a more positive attitude towards learning (learning can be fun)
To develop and improve students’ life skills
To promote greater interest in reading, and writing
To develop creativity and critical thinking skills
To assist students in transferring the life skills into their own daily lives

Lesson Plans

Each lesson plan focuses on specific life skills such as:
Respect                Problem solving                Responsibility
Trust                      Empathy                              Tolerance
Honesty             Decision Making               Anger management

The focus of each lesson plan can be customized to the needs and grade level of each group. The format of the lesson is standard and includes:

an introduction of the skills
an experiential exercises with the horses
processing of the lesson – students express through writing or other means, discuss and share what they have learned in the lesson

A Success Story

Jamie, who is twelve years old, struggles with academics in school. Her mother said that it has always been a “constant stuggle” to get Jamie to write.. Now that Jamie is participating in the program with one of our ponies she has begun to write short stories about Ferguson ( the pony) on a regular basis.

This is her mother's letter to us:
"Hi Laura, thank you very much for letting Jamie "train" Fergus, she really enjoys it. I almost cried when you said Jamie was a natural with the horses. Everything Jamie does is hard for her, to hear that Jamie is a natural at something was a very nice thing to hear. Jamie is a wonderful child but for all Jamie's difficulties it always surprises me how confident she is.
The program is very important to Jamie, and to me, it is something Jamie really enjoys and it is not a difficult chore for her to participate. . The program is also so important to Jamie because she may not be able to run very fast or
she may not be able to read very well but SHE CAN TRAIN A PONY! Thank you. "

The Horses

The GIDDYUP! horses are specially trained for our year round therapeutic riding program. They are chosen for their calm, people-friendly personalities. Our ongoing, specialized training program is designed to teach them to react in a calm and controlled manner in all types of situations.

Program Director – Laura Hunter

For the past 30 years Laura been the owner and director of Laura Hunter’s STEPS Programs. Laura is also a certified LifeSkills Coach through the YWCA of Toronto .
STEPS, established in 1980, provides skill development to approximately 150 children and youth of all abilities each year. STEPS programs include GymSKills, Xceptional Biking, SummerSkills Day Camp and Giddyup Riding Program and Summer Camp.

Laura has also provided numerous in-service workshops on skill development to community groups and schools throughout Toronto and southern Ontario.

STEPS offers Equine Assisted Leadership to corporate and administrative groups through ‘The Lead Horse’ program.

If you would like further information about THINK Like a Horse
or to arrange a visit to the program
please contact Laura Hunter at (416)771-2217 or email: info@stepsprograms.com

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