Services for INDIVIDUALS

We view disabilities and life challenges through the broadest possible lens. Pony Power offers several types of horse-assisted services to those who need more support or different activity options than traditional equestrian centers provide. We also offer garden- and nature-based programs.

Our participants include children and adults with autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, developmental delays, visual impairments and traumatic brain injuries, as well as those experiencing learning differences, mental health diagnoses, trauma, loss, and life-limiting or life-threatening diseases.

 

Scheduling

Pony Power’s programs run on seasonal semesters, unless otherwise noted. Families or caregivers choose an available day and time and attend lessons on that same day and time throughout the course of the program.

Registration opens approximately 2 months before the start of each semester.

Riding and Horse Assisted Learning Months Length Lessons Given
Winter Semester January - February 6 weeks Sunday mornings and Monday - Thursday Afternoons
Spring Semester March - June 12 weeks Sunday Mornings and Monday - Thursday Afternoons
Summer Semester July - August 6 weeks Monday - Thursday Afternoons
Fall Semester September - December 12 weeks Sunday Mornings and Monday - Thursday Afternoons
 
All Hands In Afternoon Enrichment Program
Winter January - February 6 weeks Tuesdays, 4:30-6 p.m.
Spring March - June 12 weeks
Summer July - August 6 weeks
Fall September - December 12 weeks
 

Fees and SCHOLARSHIPS

We are proud that our fees have remained the same for over 10 years. While still an investment for families, our fees cover only part of the actual cost of providing these unique recreational activities. 

We fundraise as an organization to bridge the gap between fees and actual costs. Pony Power also fundraises to make need-based scholarships available to individuals.

View the current registration forms for specific program dates, fees and the attendance/makeup policy.

 
 
““Pony Power saved me. Riding gives me straight posture and confidence. For 30 minutes, all my problems seem to flee.”
— Tiffany, Pony Power Rider for 7 years
 

HORSE-ASSISTED PROGRAMS

Therapeutic Horseback Riding (full and partial support)

Therapeutic horseback riding allows participants to learn basic horseback riding skills in a safe, structured and supportive environment. During each 30-minute riding lesson, participants are paired with an instructor, two trained volunteers, and a horse to suit their individual needs.

There is no need for proof of a medical diagnosis, a doctor’s prescription or an individualized education program (IEP).

Potential benefits of therapeutic riding include improved:

  • strength and balance

  • posture and flexibility

  • communication

  • Riders must:

    • be at least 2.5 years old; there is no maximum age

    • be cleared medically to participate and considered safe and appropriate for the activity by Pony Power staff

    • meet height and weight guidelines established for our current herd of horses according to industry standards

    • be able to tolerate wearing a riding helmet for the entire lesson

    • provide their own ASTMI-approved helmet

    • please also note that parents/guardians/caregivers must stay on site during all individual lessons, and that equipment may vary as determined by Pony Power staff.

Horse-assisted Learning

This non-riding program focuses on horse care and handling. Participants learn how to handle and move around a horse safely while using common grooming tools, and may progress to lead-walking the horse. During each 30-minute lesson, participants work one-on-one with an instructor and the same horse or different horses each week, depending on their goals.

This program helps participants practice key life skills including safety and awareness setting and respecting boundaries, problem-solving, and responsibility.

Farm in Motion (Summer, 1 week program)

This half-day summer program is open to children with physical, emotional, and/or developmental challenges and their siblings, ages 7 to 15.

Activities include:

  • Horseback riding

  • Horse care and handling (baths, grooming, first aid, lead-walking)

  • Garden games, learning, gentle yoga, fitness and farming

NATURE-BASED PROGRAMS

 

Garden-Assisted Learning

Pony Power’s Farm in the Forest garden is the setting for this program where participants are encouraged to touch, taste and smell as many things as possible!

Activities include:

  • exploring all aspects of gardening, from planting to harvesting

  • sensory scavenger hunts

  • watering, weeding and plant care

  • art-making

  • learning about plants, irrigation systems and composting

All HANDS In: Afternoon Enrichment Program

This horse-assisted, nature-driven learning experience uses horses, the farm and nature to practice life, occupational and personal-social skills in a safe, supportive and friendly environment.

All HANDS In is open to young adults with physical, emotional, and/or developmental challenges.

Please note: This program is limited to 8 participants. New participants are required to interview prior to registration. Please call to learn more and schedule an interview: 201-934-1001.

Forest Babies

Children ages 1.5-4 and their parent or caregiver discover the wonders of farm life and explore the entire farm during these child-led and technology-free outdoor sessions.

Forest Babies socialize, walk and crawl on all kinds of terrain, dig in soil, explore their senses, feed and observe animals, harvest and taste in the garden, make music and listen to nature sounds. Space is limited to 10 children.

Adult Half-Day Summer Program

This non-riding program focuses on recreation and social and vocational skills-building.

Interested in signing up for Pony Power programming?

Please submit an online inquiry below or call 201-934-1001 for more information.