Group Program

KY Gaits to Growth is excited to partner with schools and other groups, providing an Equine Guided Education (EGE) program for 4th grade (eight years old) through high school students. EGE is an all encompassing, academic, motivational program that incorporates behavior and character development with a focus on TLC - Team Building, Leadership and Communication. The flexibility of our program gives us the ability to cater to individual learning styles.

A typical session is three hours long though the time can be tailored depending on the number of students and the needs of the group. Each session combines aspects of TLC: TEAM BUILDING, LEADERSHIP and COMMUNICATION SKILLS, BEHAVIOR and CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT, ACADEMICS and HORSE FUNDAMENTALS.

1. TLC: TEAM BUILDING, LEADERSHIP and COMMUNICATION SKILLS - Through a variety of specifically designed ground exercises with a horse, and with the guidance of a trained facilitator*, students use critical thinking skills and problem solving to discover strengths they have within themselves. The skills are reinforced by classroom discussions and team building activities.

2. ACADEMICS - Reading, writing, and public speaking are incorporated into sessions by having the children complete a short writing assignment related to the day's activities and present it to their peers. Many of the lessons in our program incorporate aspects of history, biology or math. Because the activities are so engaging, academics are "fun" and the students are motivated to participate in the learning process.

3. BEHAVIOR & CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT - The curriculum also incorporates a strong character/behavior development program that corresponds to the SEARCH INSTITUTE'S 40 Developmental Assets, (http://www.search-institute.org). The characteristics are concrete, common sense, positive experiences and qualities essential to raising successful young people. These assets have the power, during critical adolescent years, to influence choices young people make and help them become caring, responsible adults. The results are dramatic!

4. HORSE FUNDAMENTALS (VOCATIONAL SKILLS) - The students discover what is required to care for the horses. They learn how to properly and safely groom, take temperature, recognize signs of illness, assist the veterinarian and farrier, maintain the tack and muck stalls. This portion of the program builds a bond between student and horse, strengthens work ethic, increases physical stamina, and continues to reinforce the students' attention to detail and level of responsibility. The work is physical and challenging.

Please click here for a detailed snapshot of A Typical Day at the Farm.