our programs
Women’s Programming
Women Taking The Reins
Whether you grew up with horses or have never had the experience of interacting with one of these majestic animals, you’ll want to participate in Stepping Stone Farms School of Horsemanship retreat, Women Taking the Reins. This runs over three consecutive evenings. Each evening we’ll do ground work with horses, including grooming, the process of tacking (saddling/bridling), and eventually get some time in the saddle. We’ll also just spend time learning how to read and understand horse behavior, which will also tell us a lot about ourselves. You’ll definitely discover your inner cowgirl. The final evening closes with a celebration of what we've learned, refreshments and chocolates! Click here to learn more on our Women Taking The Reins website!
Women Taking The Reins 2023 Information
Equine Assisted Coaching and mentoring
Our program involves equine activities setup and facilitated by an E3A certified professional . These activities are most often performed on the ground (rather than riding) and include such things as brushing, haltering and leading the horse. During the process of working with the horse, the client engages in processing feelings, behaviors and patterns. The ultimate goal is to build skills such as personal responsibility assertiveness, non-verbal communications, self-confidence and self-control. This modality is thought to be an effective short-term therapeutic approach addressing a number of mental health issues including:
ADD/ADHD PTSD
Behavioral Issues
Depression and Anxiety
Low Self Esteem
Eating Disorders
Trauma
equine assisted learning (EAL)
EAL is also groundwork centered, interactive learning in the dynamic presence of horses. Unlike horseback riding instruction or therapeutic riding, EAL emphasizes the non-verbal relationship between horse and human. Participants are encouraged to closely observe and interact with the horse on the ground in a paddock. This groundwork is the basis for most basic horse training and is an essential element in establishing a relationship with the horse. EAL is particularly effective with exceptional students and those at risk of dropping out of school. It presents participants of all ages with interactive challenges designed to:
Improve communications skills
Recognize and build on strengths
Comprehend respect, trust and honesty
Enrich relationships and teamwork
Utilize critical thinking, planning and problem-solving skills
Brush up your Inner Cowpoke
Real cowgirls and cowboys make sure their horses are properly cared for. Horses at Stepping Stone Farms LOVE to be brushed and pampered. And not only is it needed and good for them, it’s good for humans, too. For a $25 donation (per person) you can spend quality groundwork time with one of our wonderful horses learning proper horsemanship techniques including grooming their coat, understanding horse body language, telling them that they are “such a good horse,” and getting to know horses and yourself better. You’ll learn simple techniques essential for apprioriate equine care and horsemanship. Come alone or bring friends.
