Our Programs
Equine-assisted health and wellness is the heartbeat of what we do at Hickory Top Farm.
Therapeutic Horsemanship
Connecting with horses through riding supports all facets of well-being and seeks to empower participants to gain equestrian skills while strengthening physical, cognitive, and emotional health.
Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL)
Learning in partnership with horses is an experience that helps people of all ages develop tools to enhance education, personal development and leadership. Our EAL programs are designed for individuals, groups and the classroom setting.
Our program offerings include:
Building Resilience
Lead the Way for Leadership
Company of Horses
Heroes and Horses
Literacy and Horses
Building the Herd
Equine-Assisted Therapy
Incorporating the horse and nature into therapy sessions is a unique opportunity for meeting individual treatment goals and improving overall health and well-being.
Our 80-acre outdoor clinic provides an exceptional setting for working with a licensed mental health care provider.
OUR FACILITY
Hickory Top Farm Learning Barn
For on-site equine assisted learning, we use Hickory Top Farm’s newly renovated learning barn. It is complete with an indoor/outdoor classroom, library, and outdoor amphitheater designed for integrating the horse into all forms of creativity and learning.
Increased body awareness gives you a greater awareness of your inner self as well as your surroundings. Changing your habits will cultivate an ability to make clearer choices: A balanced body permits a balanced state of mind.
— Sally Swift
BENEFITS OF EQUINE ASSISTED ACTIVITY
Activities such as riding, grooming, leading, tacking, and feeding stretch and strengthen muscles and promotes self-confidence.
The horse’s movement helps riders build core strength, increases circulation, and has a positive effect on vital organs as well as the human spirit.
Some of the physical, cognitive, emotional and social benefits acquired from partnering with therapy horses, certified instructors, and trained volunteers include
Confidence, Independence, & Self Control
Communication & Human-Animal Bonding Skills
Gross & Fine Motor Skills
Range of Motion & Flexibility
Sensorimotor Integration
Balance, Posture, & Coordination