Our Programs
Equine-assisted health and wellness is the essence of what we do at Hickory Top Farm.
Relational Horsemanship & Riding
Connecting with horses through riding supports all facets of well-being and seeks to empower participants to gain equestrian skills while strengthening physical, mental, and emotional health.
Our riding programs run during the fall and spring semesters, with each semester offering two sessions. Participants join us once a week for a one-hour lesson designed to build confidence, connection, and skill in the saddle. No prior horse experience is needed—just a willingness to learn and engage.
Session Length: 5 weeks
Cost: $300 per session
Age Requirements: 8+ years old
We are a PATH Intl. Center Member.
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Connecting with horses through riding supports all facets of well-being and seeks to empower participants to gain equestrian skills while strengthening physical, mental, and emotional health.
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Incorporating breathwork and visualization techniques into riding helps participants establish a deeper connection with their horse and focus on using one’s center of gravity, balance and alignment to support well-being. This program is designed for adults coping with life’s challenges.
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 run during the fall and spring semesters, with each semester offering two sessions. Participants join us once a week for a 45-minute visit. No prior horse experience is needed.
Our EAL programs are designed for individuals, groups and the classroom setting.
Session Length: 5 weeks
Cost: $300 per session
Age Requirements: 7+ years old
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This unique, groundwork program is designed to promote self-awareness, perspective and authentic communication - all discovered through the eyes of the horse.
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Through groundwork activities with our herd, participants will explore the subtle ways in which rhythm, breath, posture, and intention affect our internal state—and influences our ability to connect, lead, and respond to life’s challenges.
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An engaging, groundwork program that combines the power of the horse-human relationship with creative literacy development. This unique experience seeks to inspire communication, storytelling, emotional expression, and language skills in a fun, supportive environment.
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This program explores the intuitive nature of horses to help parents build stronger, more connected relationships with their children of any age. Through groundwork, participants explore nonverbal communication, emotional regulation, and boundary setting—core skills for effective parenting.
Workshops & Professional Development
Our farm experiences invite participants to step away from the everyday and learn through the honest, grounding presence of horses. These two-hour groundwork-based sessions are designed to inspire personal growth, strengthen communication, and deepen self-awareness—whether you come as an individual, a team, or a professional group. Each workshop is scheduled at a mutually convenient time and tailored to meet the needs of those attending.
Please inquire about cost.
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Discover what horses can teach us about recognizing, holding onto and responding to pressure. Through groundwork activities, participants explore how pressure affects communication, decision-making, and emotional regulation.
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An immersive, hands-on experience designed to reconnect participants with nature and themselves through the rhythms of farm life and the wisdom of horses. Through ground-based activities with horses and light farm tasks, participants explore themes such as responsibility, communication, and self-awareness.
BENEFITS OF EQUINE-ASSISTED ACTIVITY
Activities such as riding, grooming, leading, tacking, and feeding stretch and strengthen muscles and promote 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-Awareness
Empathy & Perspective
Mindfulness & Breathwork
Decision Making & Positive Growth Mindset
Communication & Listening Skills
Balance, Posture & Alignment
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