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About H.O.P.E. in MA

Horses Offering People Education

Horses Offering People Education is proud to offer a variety of programming in Southeastern Massachusetts. Please check out our services below and feel free to reach out with any questions!

Services

Equine Facilitated Learning*
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1

What Is It?

Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL) is an experiential learning process that stimulates meaningful interactions with horses aimed at improving overall wellness. All of these sessions take place on the ground; we do NOT offer traditional mounted horseback riding lessons. 
2

Who Is It For?

At H.O.P.E. in MA, LLC we feel that everyone can benefit from an afternoon at the barn. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. 

Our programs are appropriate for ages 8 and up.
3

How Does It Help?

Some of the themes commonly addressed in EFL sessions include but are not limited to; confidence boosting, stress reduction, trust, effective communication skills, and establishing healthy boundaries.   
*EFL services are not offered as a substitute for professional mental health care and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any mental health or medical conditions.

Horse Powered Reading®
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1

What Is It?

Horse Powered Reading® (HPR) is a research-based curriculum developed by Dr. Michele Pickel of Concordia University. Her one-of-a-kind program allows students to practice their reading, writing, comprehension, fluency, math, and vocabulary skills at the barn. 
2

Who Is It For?

At H.O.P.E. in MA, LLC we feel that everyone can benefit from an afternoon at the barn. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. 

Our programs are appropriate for ages 8 and up.
3

How Does It Help?

During a HPR session, the horse becomes the reading material or “book” that students need to connect with. Without finding and making some connection with a text, it is easy for kids to lose interest in reading altogether. The horse essentially becomes a metaphor for that connection to take place.  
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*Please note that your child does not have to struggle with reading or writing to participate – we can work to enhance their current skills to make them even stronger!
4

The Science Behind It.

Due to their evolutionary prey-animal status, horses have evolved to be extremely sensitive to their environment. They often react to human body language and cues, giving a good insight as to what a student may be experiencing emotionally if they themselves are not able to articulate their feelings in the moment.

HorseSense
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Horses Offering People Education is excited to partner with local schools to offer a collaborative classroom enrichment experience.

‍HorseSense: A Sensory Based Equine Facilitated Learning Program for Schools brings the magic of Equine Facilitated Learning into classrooms, without the physical presence of our therapy horses, but rather, through sensory based activities using elements from the barn (e.g. alfalfa, hay, grain, halters, bridles, etc).

Activities can be adapted for any age range and group size, and tailored to the curriculum. Our specialty is working with special education classrooms. If your school is interested in partnering with H.O.P.E., please contact us.

At this time, we are only servicing schools in Norfolk County, MA.
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About the Practitioner

Diana Bezdedeanu is an Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL) Advanced practitioner through The HERD Institute® and certified Horse Powered Reading® facilitator. She has extensive experience volunteering for several local adaptive horseback riding programs, as well as assisting in PT and OT sessions incorporating hippotherapy as a treatment strategy in a patient's overall plan of care, but she has always formed a greater connection with horses outside of the saddle. As someone who has both a visual and a hearing impairment, Diana is committed to providing whatever adaptations are necessary for her clients' success.

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Meet the Herd

Coffee
2018 Bay Thoroughbred Mare
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We might be slightly biased, but Coffee is one of the friendliest Off-the-Track Thoroughbred (OTTB) mares that we’ve ever met! Her favorite activity is eating - Mint Julep Zero Proof Horse Treats, Dunkin' coffee rolls, and alfalfa are just a few of her favorite snacks. Due to Kissing Spine, Coffee is no longer rideable. She's found a new sense of purpose as an unmounted therapy horse at H.O.P.E. in MA alongside her best friend and fellow OTTB mare, London.
London
2005 Bay Thoroughbred Mare
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While we don’t know much about her past prior to joining our herd in October 2021, we do know that London loves a good grooming session, most treats (minus apples), playing “fetch” with sticks, rolling in the mud, and making silly faces for the camera. Like Coffee, London is no longer rideable, due to sciatica. That being said, she is one of the most resilient horses we’ve ever met and is never shy about stating her opinions.
The relationship between horse and human extends far beyond the saddle…
Horses Offering People Education
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617-653-1521diana.bezdedeanu@gmail.comServicing Norfolk County, MA
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