Frequently Asked Questions

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

Some of the themes commonly addressed in EFL sessions include but are not limited to; confidence boosting, stress reduction, trust, effective communication skills, managing anxiety, and establishing healthy boundaries.   

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. 

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® (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. 

This unique curriculum offers the following benefits:

• Horses allow for movement in learning, a big incentive for those who struggle to sit still in school. 

• In addition, horses have many distinct personalities and defined social roles within a herd, allowing students to identify and form authentic connections with them. 

• 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.  

• 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.  

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!  

Unfortunately, EFL & Horse Powered Reading® sessions are not currently covered by insurance. Please contact us to inquire about our private payment options, as well as session prices. We are more than happy to create a personalized payment plan that works for your financial situation. 

Please wear weather-appropriate clothing that you don't mind getting a little horse hair and dirt on! Closed toed shoes with a good sole are required, preferably boots. A riding helmet is not necessary, as our sessions are focused on working with horses from the ground.