YOUTH YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS

Ages 6 & up

Barn Buddies ™
Youth Horsemanship
after-school program

4:00-6:00pm, Mondays

Mar-Apr Session Dates: 3/2, 3/9, 3/16, 3/23, 3/30, 4/6, 4/20, 4/27
($395/8 weekly sessions)

May-June Session Dates: 5/4,5/11, 5/18, 5/25, 6/1, 6/8.

($295/6/weekly sessions)

People bathing a horse indoors, with wooden walls in the background.

START THEIR WEEK OFF RIGHT! Our community’s favorite program now offers more horse time than ever. This program is very appropriate for all children 6 and up, both neurotypical and neurodivergent, allowing each child to grow their horse and social skills at their own pace.

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While welcoming and fun, this program naturally helps participants develop essential life skills such as leadership, teamwork, patience, respect, boundaries, responsibility, coping strategies, and stress relief. With small group sizes and plenty of fresh air, it’s an ideal way for kids to connect with nature, animals, and each other.

Participants should wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes or boots and dress appropriately for the weather. The program runs rain or shine, with access to a heated barn (kept at 42 degrees) for inclement conditions. Any cancellations will be communicated promptly. Don’t miss out—register today! Sturdy closed-toe shoes are required.  This program runs in all types of weather so dress accordingly! You will receive notice should the program need to be canceled for the day.                                                                  

Cancellations made within 2 weeks before the start date will be refunded 50% of the payment.  No refunds are issued once the program starts.

Questions?  Email us at ushorsewelfare@gmail.com

REGISTER NOW: May 4-June 8 (6 Weeks)
Group of children and a woman with a horse outdoors in a field with trees in the background.

Teens to the Rescue ™

3:30-5:30 pm, Thursdays

$260/7 week session**

Ages 13 and up

Be a part of something bigger in your community by helping care for USHWR’s rescued horses!  This is our Volunteer Gateway for Teens with limited horse or no horse experience under the age of 16.

Become a part of a great, supportive, and educational environment! Learn safety around horses, how to halter, lead, and care for horses…everything from barn/stall & paddock management, prepping hay, feeding, and more.

Learn life skills and develop self-confidence, teamwork, leadership, and more while making new friends, both 4-legged and 2-legged, in this fun weekly program.

Sturdy closed-toe shoes are required.  This program runs in all types of weather so dress accordingly! You will receive notice should the program need to be cancelled for the day.

Cancellations made within 2 weeks before the start date will be refunded 50% of the payment.  No refunds are issued once the program starts.

Questions? Email us at ushorsewelfare@gmail.com

Teens to the Rescue, Session 4, 3/5/26 - 4/23/26 (FULL)
Teens to the Rescue, Session 5, 4/30/26 - 6/11/26**
Children and a man doing yard work on a grassy field, using rakes and a wheelbarrow.

Teen Volunteer Program

Limited weekly time slots available for youth to come volunteer and gain some experience handling horses. Mentored by seasoned volunteers and experienced horse handlers. The focus is on learning about life caring for horses, doing some chores, and gaining knowledge about their needs: nutritionally, weather protection, general care, etc. Days are variable, based on volunteer staffing.

Qualifies as volunteer hours for school requirements.

Please submit volunteer application, liability release, and a paragraph or two about the student. Spots fill up fast, call 860-593-4298 to talk about opportunities.