Animal-Assisted Programs at The Root Farm
Our animals are at the heart of everything we do. We provide both therapeutic and recreation-based programs that impact emotional, cognitive, physical and mental health, enriching the lives of our visitors and staff alike.
Horseback Riding Lessons
Horseback Riding Lesson Pricing
$50 for a 45-minute group lesson.
*Private lessons also available upon request.
Groundwork Education Programs
Spending time with our animals offers a great opportunity for enhancing your physical, mental and emotional health. Our horses, cows, sheep, cats, rabbit, chickens and goats need daily care, and the time you give them can in return benefit you – animals unconsciously teach us compassion, empathy, kindness. Caring for animals also encourages responsibility.
Groundwork education programs cover a variety of topics including animal care, health, behavior and nutrition.
Private session and small group options are available so you can enjoy time with our animals in their natural environment. Whether it’s spending time at our coop to see how chickens communicate, learning to lead a horse, or finding out if sheep wag their tails when they are happy, you are sure to learn something new!
Groundwork programming includes:
- Brushing animals
- Preparing meals and feeding animals
- Art projects related to animals and nature
Cow Cuddling
Our Equine Facility
At The Root Farm, our state-of-the-art equine-assisted services center provides a welcoming environment for riders of all abilities. Open year-round, our facility is designed to offer a safe and supportive space for therapeutic and recreational riding, as well as other outdoor activities that foster growth and connection with nature.
- 8,000-square-foot heated indoor riding arena for year-round lessons and other programs.
- Outdoor riding arena for open-air sessions.
- Barn space for up to nine horses, ensuring each horse receives quality care.
- Expansive paddock areas and lush pastures for horses to roam and graze.
- Access to additional farm activities, including our agriculture and adventure programs.
What are Equine-Assisted Services?
Research shows that a horse’s walking pattern closely mimics that of a human. When a rider sits on a walking horse, the horse’s movement helps improve the rider’s pelvic mobility, posture, weight shifting, coordination, and sensory regulation.
Horses are sensitive animals, and are aware of any subtle changes in their environment, resulting in an instinctually deep understanding of our emotions. Through this human-horse bond, we can gain a better understanding of self and how we relate to our family, friends, and community.
When we connect with a horse, they are able to read our body language and sense our feelings beneath the surface leading to a physical, emotional, and mental connection.
Equine-Assisted Services can be very beneficial for people who experience:
- Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
- Cerebral Palsy
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Stroke recovery
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Developmental delays
- Down Syndrome
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety and depression
- Sensory processing disorders
- Physical disabilities affecting balance, coordination, and motor skills
Plant Your Roots.
Your support and contributions are a vital part of shaping our future, and your involvement leaves a lasting mark on everyone who walks through our doors. Together, we can nurture growth and make a meaningful impact.
There’s always something happening at The Root Farm.
Whether you’re interested in our farm-fresh products, team-building activities, or equine programs, we welcome visitors of all ages and abilities.
