The Gleneayre Equestrian Program (GEP), a non–profit program for families and children at risk, provides children with an opportunity for growth, self–discovery, and responsibility through nurturing and caring for horses. GEP realizes dreams in giving at-risk children an opportunity to “own” and care for their own horse. GEP accepts children 10 years of age until the completion of their 13th year of school. These youngsters clean their horses’ stalls, practice basic barn management, and administer supervised veterinary care. Everything, from grooming to exercise to diet is the children’s responsibility. They are closely supervised and instructed. It is GEP’s mission to accurately portray and teach every aspect of horsemanship. The children are present on the farm four days working; with their horses and each other.
We work closely with the New Jersey Burlington County 4–H Horse Project in which all program members participate. Each GEP student is assigned a horse, which becomes their 4–H project horse. The children keep 4–H project books to log every aspect of their horses’ care from daily activities, such as riding and grooming, to veterinary and ferrier appointments. Program members are encouraged to participate in various activities provided by the 4–H such as clinics, workshops, horseshows, and academic competitions.
Mentoring and Tutoring
Due to large diversity in ages of the children participating in the program, GEP has set up a mentoring system in which an older/experienced member assists a younger/newer member. The philosophy of GEP is based on teamwork and the idea that every member has strength to lend to the group. An in–house, after–school tutoring service was established in 2005 in response to members who were having difficulty in school due to learning disabilities, poor study skills, or a lack of interest. Academic achievement is the highest priority of GEP.
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Equine Assisted Experience
The Gleneayre Equestrian Program also offers non-riding equine programs to help foster team building and problem solving for people of all ages (10 years old and up) via its Equine Assisted Experience (EAE). Over the past few years, GEP has partnered with organizations such as Project U.S.E. (projectuse.com) to delve into experiential education. In a fun supportive environment, participants interact in various games with horses and can learn new ways of relating to their peers. A quiet child can step forward and experience a leadership role, a more independent child can include him or herself in a team effort, and one who avoids challenges can try something new. When children apply the lessons learned from these types of sessions, they can earn better grades, be less likely to succumb to peer–pressure, and be more likely to achieve their personal goals.
This unique and fun program does not require prior horse knowledge, ability or equipment; nor does it necessitate the participant to ride. Rather, participants of all ages while working with the horses on the ground in the EAE program, learn valuable life skills such as:
• non–verbal communication
• creative thinking
• problem solving
• team building
• self–confidence
An Equine Assisted Experience (EAE) can be created for individuals or groups and is great for youth groups, corporate offices or families. The Gleneayre Equestrian Program staff can customize the experience to fit your needs. Sessions can be as short a 1/2 day or as long as 1 week. This is truly a unique learning experience. [back to top]
Members
Working with horses can bolster self–esteem and encourage responsibility in children. Having a horse of one’s very own heightens these traits. All GEP applicants must demonstrate a love of and a keen desire to care for and ride horses. They are required to work three days a week, two days after school and one weekend day, at the farm. Children in the program are required to ride and care for their project horse at least four days a week. All tack and equipment can be provided by GEP. [back to top]
Horses
All program horses have been donated to GEP. There are currently 25 horses and ponies stabled at Gleneayre Farm for program use. The group of horses in GEP is diverse, encompassing every level of riding from leadline ponies to 3’ 6” hunters. The most important trait of a GEP horse is that it is safe enough to interact with children. To ensure this, all potential horses go through a one month trial period prior to being accepted into GEP.
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