The Healing Power of Horses

Taking Risks, Building Confidence and Learning Real-World Skills

Thanks to the generous support of the GPD Group Employees’ Foundation and the Shaker Schools Foundation, Shaker students with special needs have had rewarding experiences at Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center. This partnership allows our students to engage with horses, learning valuable skills while facing and overcoming physical and emotional challenges.

Fieldstone enables students to engage with individuals beyond teachers and peers, enhancing self-confidence and encouraging reflection as they learn to interact with the horses.

The Impact

Taking Risks and Building Confidence

Through their experiences at Fieldstone, students have not only gained confidence by trying new challenges—such as riding a horse—but have also become physically stronger. This newfound self-assurance has translated back to the classroom, inspiring students to embrace new activities and tackle tasks they previously found intimidating.

Increased Communication and Reflective Thinking

The program has encouraged students to consider the feelings and reactions of the horses, fostering empathy and perspective-taking. This ability to understand another’s point of view has enhanced their interactions in school settings.

Real-World Skills

High school students transfer the skills they learn in the classroom to the farm. They learned how to run a small business to raise money to attend Fieldstone. The students enjoy working toward a goal and can transfer job skills like following directions, following schedules, communicating, expressing themselves and helping others. 

We are incredibly grateful to the GPD Group Employees’ Foundation for partnering with the Shaker Schools Foundation and for making this opportunity possible, enabling our students to thrive and grow in ways they never thought possible.