YOUTH PROGRAMS

Workshops, Groups & Riding Classes

We rely on hundreds of volunteers each year!

Who is an active volunteer at HOPE Therapeutic Riding Center?

This information is for individuals who have completed the application process, attended orientation and training and have been invited to volunteer at HOPE.

Every volunteer must complete renewal paperwork annually. These forms can be downloaded below or picked up in office.

Additional Volunteer Opportunities – Not all volunteers at HOPE are sidewalkers or leaders. Some of our volunteers help with administrative, fundraising, barn and property duties. Please visit the I Want to Volunteer page to learn more about volunteer opportunities and how to get involved.

Inclement Weather Policy: When the heat index is over 100 degrees classes will be canceled due to the effect the heat and humidity has on the horses, students and volunteers. When the wind chill is 40 degrees or lower, classes may be canceled. If there is or a strong threat of lightening or tornadoes classes will be canceled.

The HOPE Facebook page is the primary location to learn about cancelled lessons. If you suspect the weather will impact your scheduled session, please visit HOPE’s Facebook Page.

Cancellations: If for some reason you are unable to attend your scheduled shift, please notify the facility director and note the calendar on the workbench. If you need to make a same day cancellation, please contact HOPE by phone (217) 816-8802. This will give us time to prepare and schedule a replacement if necessary.

BULLYING: A HERDS PERSPECTIVE

2 Part EFL Workshop

During this small-group workshop, students will experience what bullying looks like from the herd’s perspective and learn bullying preventive and interventive skills.

Combined with personal instruction and the insights of horses, students will creatively explore and develop emotional awareness, learn problem solving skills, leadership skills, working together skills, explore differences and how to create tolerance, learn to show we care and what we feel like when we look like we care, and students learn to identify personal strategies for success through various ground activities with horses.

Workshop Info:

This two-part workshop is a total of 4 EFL hours; 2 weekly sessions for 2 hours each.

Please contact us if you would like additional information or to schedule a group workshop.

HORSEPOWER LIFE SKILLS

4 Part EFL Workshop

During this small-group workshop, students will learn four helpful life skills building the foundation for a successful future. Combined with personal instruction and the insights of horses, students will uncover new ways to deepen relationships with themselves and others, while building life skills, leadership skills, problem-solving skills, and learning to work together as a team through various ground activities with horses.

Each Horsepower Workshop is one part of a four part series:

Part 1 – Respect, Responsibility and Relationship Skills
Part 2 – Boundaries
Part 3 – Empathy
Part 4 – Choices & Consequences

Each workshop includes an after-school snack, ground activities with horses, and a game or art activity. Students will receive a certificate of completion.

Info:

This four-part workshop is a total of 8 EFL hours; 4 weekly sessions for 2 hours each.

Please contact us if you would like additional information or would like to schedule a group workshop.

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THE BASICS: HORSEMANSHIP 101

8 Part Beginner Riding Class

During this beginner riding class, students will learn the basics of horsemanship while building helpful life skills. Combined with personal instruction and the insights of horses, students will uncover new ways to deepen relationships with themselves and others, while building positive character traits, leadership skills, problem-solving skills, and learning to work together as a team through various riding activities.

This 8 part workshop is a total of 16 EFL hours; 8 weekly classes for two hours each

Upcoming Class:

8-10am Wednesdays: June 5th, 12th, 19th, & 26th, July 3rd, 10th, 17th, & 31st

Pricing:

Due to generous donations our SPONSORS HAVE UNDERWRITTEN PART OF THE FEE for the Spring Session! Normal classes are $75/EFL hour/person. Thanks to our sponsors the remaining class cost is:

2 Monthly Payments - $250 (1st payment is due upon registration, final payment is due July 1st)

*this course is a prerequisite to all other kids riding classes

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UNBRIDLED HOPE Mentor Horsemanship Program

2019 Enrollment Closed. Contact us for information about 2020.

Unbridled HOPE is our mentor horsemanship program. This program helps participants build life skills through equine facilitated learning (EFL) activities. Students in the program meet with a trained, committed mentor and horse for 24 EFLM hours over 6 months and work through a customized Individual Development Plan (IDP). Mentors are under the supervision of an EAGALA certified Equine Specialist and Mental Health Specialist in Equine Assisted Learning.

Students participate in EFL activities, horsemanship, rhythmic riding, stable management, and equine care while building life skills in areas of emotional awareness, healthy relationships, independence, self-regulation, self-esteem, and responsibility.

Unbridled HOPE’s Program Fees
$750.00 if paid in full or 6 monthly payments of $160.00 (save $210 when you pay in full)
*10% discount for each additional sibling

Please mail application to:

HOPE TRC
P.O. Box 242
Rochester, IL 62563

Once we receive your application, it will be reviewed and you will receive additional information within 1-3 business days.

~ or ~

Contact Kimber at 217-816-8802 or kwatkins@findinghoperiding.org to schedule an enrollment appointment.

Student Scholarships
Thanks to our generous supporters, this year HOPE is able to underwrite session fees from the normal price of $75/EFL hour reflecting in the already offset cost! We have a Sponsorship Application that can be filled out if the remaining fee would create a financial hardship for the family. With questions, contact kwatkins@findinghoperiding.org We look forward to hearing from you!