What We Offer
Learn about our programs and which one might be the best fit for you!
EAL sessions are designed to encourage connection between the student(s), the horse, and the facilitator while developing life skills that the student can use day-to-day.
During each weekly one-on-one or group session, we will follow a plan consisting of several barn activities. Each hour-long session will include time spent working with the horse (this can be on the ground or riding the horse), and challenges designed to work toward the participant’s goals. There will be carefully planned and purposeful challenges, games, activities, and more to complete alongside the equine partner.
The student has an active role in deciding how they want to spend their time at the barn. After each session, the instructor will take time to review the participant’s goals, record notes, and develop a plan for future sessions. This is a great way to build new friendships and relational skills.
Equine-Assisted Learning is catered toward participants of any age - children, teens, or adults - who are looking to build valuable life skills, foster character growth, and develop their unique strengths and abilities.
We are certified through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH Intl.) and HorseWork Education (Strides to Success) to bring added value to these EAL sessions.
Fill out the form below to register, and we will be in contact with you to answer any questions, discuss availability, or schedule a session.
Pricing: $60/1 hour session - most clients attend weekly or bi-weekly.
We are Medicaid providers through the Children’s Long-Term Support (CLTS) program statewide and also certain Adult LTC programming. If you are part of one of these programs, reach out as we may be able to get the costs covered for you to attend EAL sessions as part of your care.
Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) Sessions
Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) in Education
Equine-Assisted Learning in Education is an experiential learning tool designed to encourage positive character growth, develop relevant life skills, and conquer challenges that students (from elementary age through high school) encounter in their day-to-day life.
Designed according to the Wisconsin Academic Standards, these EAL sessions supplement the materials teachers are promoting in their classrooms by adding a memorable hands-on component, and making the lessons personal to the student’s lives. These sessions explore school subjects such as math, reading, writing, music, history, science, and more, all while working with our equine partners.
Perhaps you are a teacher with students who are disengaged in the traditional classroom. This program is designed to reengage even the most disconnected students, instill a love of learning, and promote healthy relational skills that students can take back to class with them. Topics addressed in our current educational curriculum include respect, creative thinking, alertness, imagination, making choices, thriftiness, punctuality, attitude, honesty, courage, sportsmanship, integrity, and learning to celebrate successes alongside the horses. During each weekly group session, we will follow carefully planned and purposeful challenges, games, and activities to complete alongside the equine partner. Following each session, we will have a self-reflection and evaluation form, as well as rubrics to document measurable progress throughout the year-long program.
Equine-Assisted Learning is catered toward teachers and school groups of any age - elementary, middle school, or high schoolers - who are looking to build valuable life skills, foster character growth, and develop their unique strengths and abilities. When students have the life skills they need to be successful, they can be confident in their academics too.
We are certified through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH Intl.) and HorseWork Education (Strides to Success) to bring added value to these EAL sessions.
If you are a teacher, school administrator, or are interested in partnering with us to create a school program, please contact Ivy Bledsoe directly at ivy.bledsoe@northstareal.org.
Pricing: $60/1 hour session - will work with the school to set up a weekly schedule.
Equine-Assisted Learning for Veterans and First Responders
A unique EAL program that partners veterans and first responders with horses to work through anxiety, mental health struggles, and stress. These EAL sessions are designed to explore natural horsemanship techniques which require connection, emotional regulation, and grounding alongside the equine partners.
In Langlade County alone, 7.2% of our total population is composed of Veterans, 36% of which face disabilities that affect their day-to-day lives. Many veterans experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) amongst other mental health struggles such as depression, anxiety, and thoughts of suicide. Veterans often report barriers to healing such as a low number of mental health services available to them.
Also in Langlade County, there are roughly between 65-80 first responders including both full time and volunteer EMS, Police, and Fire department staff. Nationwide, about 1 in 3 first responders (around 30%) experience symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and depression. This can be caused by their day-to-day duties, or from specific traumatic events they witness while on duty. Around 13% of first responders in Wisconsin also report recurring suicidal thoughts. The patterns emerge: burnout, stress, and mental health struggles are a part of the job for many first responders.
While Equine-Assisted Learning is not considered a “therapy” model, it is designed to address struggles that are faced on a daily basis and provide tools for healing and growth. Horses balance out many of the common symptoms of PTSD and other mental health challenges. Horses provide immediate and honest feedback by reacting to the emotions of the participant, allowing the horse to co-regulate with them and lower stress levels. Partnership with the horse leads the participant to discover a sense of safety and allows them to build trust, remain present, and find purpose in working with their equine partner. These are skills that will then transfer to the participants’ daily life. Each session includes discussion of real-life applications and challenges the participant can work on before their next visit. These sessions are also open to the families of service members in our community.
We are certified through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH Intl.) and HorseWork Education (Strides to Success) to bring added value to these EAL sessions.
If you are a veteran, first responder, or family member interested in joining this unique program, please contact Ivy Bledsoe directly at ivy.bledsoe@northstareal.org.
Pricing: $60/1 hour session - most clients attend weekly or bi-weekly.
Horsemanship & Riding Lessons
Horsemanship & Riding lessons are designed for beginner equestrians of any age wanting to get into the equine world and learn more. Learn about different breeds of horses, coat colors, gaits, tack, and styles of riding. Learn the history of how horses have shaped our world, how we continue to work alongside them, and how they point us toward God.
While lessons are usually Western-based, there are opportunities to learn English and bareback style riding as well. Enjoy time spent in the arena, on the trails, and around the barn. Learn how to groom, tack up, and care for your horse (see Proverbs 12:10). Gain practical experience working with a variety of horses, each with their unique personalities and stories.
Choose between a one-on-one lesson format or join group lessons to connect with other equestrians and enjoy time in the saddle in our safe, laid-back, fun-loving corner of the equine world.
This experience provides the broad, practical, usable foundation any equestrian needs to safely and comfortably work with horses, branch into specific riding disciplines, to exhibit horses at shows, or even own their own horses someday!
Fill out the form below to register, and we will be in contact with you to answer any questions, discuss pricing and availability, and schedule a visit or lesson.
Pricing: $60/1 hour session - most clients attend weekly or bi-weekly.
Silver Birch Ranch Camps & Retreats
Adoption Family Retreat (March/April every year)
During the Silver Birch Ranch Adoption Family Retreat weekend, North Star Stables partners with adopted and foster children and their families to experience equine-assisted learning (EAL) sessions. These sessions are faith-based, hands-on, and tons of fun! EAL sessions focus on providing the tools for children to build life skills that will benefit them day-to-day. The relational nature God has designed horses with provides a perfect backdrop to develop friendships, learn boundaries, build stronger communication skills, and to grow in confidence and leadership.
A huge thank you goes to Heidi Gossen and Elise Baird from Crossfire Ranch, an equine-assisted growth and learning facility near Manitowoc, for partnering with us to provide these sessions!
Learn more or register for this retreat here!
Mother-Daughter Retreat (May of each year)
Healthy, thriving relationships are founded on the basis of communication, connection, and trust. Using these skills is the key to making sure people in our lives are seen, heard, safe, and know they are cared for and loved. During this relaxing retreat, we regularly welcome 40+ mothers and their daughters to the barn to experience how the horses demonstrate trust with each other, and how we can connect with the horses using these skills ourselves.
Learn more or register for this retreat here!
Silver Birch Ranch Camp Program (Summer Season)
Each summer, we follow SBR’s summer theme and offer EAL to the Youth and Family campers.
A session might have included the following: Upon arrival at the barn, we go through an opening exercise - a welcome, game, and setting basic safety rules around the horses. Then we introduced the focus for the day, which mirrors the topics taught in chapel. Each session includes reflective questions to discuss, a simple activity with the horses related to those questions, and a closing conversation and daily challenge tying the day’s activities together.
Learn more and register for summer camps here!
Riding Adventure Camp (August each year)
Hosted by Silver Birch Ranch, the Riding Adventure Camp is for girls who have completed 6th-8th grades and will teach campers the entry level skills and knowledge of horsemanship. Riding Adventure campers stay together in a cabin and each session is limited to a maximum of eight campers. Each morning is devoted to learning about and riding horses, both in the classroom and through hands-on learning. Riding Adventure campers will have a Bible Time together in the afternoon, and then are merged with the larger camp session in progress for afternoon free time activities and evening activities including the evening Chapel session. As time and weather allow, we often include a trail ride & picnic with the horses in the woods and a fun horse show to showcase the skills learned throughout the week.
See this page for more information about this exciting camp!
Women’s Retreat 1 & 2 (September each year)
During each of the fall SBR Women’s Retreats, we offer Equine-Assisted Learning sessions to add a hands-on component to the chapel teachings and other seminars taught during the weekend. The ladies spend time with the horses, learning to brush, lead, and connect with them. From there we complete a series of challenges and discussions related to the weekend theme, and learn what the horses can teach us about our relationship with God.
There is more information about the Women’s Retreats here!
Winter Family Camp (December each year)
We always have a fantastic time with the participants who come to the barn during the SBR Winter Family Camps! These EAL sessions are designed for the whole family to enjoy together, and will include hands-on horse activities, scripture, and discussion time. The lesson plans mirror the topics taught in chapel sessions during the weekend, and are heavily based in problem-solving, creative thinking, and using your talents as a team!
Learn more and register for this retreat here!
Let’s work together.
Do you have a larger group that would like to plan a field trip, professional development day, or participate in an equine retreat? Perhaps you have an idea for a service that you don’t see listed above? We would love to work with you to create an equine experience that serves your specific needs. Contact us with your thoughts and we can chat!