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Pony Power, Horse Power and Open Barn Yard

MVRU's programs have been offering therapeutic horsemanship to Methow Valley Elementary School students for 15+ years.

Through four distinct Equine Facilitated Mental Health and Learning programs, Methow Valley students have been coming to MVRU  for over two decades to experience empowerment, self-worth, the satisfaction of working cooperatively, and a sense of belonging and responsibility. Programming fosters social and emotional development in an outdoor learning environment, interacting with horses. Theme based units are presented through horsemanship instruction, riding activities and learning horse care.
Participants explore themes such as communication, decision making and problem solving while developing interpersonal skills and getting a taste of authentic horse centered life. We create respectful, caring relationships with and between kids, horses, peers, teachers, community volunteers, and the natural environment. Let ‘Em Ride, HorsePower, PonyPower and Open BarnYard serve students in grades 3 through 12, at no cost to their families. This is possible due to collaboration between MVRU, the Betti Foundation, the Community Foundation of North Central Foundation, Give Methow, the Methow Valley Public School Funding Alliance, the Methow Fund, the Farr Family Foundation and Foundry 10.  We are grateful for the generosity and support of all these funders.