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Animal-Assisted Ranch Activities for Kids
Animal Care and Responsibilities
Equine-Assisted Learning (No Riding Required)
Equine-Assisted Learning (No Riding Required)
Learn the basics of caring for horses and other ranch animals in a hands-on, fun way! Kids will build responsibility, routine, and confidence through daily tasks while understanding animal safety, handling, and boundaries.
- Feeding horses and learning what they eat (hay, grains, and supplements).
- Exploring different kinds of feed and prope
Learn the basics of caring for horses and other ranch animals in a hands-on, fun way! Kids will build responsibility, routine, and confidence through daily tasks while understanding animal safety, handling, and boundaries.
- Feeding horses and learning what they eat (hay, grains, and supplements).
- Exploring different kinds of feed and proper nutrition.
- Grooming horses, including brushing manes and tails.
- Understanding horse body temperature and basic health checks.
- Hoof care education, including a special Farrier Day to learn about foot maintenance.
- Maintenance days for cleaning stalls and animal areas.
- Age-appropriate lessons on animal safety, proper handling, and respecting boundaries.
Benefits: Fosters responsibility, routine, and mutual confidence between kids and animals.
Equine-Assisted Learning (No Riding Required)
Equine-Assisted Learning (No Riding Required)
Equine-Assisted Learning (No Riding Required)
Engage in groundwork activities with horses to develop skills in communication and self-awareness. These sessions are designed for all ages and focus on non-riding interactions to build trust and emotional regulation.
- Haltering and leading horses safely.
- Groundwork exercises and obstacle courses (age-appropriate challenges).
- Reading horse b
Engage in groundwork activities with horses to develop skills in communication and self-awareness. These sessions are designed for all ages and focus on non-riding interactions to build trust and emotional regulation.
- Haltering and leading horses safely.
- Groundwork exercises and obstacle courses (age-appropriate challenges).
- Reading horse body mechanics and language.
- Trust-building exercises between handlers and horses.
- Mindfulness practices with horses, including breathing and presence techniques.
Benefits: Excellent for managing anxiety, ADHD, trauma, and emotional regulation.
Therapeutic and Emotional Wellness Activities
Equine-Assisted Learning (No Riding Required)
Therapeutic and Emotional Wellness Activities
Create calm moments to connect with animals and nature, promoting mental health through reflection and emotional expression. Ideal for foster youth and at-risk kids.
- Quiet time with animals to understand presence and perceptions.
- Journaling or drawing near the animals.
- Guided reflection circles.
- Emotional identification games.
- Gratitude exer
Create calm moments to connect with animals and nature, promoting mental health through reflection and emotional expression. Ideal for foster youth and at-risk kids.
- Quiet time with animals to understand presence and perceptions.
- Journaling or drawing near the animals.
- Guided reflection circles.
- Emotional identification games.
- Gratitude exercises inspired by nature.
Benefits: Supports mental health by building emotional awareness and resilience, especially for foster and at-risk yout
About Pando Foundation Corporation
Educational Ranch Learning
Discover the wonders of the ranch environment through interactive outdoor explorations that spark curiosity and connect kids to nature.
- Nature scavenger hunts.
- Gardening and planting activities.
- Bird watching.
- Bug and soil explorations.
Benefits: Encourages curiosity, outdoor connections, and a love for learning about the environment.
Creativity and Expressive Arts
Unleash imagination with animal-inspired art projects using natural materials. Perfect for kids who thrive outside traditional classroom settings.
- Painting horses (safe, non-toxic methods).
- Arts and crafts sessions.
- Rock painting for the ranch.
- Crafts using natural materials.
- Photography projects.
- Storytelling time inspired by the animals.
Benefits: Boosts creativity and self-expression for kids who struggle with conventional learning.
Life Skills and Character Building
Develop essential personal and social skills through collaborative activities with animals, fostering growth in a supportive setting.
- Teamwork challenges.
- Leadership goals and roles.
- "Animal of the Day" helper assignments.
- Problem-solving games.
- Lessons on respect, patience, and accountability.
- Conflict resolution activities.
Benefits: Builds resilience, self-esteem, and key life skills.
Programs for Special Groups
Tailored sessions to meet the unique needs of diverse youth groups, ensuring inclusive and supportive experiences.
- Programs for foster youth.
- Sessions for kids with autism and sensory processing challenges.
- Grief and loss support groups.
- Groups for children of first responders and police officers.
- Activities for at-risk, underprivileged, and underserved youth.
Benefits: Provides customized support to help participants thrive in a nurturing ranch environment.