Lovelane offers a variety of engaging, fun unmounted programs throughout the year. Our unmounted programs are inclusive and open to students with and without disabilities.
A social skill-building program for students ages 3 – 6.
Carrot Club helps participants increase social awareness, build self-esteem and confidence, and improve conversational skills, including turn-taking, topic maintenance, and body language. Students will work on developing strategies for successful social interactions, including cooperative play, self-regulation/”staying expected”, following a group plan, and “sharing an imagination”, all skills that support friendship building and school readiness.
This small group program is facilitated by Kristin Chisum, a speech-language pathologist specializing in social cognition. She has been a therapeutic riding instructor at Lovelane for nearly 30 years. Kristin utilizes our horses to model key social cues to set the scene for positive peer interactions that support social language development.
*Please note that only classes with sufficient enrollment will run
A small group program for students ages 5+ to build teamwork and learn about horse care and behavior.
Challenging and fun, Barn Buddies places students in inclusive small groups comprised of children with and without disabilities, ages 5 and up. Guided by an instructor and enthusiastic volunteers, students work as a team to take care of Lovelane’s herd of horses. Through fun games, engaging activities, and active work to help with barn tasks, Barn Buddies promotes the physical, emotional, and social growth of each child.
*Please note that only classes with sufficient enrollment will run
A small group program for teens and young adults to build confidence in themselves and their ability to navigate real-world challenges.
Horse Care Academy immerses participants in the barn setting. In this program, teens and young adults participate in supervised lessons focused on building confidence and functional life skills such as time management, prioritizing tasks and responsibilities, managing and working with a team, and communicating with peers and supervisors. Horse Care Academy empowers its participants, increases their knowledge of horses and the care they need, and readies them to take on the “real world”!
*Please note that only classes with sufficient enrollment will run
A social skill-building program for young adults
Find Your Stride helps participants increase social and situational awareness, develop strategies for successful social interactions, build self-esteem and confidence, and practice self-advocacy. Students also work on improving their conversational skills, including turn-taking, topic maintenance, and body language, as well as the social skills that support the development of independent living and occupational proficiencies.
This small group program is facilitated by Kristin Chisum, a speech-language pathologist specializing in social cognition. She has been a therapeutic riding instructor at Lovelane for nearly 30 years. Kristin utilizes the horses and the welcoming barn environment to create opportunities for practicing and building on social communication skills.
Our private unmounted horsemanship sessions are great for students who thrive in a one-on-one atmosphere. Lesson structure and content are designed for the participant’s individual needs and goals.
30- or 45-minute weekly classes are offered Monday through Thursday and scheduled based on participant and instructor availability.
At this time. Lovelane does not have funds available to provide tuition assistance for our unmounted programs.
We encourage you to reach out to our program manager, Jennie Cooke, so we can work together to determine which program your child would benefit most from. Jennie may be reached by email, [email protected], or by phone, 781-259-1177 x123.
Yes! All of our unmounted programs are inclusive and open to students with and without disabilities. Our philosophy is that horses allow all people to develop confidence, compassion, and communication skills. Our unmounted programs are a great way for all students to start or continue their horse journey in a welcoming and supportive environment.
One activity that is used to address many areas and goals is grooming a horse. This is a special time for the student to give love and attention to a horse and deepen the connection they feel for that exceptional friend. Beyond this obvious emotional benefit, grooming also helps students work on gaining body awareness and practice sequencing and motor planning. Another example is making grain. While students are having fun making dinner for the horses, they are also working on improving reading skills, learning fractions, paying attention to detail, and following a list. A favorite game is playing “Name that Horse” while feeding the horses hay. One person gives a clue about a horse and the students take turns guessing which horse that clue describes. This game works on memory, speaking with clarity, feeling comfortable speaking in front of a group, and it is just plain fun! The children feel excitement when they are giving the clue and pride when they answer a question correctly. This game is also easily differentiated to different levels of students and the lesson of the day; clues could focus on the horses’ breeds, colors, markings, past jobs, or their emotions and personalities. Ask any of our participants who is the silliest horse in the barn, and they will shout out “SPIKE!”
Participants in Lovelane’s unmounted programs build confidence through the accomplishment of daily tasks. Students feel important when they walk through the barn doors knowing that they are assistant barn managers that day, and it is up to them and their team to care for Lovelane’s incredible horses. Taking care of another living, breathing creature, and knowing that they are responsible for the well-being of an animal that they love so much is a feeling that cannot be duplicated elsewhere. With the staff’s encouragement and supportive words, the students are proud of themselves for everything they achieve at Lovelane.
Through the powerful shared love for horses, our students find common ground on which to build relationships with their peers. At Lovelane, students work in small groups and pairs, encouraging friendships, problem-solving together, and be a part of a team. While the instructors and volunteers provide the tools and the ideal environment to foster new bonds, the students themselves do the real work. In a supportive comfortable environment, the children can interact with their new friends – both horse and human!
Lovelane’s group unmounted programs provide a variety of activities where communication is key. The group needs to constantly talk with one another to make sure all of the tasks are being completed, and all of the horses are getting the care they need. For example, before dropping hay, the team meets to discuss who will be responsible for feeding which horses. In this group discussion, the students are practicing turn-taking, attention skills, eye contact, staying on topic, speaking with clarity, and compromise. All of these important skills are applicable in their daily lives when communicating with others outside of class.
Students should wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes (no sandals or Crocs) and clothes that can get a little dirty! They also should dress for the weather. A winter coat, gloves, and a hat are recommended as the weather gets colder. Bug spray and sunscreen are also advised depending on the weather; please apply these to your child before the start of class.
Yes, you can drop your child off. You do not need to stay at Lovelane while your student participates in one of our unmounted programs. While you wait, explore our favorite local stops: DeCordova Sculpture Park, Walden Pond, Drumlin Farm, Donelan’s Supermarket, Twisted Tree Cafe, The Lincoln Public Library, and Codman Farm.
Lovelane is PEDIATRIC FACILITY, serving children from age 2-20.
Call Us: 781-259-1177 ext. 2
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