Build Social Skills with the Help of Horses!
Join Our Equine-Assisted Therapy
Social Skills Group
Where Pre-Teens Discover Confidence, Connection, and Communication Skills
Is Your Child Struggling to Connect?
Does your pre-teen struggle to make friends, engage in dynamic conversations, or feel anxious in social situations? You're not alone. Many children between ages 9-12 face challenges with:
● Starting conversations or knowing what to say
● Reading social cues and understanding body language
● Managing big emotions in social settings
● Building confidence to be themselves around peers
● Trusting others and forming genuine friendships
● Speaking up when they need to advocate for themselves
Traditional social skills classes often feel like school—there are more rules to remember and pressure to perform.
Our Equine-Assisted Therapy Social Skills Group offers something completely different: a natural, judgment-free environment where your child can learn and practice essential social skills alongside gentle horses and supportive peers.
Why Horses Are the Perfect
Social Skills Teachers
Horses don't judge; they respond. This response makes them ideal partners for children who feel self-conscious or anxious around others.
Here's what makes our equine approach so effective:
Immediate, Honest Feedback
Horses mirror human emotions and energy instantly. If your child is nervous, the horse senses it. If they're calm and confident, the horse responds positively. This real-time feedback helps children understand how their emotions and body language affect their interactions with others.
Non-Verbal Communication Masters
Since horses communicate primarily through body language, energy, and intention, children naturally develop:
● Awareness of personal space and appropriate boundaries
● Understanding of non-verbal cues like posture and facial expressions
● Confidence in their presence and how they show up in relationships
● Ability to "read the room" and adjust their approach accordingly
Natural Confidence Builders
Successfully connecting with a 1,200-pound horse is incredibly empowering! Children discover:
● They can influence and guide through calm, clear communication
● Their authentic self is worthy of trust and connection
● They have more inner strength than they realized
● Mistakes are opportunities to learn, and not failures
Patience and Empathy Teachers
Horses require patience, consistency, and empathy—qualities that make great friends. Children learn:
● To slow down and listen
● To consider the feelings and perspectives of others
● To work in a team toward common goals
● To show kindness and compassion even when frustrated
What Your Child Will Learn
Communication & Listening Skills
Clear, confident speaking: Practice giving directions to horses and communicating with group members
Active listening: Learn to pay attention to what others (horses and humans) are saying
Asking for help: Discover it's okay to ask questions and seek support
Expressing needs: Practice using their voice to communicate desires and boundaries
Emotional Regulation
Recognizing emotions: Identify feelings in themselves and others (including horses)
Managing big feelings: Learn calming techniques that work in real-world situations
Staying calm under pressure: Practice maintaining composure during challenging activities
Processing difficult emotions: Safe space to work through frustration, disappointment, or anxiety
Confidence & Self-Awareness
Understanding their impact: See how their energy affects horses and peers
Celebrating strengths: Discover unique talents and abilities through horse interactions
Embracing authenticity: Learn that being genuine is more important than being perfect
Building self-esteem: Experience success through meaningful connections with horses
Teamwork & Trust
Collaborative problem-solving: Work with peers to accomplish horse-related tasks
Supporting others: Learn to encourage and help fellow group members
Building trust gradually: Practice trusting horses and peers in low-pressure situations
Healthy competition: Experience friendly challenges that build everyone up
What to Expect: A Typical Session
The Setting
Our sessions occur in a peaceful, natural environment where children can relax and be themselves.
The outdoor setting provides a welcome break from classroom pressures and screen time.
Ground-Based Activities Only
All activities happen on the ground (no riding), making them accessible to children of all physical abilities and comfort levels. Activities might include:
Horse care and grooming: Learning responsibility and building connection
Leading exercises: Practicing clear communication and leadership
Obstacle courses: Working together to guide horses through challenges
Trust-building games: Developing patience and mutual respect
Group problem-solving: Collaborating to accomplish horse-related tasks
Reflection time: Processing experiences and connecting them to real-life situations
Professional Support
We lead each session with licensed therapists trained in equine-assisted therapy and adolescent development. Our team provides:
Individual attention within the group setting
Gentle guidance to help children navigate social challenges
Positive reinforcement for growth and effort
Safe space to make mistakes and try again
Real-time coaching for social interactions
Program Details
Who Can Join
Ages 9-12: Specifically designed for pre-teens navigating this crucial developmental stage
All experience levels welcome: No previous horse experience is required
Small group setting: Maximum 6 participants to ensure personalized attention
Safe and supportive: Carefully screened participants who are ready to support each other's growth
Program Structure
6-Week Series: Comprehensive program allowing time for real skill development
Weekly 60-minute sessions: Enough time for meaningful activities and reflection
Consistent schedule: Same day and time each week to build routine and anticipation
Weather-appropriate: Indoor and covered options available for all seasons
Investment in Your Child's Future
Program Fee: $360 per participant for the complete 6-session series
Payment Options: Check or credit card accepted
Value: Only $60 per session for specialized therapy and life skills development
What's Included: All activities, horse care, professional facilitation, and take-home resources
The Lasting Impact
Skills That Transfer
Children don't just learn to interact with horses—they develop skills that transform their daily lives:
At school: Improved peer relationships and classroom participation
At home: Better communication with family members
In activities: Enhanced teamwork in sports, clubs, and group projects
In new situations: Confidence to meet new people and try new things
Emotional Growth
Reduced anxiety in social situations
Increased self-confidence and self-acceptance
Better emotional regulation during conflicts or stress
Greater empathy and understanding of others
Long-term Benefits
Foundation for healthy relationships throughout life
Leadership skills that serve them in school and future careers
Emotional intelligence that enhances all areas of life
Resilience to navigate future social challenges
Ready to Give Your Child This Gift?
No horse experience is necessary – just a willingness to grow and connect!
Imagine your child coming home excited to tell you about their day, confident in their ability to make friends, and equipped with easy tools to navigate social situations. This transformation happens naturally when children are given the right environment, support, and opportunities to practice.
Our Equine-Assisted Therapy Social Skills Group provides all of this and more. Your child will develop essential life skills and experience the joy of connecting with horses and forming friendships with peers who understand their journey.
Next Steps
Contact Alyssa Friedenberg to learn more: Email: alyssa@kindlehill.org
During your conversation, Alyssa can answer questions about:
● Whether this program is right for your child
● Specific dates and times for upcoming groups
● What to expect during the first session
● How to prepare your child for this new experience
Spaces are limited to ensure quality attention for each participant. Contact us today to secure your child's spot in this transformative program.
At Kindle Hill Foundation, we believe every child deserves to feel confident, connected, and capable of building meaningful relationships. Our horses are ready to help your pre-teen discover these gifts within themselves.