All classes take place at Blue Oak Ranch in beautiful Three Rivers, California, about a 45-minute drive east into the Sierra foothills from Visalia. Sessions are held twice a year, in the spring and fall. Each session includes six-weeks of progressive classes; students choose from Thursdays or Saturdays and should plan on attending all six to reap the full benefits of the session. Each week's 90-minute class is designed to blend the joy of horseback riding with personalized reading support in a fun, supportive environment.

 

Students begin by greeting their horse and being fitted with a helmet. With the guidance of a trained adult volunteer, they help lead their horse in the enclosed riding arena. This hands-on introduction to their horse each week helps build confidence and a connection between student and horse.

 

Once mounted, students are guided in activities that warm up both body and mind. This could include balance and stretching exercises, riding to music, playing spelling games, solving word searches, scavenger hunts, obstacle courses, and other interactive challenges that spark learning in motion.

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During the six-week session, there are also theme weeks: rodeos, horse jobs, trails and mountains, Halloween or Easter treasure hunts, veterinary care. Students will receive instruction in roping and trotting and will learn to ride independently. All of this is accomplished to the student's comfort level; they are never pushed beyond what they want to do on any given day.

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After the arena session, students head into a cozy barn classroom with an experienced teacher. Here, they spend time reading, writing, drawing, and listening to stories, often inspired by their own horse. Sometimes they end class by heading to the corrals to read to their horse, sharing what they’ve learned in a setting that feels safe, welcoming, nonjudgmental, and empowering.

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The time flies by. There are smiles, laughter, new friends, new experiences, and a whole new attitude about reading!