Everyone arrives with a different story. Our programs offer thoughtful, relationship-based support that adapts to each child’s needs, comfort level, and readiness.
Before a child ever meets a horse, they need to feel prepared.
At Future Strides, we do that by maintaining a Barn Closet for the children in our programs, stocked with boots, jeans, belts, shirts, and basic riding gear. Everything is free and available to take as needed.
The Barn Closet is supported through community donations.
Our Core Program, supporting youth ages 6+
WHERE IT BEGINS
Participants are given time to arrive, observe, and engage without pressure. Students will meet their instructor and get to know the horses and other animals through unstructured interaction—feeding treats, grooming, and simply spending time nearby. The focus in this phase is on comfort, familiarity, and learning the rhythms of the barn.
LEARNING TO WORK TOGETHER
As comfort builds, sessions become more intentional. Students begin working alongside the horses through groundwork and obstacle-based activities. In this phase, they learn how to give direction, notice responses, and adjust their approach in real time.
Working on the ground allows every horse on the property to participate—miniature horses, rescue horses, and those who can no longer be ridden. Some of our most important horses never move beyond this work. This phase reminds us that success looks different for everyone. Children are not measured against a standard. They are given space to define success on their own terms, learning that their value is not tied to their ability.
STEPPING INTO THE SADDLE
For those who choose to ride, the saddle becomes the place their work continues, now in motion. In this phase, students practice starting, stopping, and continuing forward. They learn how to stay present and calm, even when things feel unfamiliar. Riding offers an experience that can’t be replicated. It brings the body and mind into the same moment, giving confidence room to grow as muscle memory takes over. For some, this is the first time forward motion feels like a choice.
Early Childhood Program for kids 5 and under
For our youngest participants, the barn is a place to explore.
Children take part in ground-based experiences with mini horses, ponies, and goats. Sessions are unmounted and centered on meaningful interaction—brushing, feeding, observing, and spending time nearby. Children are welcomed as they are, whether that looks like excitement, curiosity, or quiet attention.
A parent, caregiver, or approved adult remains present and participates alongside the child, offering support and familiarity as new experiences unfold.
In this program, progress may look different from day to day. It might be active engagement, brief observation, or choosing when and how to participate. These early experiences help children build comfort, confidence, and trust in a way that feels natural to them.
Over time, this foundation supports a smooth transition into the Core Program, offering continuity, familiarity, and readiness for the next stage.
