At the Making Strides Foundation, learning happens in the barn as well as the classroom. Our Horse Powered Reading® program combines literacy instruction with hands-on interaction with horses to help students build confidence, strengthen reading skills, and develop a love of learning.

​

Developed by educator Dr. Michele Pickel, Horse Powered Reading® integrates academic learning with social-emotional development. Students work with horses from the ground while using toys, props, and creative problem-solving activities to explore the skills needed to become successful readers.

​

This experiential approach allows children to engage their minds, bodies, and emotions, creating powerful connections that support both learning and self-confidence.​

​

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

Horse Powered Reading® sessions take place on the ground in a safe, supportive environment. Students partner with horses to participate in interactive learning activities that represent reading challenges and solutions.

​

Through movement and hands-on exploration, students learn and practice five essential literacy skills:

• Phonemic awareness

• Decoding and phonics

• Vocabulary development

• Reading fluency

• Comprehension

 

Horses play an important role in the learning process. Their sensitivity to human behavior and emotions helps students build awareness, communication skills, and confidence as they work through reading challenges.