What is Involved?
In this program, children interact safely with a variety of animals such as guinea pigs, llama, sheep, mini horses, goats & rabbits in a peaceful, structured environment, using the connections they are making to learn and practice social-emotional life skills such as:
- Noticing body language
- Reading social cues
- Self regulation techniques
- What makes a good friend?
- Body-brain connections
We observe and engage with the animals, practicing mindful breathing and grounding skills, and working on creative barn-based activities together. This is a therapeutic program that does not involve any horse riding. Children are closely supervised by both our staff and an experienced animal handler from the farm to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved!
Parent feedback has been highly positive, with many children repeating this popular program.
Who Is It For?
- Kids aged 3+, pending an intake to ensure this program is a good fit (kids are grouped according to age and developmental stage)
- Sibling groups welcome! This can be a fantastic way for siblings to work on cooperation and communication
- For safety reasons, participants must be able to follow simple instructions, toilet independently, be physically safe within a group and be independently mobile – please Talk to us if your child may require extra support to participate
Why would we join?
- You may have an animal-loving child who would benefit from the opportunity to connect with some new friends (the human variety, as well as our furry farmyard friends!)
- You may have noticed your child could use extra support managing their feelings and working on age-appropriate social & communication skills
- You may have been given a diagnosis such as ADHD, ASD or Anxiety and you are looking for ways to understand and manage the challenges they bring
- You may value these life skills as a family but have been finding it difficult to practice them while social interactions were limited due to the pandemic
- Your child may be feeling anxious about the re-entry into post-pandemic routines and expectations, or be struggling with some situational social anxiety over the return to school, and could use a safe, smaller group to help with the transition
Where & when is it happening?
- Sandy Lane Stables, a beautiful privately owned facility on the outskirts of Brantford approximately 20 minutes from the clinic
- Saturdays from May 21 – June 25 (6 weeks)
- NEW – 5 week option also available beginning May 28! Pro-rated pricing – please enquire
- 3 groups: 10.00am, 11.30 am and 1.00pm
How much does it cost?
- The 6 week course is $600, due on registration
- The financial commitment is for the full course duration of six group sessions
- Course is covered under most benefit plans (MSW)
- A credit card number is required to be kept on file and is charged once on registration, with paid receipts emailed weekly for submission as the sessions occur
Course can be also covered by OAP or SSAH funds if you have access to these; please get in touch with us at accounts@nowwhatsupports.ca with any questions about billing and insurance coverage
