Our mission is to enrich the lives of socially, economically, emotionally, mentally, and physically disadvantaged individuals as well as the community at large through programs that provide interaction with horses.

Description:
We offer horsemanship programs for youth at risk in two age categories, "Kids on Course for ages 10-14, and "Youth Astride" for ages 15-18. Children visit the stable weekly for a 2 hour program which involves lots of hands on activities with 4 American Miniature Horses and one full sized Appaloosa. Instruction includes horse anatomy, nutrition, maintenance, and handling/grooming techniques as well as barn, pasture, and farm maintenance. Our Appy is, unfortunately, not ridable but interested youngsters can eventually work toward learning to drive a miniature horse using a specially sized cart, and/or show the minis in halter or jumping classes. The emphasis is on low stress enjoyment of horses in a safe, supportive atmosphere. Volunteers are needed on a regular basis to hug and groom horses and maintain stalls. We also need help with special or seasonal projects such as painting the barn, expanding turnouts, or constructing fence-line.

The "Port-A-Horse" program is for people with limited mobility or special needs. American Miniature Horses are transported by van to hospitals, nursing homes, and other institutions as well as private homes to provide Animal Assisted Activities, socialization, and - in some cases - welfare liaison. As with the youth programs, volunteers are needed to hug & groom horses and maintain their stalls. We will also need volunteers to accompany horses to visitation sites, helping where needed.

"Horse of Gold" is an adoption referral program for other nonprofit organizations and community service groups who are in need of a safe, sound horse to accomplish their mission. Computer literate office volunteers are needed for this program.

Please contact us to receive further information about any of the programs.

Contact person: Alice Keyes, Executive Director, (phone), (email)

Address:

210 Hillside Dr., PO Box 224 Barnesville, PA 18214 (See a map)

Directions:

Please email for directions - tell us where you're coming from.

Miscellaneous Information

Here are our special events...
	Annual fundraiser "Assateague Island Campout with the Wild Ponies" occurs the end of June. It is a 5 night, 6 day tent-camping trip to the beautiful National Seashore. Volunteers are not currently needed but additional participants are always welcome. Other special events are in development. We can use help organizing & staffing these.
Number of clients/community members we serve in a year...
	2000
Number of volunteers utilized in a year...
	11