Once again offered this summer will be Horses & More Summer Enrichment Program. This program will be offered to kids in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade. They will learn basic horsemanship, survival skills, basic first aide, wildlife education, gardening and so much more. For those returning a second year private riding lessons will be available. Please see calendar of events for future updates on this exciting program!

Our Equine Facilitated Mental Health Therapy program is targeted for youth (between 10-18 yrs.), but also for available for challenged individuals that are in need of a mentoring program that instills hope and restores mental well being.  Program available between May 1st and November 1st.  This program covers a wide range of issues.  All may not be listed and each child is individual.  Some examples:

• victims of trauma
• learning challenges and disabilities
• behavior issues
• Emotional disturbances
• Grief/loss
• Relationship establishment
• Low self esteem
• Dysfunctional homelife
• Other mental health diagnosis

Ponderosa Pals Youth Program

The Ponderosa Pals Youth program is an individualized program for kids that have been in rough home life situations.  Some may have been abused physically, mentally, or verbally.  Some may have dysfunctional families and need to have a “project.”

Our focus on these kids is centered on caring and helping. The goal is to build their self-esteem, to teach them responsibility and respect, but most of all to establish a bond of trust that will last a lifetime.

Ponderosa Pals is a “step program.”  All kids start at step one and graduate to the next step once they have reached each step’s goals.  They receive individualized attention and guidance by an approved Meadowgate staff member.  They earn rewards by completing the steps and may choose what they wish to do with those rewards.  They may be working toward a T-shirt, boots, riding helmet, riding lessons, etc.  All rewards are centered around what they may need to work around horses.

As we are guiding these kids through the program, we introduce them to horses that have come from similar, if not the same, backgrounds.  An abused horse internally knows in its own special and unique way that these kids are hurting also and they tend to bond with them in magical ways.  The horses do not see these kids as threats to their well-being and a mutual helping and healing process starts.  As they start working together, the kids form a strong relationship with the horses and mutual trust is created.  The kids are learning that kindness reaps great rewards.  They are able to see what they have done to help a horse that is nothing but bones transformed into a majestic creature of power and beauty.  They learn through these steps that they have saved and changed a horse’s life…at the same time the horse has done the same for them mentally.  It is an amazing process!! 

The youth program operates year round and is based around the kids’ school days and time off.  Their sessions typically last 1 1/2 to 2 hours, depending on where they are in the steps.

Fees are: Group - one hour $25/person

Private - 1/2 hour $35/person

Private - one hour $50/person

We work closely with parents, schools, and agencies to know the needs of the kids attending.  This program will grow as Meadowgate grows. It is another integral part of our mission.  Obviously, this free program relies heavily on financial donations as well as material donations the kids need, such as riding helmets, work boots, riding boots, saddles, bridles, etc.

We are very strict on safety precautions and we require the use of safety items before the child may participate.  Since not every child is able to afford the items needed, we allow them  to “borrow” from Meadowgate until they have earned their own.