Special Programs
We offer several Special Program opportunities in addition to our regular lesson programs. These offerings are detailed below.
If you would like to learn more about any of the programs listed or are interested in scheduling a Special Program, please contact us!
Veterans Program
High & Mighty is proud to offer programming for veterans, active military personnel, and military personnel family members that focus on the many challenges faced by military service members daily. Benefits of the program include:
- Improving communication, problem-solving, and relationship skills
- Decreasing stress, anxiety, and depression
- Increasing confidence and focus
- Building/Gaining trust and respect
These benefits, combined with the unique experience of partnering with horses, allow us to assist participants in meeting their particular goals. These goals are accomplished through a combination of unmounted (grooming, horse handling, and other horsemanship skills) and mounted (horseback riding and carriage driving) activities. If you would like more information or are interested in joining us, please visit our website or email programs@high-n-mighty.org
We partner with the Joseph Dwyer Peer-to-Peer Program that is coordinated by the Columbia County Veterans Services Director, Gary Flaherty. To learn more about it, please contact Gary at 518-828-3610 or visit the office at 389 Fairview Ave., Hudson NY. We also collaborate with the STRIDE Wounded Warrior Program, offering unique day programs to military personnel and their families. Another resource for Veterans regarding disability compensation is the Veterans Guide.
Mighty Minis
While most of our community programs take place on the farm, we also offer off-site programming through our Mighty Mini Program. Our miniature horses are specially trained to travel to schools, nursing homes, libraries, and other facilities. Their training allows them to:
- Walk through human-sized doorways
- Go upstairs
- Ride in elevators
- Visit places where the average horse would be unable to manage
These visits often include grooming, feeding, and informational sessions about horses and their care, but can be tailored to meet the needs of the facility we are traveling to. Our Mighty Minis allow us to deliver the vast knowledge of horses in a small, travel-friendly package. If you would like more information or are interested in scheduling a Mighty Mini Visit, please contact us at programs@high-n-mighty.org.
Elders & Equines
Our Elders and Equines program focuses on sharing the benefits of the equine experience with our elder population. These include:
- Improving cognition and memory processing
- Increasing confidence
- Conquering anxieties
- Combating isolation
- Building communication skills
- Overcoming daily challenges
- Providing social interaction and physical activity
- Enjoying the outdoors
Our Elders and Equines program is a half-day excursion to the farm that focuses on the simple joys of being with horses. These visits incorporate herd demonstrations, hands-on grooming, and bonding with our herd members in a safe environment.
Being with the horses often sparks memories of our elders’ past horse experiences that they then share with us – a true pleasure for all to hear. Upon returning home, many of our visitors also share stories of their trip to High & Mighty with friends and family. We partner with facilities in the surrounding area that focus on senior living, assisted living, nursing care, and rehabilitation.
If you would like to learn more or are interested in scheduling a visit for your facility, please contact programs@high-n-mighty.org.
Community Programs & Partnerships
Because High & Mighty is passionate about partnering with our community, many of our programs focus on collaborating with others. Our most popular partnerships are our School Programs, Residential Living Programs, and Scout Troop Projects. Our programs have many beneficial aspects, including:
- Increased ability to listen, focus, communicate, and build relationships
- Increased strength, balance, and coordination
- Promotion of independence and skill building
- Appreciation for our world and those around us
Each program is specifically designed to meet the needs of the group. Sessions may be mounted, unmounted, or a mixture of both. Program activities incorporate:
- Riding
- Driving
- Groundwork
- Barn Management
- Other Equine Skills
The above outlines our most popular programs, but we are also open to developing new programs to meet the needs of any facilities, clubs, groups, classes, and individuals who have a desire to learn more about horses. If you would like more information or are interested in discussing a Community Program or Partnership, please contact us at programs@high-n-mighty.org.
