Healing Reins of Kentucky, Inc. provides an equine-assisted learning program called Reading
with Rocky, which reinforces literacy at its roots! Equine-assisted learning uses experiential, real-world learning to promote a love of reading.
History of Reading with Rocky in Henderson, KY
In the pilot year 2018, Healing Reins launched Reading with Rocky serving 51 students at AB Chandler Elementary in Henderson. In 2019, the program expanded from a six-week to an eight-week program and added 2 new Henderson schools, expanding to 165 students. In the spring of
2020, Reading with Rocky began serving 250 students in five schools, including AB Chandler,
East Heights, Holy Name, Jefferson, and Niagara. Initial visits to the classrooms with the
miniature horses took place February 11-13…then came the Covid Pandemic. Due to the
Pandemic, Reading with Rocky was canceled for service to schools in 2020 and 2021, but we
hope to provide Henderson schools with Spring 2022 programming.
Overview of Reading with Rocky
Reading with Rocky starts at the beginning of the spring school semester and ends right before
Spring Break. Healing Reins hopes to build the scope of the program to include more schools
each year and possibly add new grade level curricula in the future. The Reading with Rocky
program for first graders encourages and fosters the joy of reading and learning through
interaction with horses.
The program includes:
Classroom visits with two miniature horses (Rocky and Tater Tot.)
Weekly pen pal letters from Rocky introducing the week’s theme.
A six-week curriculum of equine activities in Literacy, Math, Science, Art, and History.
Weekly spelling list of equine words that are reinforced in curriculum activities.
Provision of two on-level books about horses for each student to read and keep.
A field trip to Blue Moon Stables (the home of Rocky) which is a working farm.
Week 1: Classroom Visit by Miniature Horses
The program begins with a classroom visit by two miniature horses. A story is read aloud about a
new horse, Rocky, arriving at the farm that is very different from the other horses. This mirrors
how some children feel different but can still make friends and be successful. The students are
asked if they would like to meet Rocky. A resounding “Yes” is followed by Rocky and Tater Tot
entering the classroom. Students ask questions, meet/pet the mini horses, and receive the first of
two books to keep.
Weeks 2-7: Six Week Equine Curriculum
Teachers utilize the weekly equine curriculum consisting of six units building to a surprise field
trip to the farm. Rocky’s pen pal letter is utilized as a morning message or other literacy activity,
such as spelling, punctuation, or capital letters. A three-ring notebook provides the teacher
synopsis of each week’s unit and all activities. Teachers decide what parts of the curriculum they
wish to use.
Week 8: Field Trip to the Farm
During the field trip, the students and teachers tour the farm and reinforce learning about horse
care, behavior, careers, and nutrition, connecting the classroom learning gained over the prior six
weeks to the real world. The students run relays over horse jumps, groom horses, and learn how
to do the three basic gaits of horses… walk, trot, and canter. It’s a hands-on, authentic learning
experience!
New Addition to Programming: Healing Reins Mobile Experience (HR-ME)
Over the 2020-2021 gap in services, Healing Reins planned, purchased, and implemented a
Mobile Classroom for providing services such as Reading with Rocky. HR-ME is available to
additional audiences to learn about and celebrate equines. Due to numerous grants and donors,
Healing Reins Mobile Experience is housed within a 5th wheel horse trailer. The trailer outfitted
with a classroom and stall so that two miniature horses can travel not only to schools but to many
other organizations provides community outreach. During the 2021 summer, HR-ME visited
with the Cliff Hagan Boys and Girls Club, Audubon Kids Zone, Autism Walk, Henderson
Christian Community Outreach Family Fun Night and Growing Minds Learning Center.
Sponsors and Volunteers
Reading with Rocky has been blessed. Grants, donations, and our many dedicated, trained
volunteers make Reading with Rocky a great success! And of course, Rocky and Tater Tot are
the heart of the program. Healing Reins would like to especially thank Gavilon and Hutson, Inc.
for supporting the mission of providing quality learning opportunities through horses. Gavilon
allowed the program to take roots and grow through its generous support and funding. Hutson,
Inc. is a new sponsor and will build the program even further. Many other organizations,
individuals, and businesses are also responsible for expanding the program and are sincerely
appreciated!
Healing Reins of Kentucky, Inc. Non-Profit
Healing Reins of Kentucky, Inc. was established in 2016 and has been providing equine-assisted
services to hundreds of participants. Healing Reins is a Member Center of PATH International,
the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH). Healing Reins provides
equine-assisted services for individuals with special needs. The goal of Equine Assisted Services
is to assist children and adults in reaching their goals while engaging with the horse as a
partner. For information or to schedule a visit by our Mobile Classroom, please visit
www.healingreinsky.org or contact us at horsesheal1@gmail.com. Administrators and teachers
interested in getting their schools involved, please contact us at horsesheal1@gmail.com.
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