Cornerstone Farm offers several programs developed for specific groups of riders. These special programs provide a solid introduction to riding and horse care, as well as an opportunity for more advanced riders to hone their equitation skills at a cost that is substantially less than our regular lessons.
Special Programs
Saddle Club
Saddle Club meets every Saturday (except in extremely inclement weather) from 10 am until noon, and riders aged five and up are welcome! In addition to riding, Saddle Club members practice grooming, tacking up and horse handling skills, as well as having fun with horse-related crafts and games. We stress the development of solid equitation skills, and offer a safe and supportive atmosphere to help develop confidence. Private and small group lessons will accommodate riders of different ages and abilities, and no prior riding experience is necessary.
Home School Horse Lovers
Home School Horse Lovers offers two Spring sessions and two Fall sessions on weekdays for our home-schooled riders. Each session is six weeks long, and riders are scheduled according to their age and ability to allow their riding skills to be nurtured, or challenged! Riders also have the opportunity to learn more about horse health and care and develop safe grooming, tacking and handling techniques, as well as socialize with other home-schoolers.
Paine School After School Program
Paine School After School Program is run in conjunction with the Captain Isaac Paine Elementary School PTG for students in grades 2-5. Two six week sessions are offered- in the Spring and in the Fall, and each session culminates with a horse show or fun event to showcase our riders’ progress! Riders of all ability levels are welcome. Transportation to Cornerstone is provided by the Paine School bus system.
Ladies Night
Ladies Night is held on a weekday evening from May until October, to provide an opportunity for moms (and other ladies) to escape their daily responsibilities and have fun with horses! Riders with limited experience, as well as accomplished riders, are welcome. After our group lesson is finished, there is plenty of time to socialize and enjoy the company of our horses and each other!
Therapeutic Riding
New Horizons Center for Equine Assisted Therapy
In 1996, the desire to give all individuals the opportunity to enjoy horses and riding was the foundation of the development of the Cornerstone Therapeutic Riding Program. Over the years, many riders- with a wide range of physical, emotional and cognitive disabilities- have discovered the many benefits of the horse-human bond to physical and mental well-being.
From these beginnings, the New Horizons Center for Equine Assisted Therapy was created to bring these opportunities to more individuals! Recently designated as a 501©3 non-profit foundation, New Horizons provides riding and driving instruction, as well as un-mounted equine facilitated therapy to individuals of all ages at Cornerstone Farm.
Our “hands-on” approach actively involves riders, empowering them to be as independent as possible in their riding, and our very special horses allow our special needs riders to feel a great sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. In addition to the physical benefits of riding, riders’ cognitive skills are challenged, coordination and fine motor skills improve, and the unconditional nature of horses encourages trust.