Service Offering Descriptions

Special Olympics Equestrian Competition Training Program

An ongoing learning experience culminating in riders competing in the Special Olympics Equestrian competition.  This activity includes the learning of general riding skills along with horse safety and equine ground care skills.  This experience is offered to a select group of Special Olympians each season.

Horse Back Riding Lessons (offered to all)

Basic riding skills are taught along with horse safety and on the ground equine care.  This experience is offered to those involved with the Overlook Farm's "Family Strength" overcoming learning difficulties programs.

4-H Small Farm Animal Care & Agriculture Training (offered to all)

All participants learn to feed and care for farm animals.  Also, orchard and gardening skills are honed.  Safety, positive communication skills, and good learning habits are emphasized and reinforced in these model work experiences.  National 4-H program training materials are used as the basis for activities in a 4-H club learning environment.

"Family Strength" Orientation & Benchmark Review Meetings (offered to all)

Participants work with highly trained staff members who are under the direction and supervision of Masters level human service professionals on goal setting and benchmark review meetings.  These discussions center on reinforcing learning, relationship building along with enhancing personal self-esteem and coping skills practice.

Staff Certifications

Our staff members are certified coaches through the Special Olympics Equestrian program.  The Overlook Farm "Family Strength" programs are administered by Masters degreed human service professionals.  The equine and agricultural learning activities are facilitated by staff members who hold agricultural college degrees and/or associated technical career experiences.  Our solid group of equestrian coaches create a fun and safe learning environment and they look forward to teaching you to ride!  Our human service professionals are eager to help you brush up on your learning skills!