What is Horse Powered Reading (HPR)?
HPR® is a unique reading intervention program that integrates social-emotional learning with academics.
What does that mean?
An interventional program means it is way to help students with their current studies. It accelerates their ability to learn reading skills by reducing anxiety and building confidence. Socio-emotional learning means horses act as safe “friends” during the learning activities providing students with unconditional love and mental support. They neither judge a student for their struggles to read, nor make them feel shame about it. “Students interact with horses from the ground while using toys and props to identify obstacles and learn five critical reading skills––phonemic awareness, decoding, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension (HPR, 2022).”
Who are the instructors?
There are many instructors in HPR! To start, we have two equine instructors, our mini horses MC and Jazzy. We have a human instructor, Dr. Barss, an accomplished academic and passionate educator! Our horse handlers and teaching assistants, Scott Barss and Danielle Roberts are present to help with process and safety.
Why horses?
Animals, especially horses, as human socio-emotional support has a long history! Stories from the time of ancient Greeks exist about animals providing unconditional love that heals. In 1792, the first documented use of socio-emotional support by animals was from the York Retreat, England. Even Florence Nightingale (1860) wrote of the benefits of animals!
Why this program, why Horse Powered Reading?
Dr. Barss believes when students are immersed in the reading experience they see and feel reading with their entire mind and body. This is when they become emotionally connected and motivated to learn and grow. Backed by research and fueled by passion, the Horse Powered Reading program is a well researched approach to creating a SAFE and BRAVE space for children to learn and grow.
How do I learn more about HPR?
To learn more about all the amazing things that HPR can do for your child, please visit the Horse Powered Reading® website to watch videos, see pictures, and read testimonials and research!
