Rose Of Sharon Equestrian School

Rose of Sharon Equestrian School is a unique facility located just 20 miles northeast of Baltimore, providing individuals with disabilities the opportunity to develop basic horsemanship and stable management skills in a therapeutic environment. Our programs are facilitated at an accessible and ADA-compliant stable, designed to be a place of refuge from the challenges often encountered when living with a disability or caring for someone who has special needs. The thoughtful development of both our programs and grounds serves to provide everyone involved - students, their families and caregivers, instructors, and volunteers - an environment with the restorative potential to impart a sense of peace while there and a feeling of renewed strength after leaving.

Our Programs and Projects

Rose of Sharon Equestrian School offers a variety of programs and projects, including:

1. Therapeutic horsemanship programs for individuals with disabilities, especially children and youth.

2. Volunteer opportunities for retirees.

3. Internship and research opportunities for college students.

4. Service learning projects for middle and high schoolers.

5. Merit badge workshops for scouts.

Our programs cater to the needs of novice learners, with instruction designed to develop skills in basic horsemanship and stable management. The benefits of involvement with our programs reach far beyond the barn, with parents and participants reporting positive growth in areas such as self-confidence and social interaction, emotional and psychological well-being, physical strength and stability, improvement in schoolwork, and enhanced family relationships.

Special programs can be designed to meet the requirements of an individual or an organization. Our newly completed state-of-the-art therapeutic horsemanship arena allows us to provide more opportunities for more children with disabilities to access the benefits that can be gained in the presence of horses.

Our Horses

Our school is home to a variety of horses, each with their unique personalities and contributions to make to our programs. Here are a few of our stars:

• Stella: A beautiful buckskin Morgan mare born in Montana, Stella is known for her gentle intelligence and is ready to teach students how to develop a truly light touch in their horsemanship and riding skills.

• Izzie: A Thoroughbred/Percheron-Shetland Pony cross, Izzie is responsible for guiding our most timid students through their lessons with her wonderful mix of strength and gentleness.

• Midnight: A coal black gelding with big eyes, big feet, and a big personality, Midnight is known for his dexterous muzzle and white milk moustache.

• Ginger "Rose" Lee: A spunky and resilient miniature horse, Ginger is a Registered American Miniature Horse who found her forever home with ROSES after living in Baltimore City.

• Cooper "Rose": A Registered American Miniature Horse, Cooper is known for his tolerance and sensitivity, allowing Ginger to be his next-door stall-mate and working with our preschool-aged students with autism and other social-emotional challenges.

Policies and Procedures

Rose of Sharon Equestrian School, Inc. is dedicated to providing equine facilitated learning experiences and therapeutic horsemanship opportunities for individuals, especially children and young adults, who have special needs. While there are inherent risks with any activity involving horses, we are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants, horses, and staff. To this end, we have established policies and procedures that prioritize safety, respect, and professionalism.**