Applying Equine-Assisted Learning: A Program for At-Risk Youth

The high school dropout rate among at-risk youth is higher than other student populations, leading to the development of non-

traditional approaches like Equine-Assisted Learning programs. The specific program for at-risk youth uses Equine-Assisted Learning

combined with conventional education to reduce the high school dropout rate among its participants. The program began in 2002 and,

by 2008, the staff observed that all the at-risk youth that participated in this program had graduated from high school. In the program,

students partnered with rescue horses, which, in theory, helps the students learn resilience, social-emotional skills, and academic

strategies through deliberate practice, with the goal of transferring these skills and concepts successfully into the classroom. Between

the years 2008 and 2022, all 86 at-risk youth participating in the Equine-Assisted Learning program graduated from their traditional

high school on time. In addition, 100% of this cohort of students entered post-secondary education or technical job training. We

conclude that the factors identified in the program merit further study to understand the positive effects of Equine-Assisted Learning

in reducing the high school dropout rate among at-risk youth.