Sensory-Friendly Hands on with Horses for Neurodivergent Young Adults

Are you looking for a supportive, structured, and screen-free activity for your neurodivergent young adult?
Our Hands-On With Horses Monday morning group is designed specifically for young adults with ADHD, anxiety, sensory processing differences, or social-emotional delays who thrive with calm routines, clear expectations, and compassionate guidance.

This small-group class offers a respite experience for caregivers while providing students with:

• Meaningful social interaction
• Confidence-building hands-on tasks
• Gentle physical activity
• Emotional regulation through horse interaction
• A sense of responsibility, connection, and accomplishment

What We Do During Sessions (No Riding)

Participants learn foundational horse-care and horsemanship skills such as:

• Catching and haltering
• Leading and communication
• Brushing and cleaning hooves
• Feeding and nutrition basics
• Exercising horses on the ground
• Observing herd behavior and body language
• Mindfulness and breathwork around the herd
• Horse-themed art projects
• Cleaning stalls, paddocks and supply areas

These activities promote executive functioning, focus, problem-solving, emotional regulation, and cooperative social skills — all within a peaceful ranch environment.

Who This Group Is For

This class is ideal for neurodivergent young adults (ages ~17–25) who:

• Enjoy animals or calm outdoor environments
• Benefit from structured, predictable routines
• Want a social activity without pressure or overstimulation
• Can participate independently in a small group setting (this program does not include 1:1 support)
• Do not need riding — this is a ground-only horsemanship class

This offering works well for families seeking:

• Respite-like weekly support
• Social skills practice
• Life-skills development
• Anxiety-friendly or low-pressure activities
• Therapeutic-adjacent enrichment (not therapy)

Group Size & Setting

• Thursdays, 10am-noon
• Small group for comfort and individual attention
• Located at Horse + Bow in Marble Falls, TX

What to Wear / Bring

• Closed-toe shoes (required)
• Weather-appropriate clothes
• Water bottle
• Optional: gloves or hat as needed for weather

Cost

$125/session

About the Facilitator

Led by Kristine Palmer, certified in Equine-Assisted Learning, specializing in supporting neurodivergent individuals through horse-groundwork, mindfulness, and strengths-based coaching.