Foundations of Horsemanship Summer Program

The Foundations of Horsemanship Summer Program is a 5 day program that uses horses to make learning fun through activities such as morning feeding, cleaning stalls, care of horse tack, and learning the fundamental needs of a horse. Participants learn basic horsemanship skills in preparation for riding, including safety around horses, the proper way to groom a horse, parts of the horse, hoof care, saddling, and how to read a horse’s behavior. During the last 2 days, children have the opportunity to mount the horse and practice the skills learned throughout the week, and each component is tied in with grade-appropriate math, science, critical thinking, and language arts skills.

• Schedule: This 5 day program; office hours Mon–Sat 9:00am to 12:00 noon
• Price: The cost is $199.00 for non program members.

All students are required to have a signed Release of Liability on file, and helmets and snacks are provided. The program is part of Robinson Ranch, which first opened its doors to students with special needs in 2000 and is an unincorporated division of the Arizona Equine Rescue Organization (AERO), serving as Emergency First Responders for Large Animal Rescues in Maricopa County. Robinson Ranch is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and maintains the industry’s highest standard level as outlined by Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.), and it is the only minority owned and operated Equine Assisted Learning and Horse Therapy Center of its kind.

The staff includes certified instructors, Therapeutic Riding Instructors in Training, a program coordinator, a volunteer coordinator, a marketing/fundraising manager, an equestrian specialist, a financial consultant, 2 part-time barn caretakers, and a maintenance crew. Life-long horseman John Robinson began the journey to work with equine and special needs individuals, and in September 2008 John, Jerry Riggs, and Fred Colbert had an idea to expand the program and service offerings. The mission of Robinson Ranch is to provide comprehensive educational programs for under-privileged, disabled, and able-bodied children and adults, utilizing horses to facilitate growth, learning, and healing in a caring, safe, and challenging environment that will enable them to reach their full potential.

Testimonials from parents and grandparents describe experiences of children participating in lessons and programs at Robinson Ranch, including shy and anxious children, children in advanced classes, and a child with Highly Functioning Autism/ADD/Sensory Perception Disorder who was reported to be immediately comfortable with staff and volunteers.

Last updated January 16, 2026.