PENROSE – Wednesday marked the first official fundraiser for McAninch Farm’s Equine Assisted Education Center. Children and parents alike were encouraged to go to the farm to hang out with the horses, grab some refreshments and visit with Santa.
Owner Shawnee McAninch operated a horse rescue out of her property and home before recognizing the need for people to get out and get fresh air when the pandemic hit. A year ago, she started the Equine Assisted Education Center.
“We had a lot of kids and parents that didn’t have anything to do so I thought, ‘Why not?’ and I opened up my facility for classes here,” McAninch said.
The center is currently a Certified Horsemanship Association program and has wonderful employees and volunteers who help the program run.
Unlike other riding classes and methods, McAninch’s program focuses on a relationship-based riding experience, complete with safety-first techniques and compassion for animals. The program could be considered revolutionary as riders start bareback in an effort to truly understand the animal, as well as learn physical and mental balance.
The program also aims to properly educate people on equine ownership before buying a horse on a whim.
“To us, it’s all about relationship with the horses and learning from the ground up and learning to build that rapport,” she said. “Because if you’re going to get on a 1,200-pound animal you really need to know how to establish a bond with your horse. And in return, they give you so much more.”
The center offers classes for all ages and services both family groups, as well as one on one lessons. However, they are open to any sort of class setting.
“We kind of tailor it to whatever their needs are,” McAninch said.
Head trainer, lesson giver, spiritual coach, and good friend, according to McAninch, Cheryl Cosyleon, had nothing but praise for the many students involved in the program. The story of Rachel Peter piqued particular interest.
Peter lost a close friend in a riding-related incident when she was a teenager and left the accident mentally scarred and nervous around the animals. Her daughter was a student at the center when Peter herself approached Cosyleon and McAninch for lessons. Fast forward several months, and Peter is now a confident and able assistant at the center.
The program’s gentle and safe approach to the horses has led many of the students to develop a newfound appreciation for the animal kingdom.
One of the younger students said they like getting to feel the different emotions of each horse and getting to know them a bit better.
The center hopes to raise enough funds to build a covered arena and start a special equine Thai Chi class in the future. The friendly environment of the center provides a welcoming environment for newcomers.
“Everyone is so friendly and welcoming, and I think that’s huge,” Peter said. “Not all places are super welcoming to new people. No one acts like they’re better than anyone, you can come here and ask questions.”
The center is actively looking for volunteers to help run the numerous activities they have going on and would also appreciate donations of any and all amounts. To get in touch with McAninch Farms, call 719-214-1157 or email mcaninchfarms21@gmail.com.
