Saddle up! B-P partnership with STEP enters its fourth year

In 2021, Broadalbin-Perth launched an equestrian therapy program for identified students with special needs in partnership with Saratoga Therapeutic Equestrian Program (STEP) in Glenville. This year, 20 Broadalbin-Perth students in pre-K through grade 5 are participating in the program. 

STEP utilizes equestrian therapy to assist students with the retention of academic skills, as well as engaging the students in the repeated practice of occupational, physical, or speech therapy skills. Students in the program also work on social skills, such as communication with others, active listening, cooperation, and receiving feedback.

“Oftentimes, students may be working on multiple skills at once,” said BPES special education teacher Rebecca Oaks, who oversees the program for B-P. “For example, students in kindergarten are working on letters and sounds, so they will practice navigating their horses toward letters around the arena while simultaneously practicing the letter sound.”

Oaks says the program capitalizes on the positive correlation between improvement of motor skills and academics.