North Star EAL

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10/16/2026

This student has developed a strong friendship with this horse (Judah) these last two months, and they’ve been working together through a series of cowboy-themed EAL challenges each week. This week, our student learned how to make a rope halter.

We often use rope halters around the barn, but how many of us have ever stopped to look at one closely and consider all the knots and pieces that make them up? The fact that it is all one piece of rope twisted this way and that into a halter?

Using his resourcefulness and a measured, methodical approach, our student persevered through the directions given this week and was able to lead his horse around the arena using a bright yellow halter he made from scratch. I think his grin when he succeeded says it all!

Want to join us? We still have space this fall for Equine-Assisted Learning sessions and Riding Lessons!

[email protected] | (715) 484-2742 ext. 250

10/14/2026

Here are some moments from another fun and educational cowboy-themed EAL session this week! During this lesson, we talked a lot about the Pony Express – the history surrounding it, what the purpose was (delivering letters across the country in record time!), and why it was important for the riders to have a strong understanding of the horses they rode.

When I’ve taught this lesson plan in the past, the challenge is usually to guide your horse through the obstacle course and deliver a handful of letters in record time. The team has to work together: the horse carries the letters in the saddlebags, the rider or leader directs the horse to each stop and hands off the letters. If it is a group session, we’ll make it a competition to see who can get done the fastest.

This lesson took a different turn: as we were talking the conversation came up, “Imagine if people still only communicated with letters over long distances, how different the world would be!” We talked about how you would probably want to write letters that are important, full of meaning. You would write letters to people you loved and cared for, and you would say what you meant in them.

One of our students wrote down the names of his friends on the envelopes, saying these are the people he would love to write letters to. He wrote the names of the horses we had in the arena. He also wrote a letter to his mom and his brother that read: “I love you!” Once we were done with the session, our student ran and gave his mom a huge hug and also told her this in person. Sometimes, you just need to see and appreciate people for who they are, and say the things that might otherwise go unsaid! So who needs to hear that you see them and you love them today?

Although this session took a different direction than planned, it seemed that the lesson stuck with our student. What else will the horses teach this student as we continue our lessons, and what more could the horses teach you? Contact us today to learn more! www.northstareal.org

10/12/2026

With our White Lake School students, we’ve built a handful of skills these last several weeks. First and foremost, the students have found connections, confidence, and a safe space with the horses. Secondly, they have practiced taking good care of and respecting the horses and each other. Finally, the students have worked through challenges together that encourage problem-solving, creativity, teamwork, and more. They’ve been recognizing that the horses are a vital part of their team and asking good questions as we go through the various activities! These life skills and behavioral patterns learned set them up for success both in school and at home.

Today, we asked the students to work with a horse that they were familiar with, and also a horse that they have not met previously. The challenge was the same for both horses: the students had to set up an obstacle or boundary. Then, without touching the horse, the students had to encourage their horse to move around the boundary in a circle. They quickly accomplished this goal with the familiar horse, who knew them well and followed them easily. It was interesting to watch their approach with the unknown horse. They spent some time with her, quickly learned how curious she was, and encouraged her curiosity so she could learn to follow them.

What I love to see is:
🐴 Authentic connections forming that are not forced or based on “controlling” the horses.
🐴 Teamwork as the students bounced ideas off each other and worked together.
🐴 Encouragement: they cheered the horses on and supported each other throughout.
🐴 Creativity in their approach - there was no wrong answer here on how to accomplish the goal, and they nailed it!

I’m excited to see what challenges these kids will overcome this year, using what they’ve learned at the barn. One student brought up how working with the new horse is similar to how he wants to treat a new student in his class at school. He brought up being gentle, patient, and kind to the new student. I’ll ask him next week how it went. It’s always fun getting to know these kids and being able to pour into their lives through the horses.

10/07/2026

Horses are relational, when you work with a horse it’s different than riding a bike or driving a car. The horse is a living, breathing creature with its own mind, emotions, training, and memories. They react to us according to what we show them. And when we show them calm, confidence, patience, and love it’s amazing to see how they open up! The same principle goes for the people who come to the barn.

This particular horse loves riding in the English style, so for this student’s first try at riding English last week, this was a perfect match. It’s so fun to watch people (and the horses) find their confidence, find joy in doing things together, and just plain have fun.

Want to join us? Check out www.northstareal.org.

10/05/2026

The fall season will never cease to be spectacular in the northwoods! Here are some moments from last week spent enjoying God’s beautiful creations: the horses, the people, and of course the beautiful colors of the trees. It’s the perfect time of year to ride!

Learn more at www.northstareal.org.

10/02/2026

Continuing with our Cowboy-themed Equine-Assisted Learning sessions, this pair worked on problem-solving skills and creativity this week!

The challenge for this student was to learn how to rope a steer; a useful skill a cowboy might practice regularly. He could choose to use a traditional lasso, or he could use any of the materials in the arena to see what he liked and what worked best for him.

Additionally, this cowboy had to train his horse to be ok with the lasso. The unexpected movement and noise of the lasso can spook a horse who isn’t used to it. He had to watch the horse’s reactions and movements throughout the lesson.

So how do these skills transfer to our student’s everyday life? When faced with a problem, this student has:

- Built the confidence to know problems can be overcome.
- Practiced the pattern of using available resources to accomplish goals.
- Used creativity when the solution wasn’t immediately obvious.
- Demonstrated awareness of how his actions affect those around him.
- He also didn’t give up even when the challenge was difficult!

As we reinforce these hands-on learning patterns with our horses, they will naturally show through in the lives of our students outside the barn. Want to learn more? Visit www.northstareal.org.

09/30/2026

These two make my heart happy! This horse took a bit of time to trust us when she first arrived here a little over a year ago. Now, she loves attention, has gotten used to the routine, and has spent the last couple weeks working with this student.

What’s cool to watch is our student who is using all the horse handling skills she’s learned, having the confidence to befriend a horse who is more shy in temperament, and being her cheerful, loving, and gentle self to this horse.

As a result, the safer the horse feels, the more she relaxes and opens up with our student. This horse remains quiet and gentle around our student, and freely accepts her companionship and hugs. Even when she has some pent up energy, a walk around the arena with her human friend will calm her down. When I say EAL is as good for the horses as it is for the people, this is what I mean.

Imagine the changes that could happen in your life with a good, horsey friend by your side. ❤️

Want to learn more? Check out www.northstareal.org.

09/29/2026

Last week Dave Wager and I recorded an episode of the “Younger Older” podcast about Equine-Assisted Learning and how horses can help people. We go a lot into the horse’s design and how they are able to connect with many people in all areas of life. The podcast aired this weekend, but if you missed it here’s the link 🔗 to it on our website:

Scroll toward the bottom of the page to the podcast section, it’s the Younger Older #678 episode. www.northstareal.org/about-us

You can also look up Younger Older episodes on Apple and Spotify! Check it out if you’re curious!

09/28/2026

Our White Lake school students joined us this morning, resuming their Equine-Assisted Learning sessions for the school year. These EAL in Education sessions are designed to promote the life skills needed to succeed in school and to build on the foundation they get from their teachers. This first day back was a review of safety, discovering what they could remember about the horses from last year, and discussing goals and how we can meet them with our equine partners this year. We’re excited to watch these kids grow in a team setting this year! All of these students have spent time at the barn previously, but not with each other. There is one student each from elementary, middle school, and high school. They all have different personalities, energy levels, and strengths. This dynamic will be fun to explore as the year goes on, as we encourage them to all work together and build each other up.

Are you an educator, parent, or student who is curious how Equine-Assisted Learning could support you? Reach out today for more information! [email protected]

09/26/2026

This has got to be one of the coolest parts of my job: watching people learn and grow. This student loves Sméagol the donkey, so check out the awesome blanket he was so excited to show us yesterday! Then we went for a ride — this student and his sister have worked with our draft horses a handful of times. It’s so fun to watch kids as young as they are handling the biggest horses we have, and not only that but trusting them wholeheartedly and having a great time. Yesterday our student rode Agape (whose name means “unconditional love”) with his arms out saying, “I trust God, I trust God.”

Matt 19:14 “…and Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.””

Address

N6120 Sawyer Lake Road
White Lake, WI
54491

Telephone

+17154842742

Website

http://northstareal.org/

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