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4th Graders Visit Bella Terra Stables to Learn Grounding Techniques with Horses

10/21/2024

Mrs. Rachel Crowell's 4th Grade Class had the opportunity to learn grounding techniques with some amazing horses on a Social Emotional Learning trip to Bella Terra Stables in Murrysville on Thursday, Oct. 17. Bella Terra provides equine-assisted programs designed to strengthen and nurture children, families, and communities. 

Mrs. Crowell's students learned deep breathing techniques and spent time observing the horses. After that, they became "horse trainers" by using these techniques to get the horses "regulated" after they were intentionally startled. The students were taught how to "ground" themselves by focusing their energy on their feet, holding firm to the ground and letting that calmness spread throughout the rest of their body. The horses sensed their calmness and mimicked that behavior, becoming calmer and able to adapt to their environment.