Programs

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  STABLEWORK provides programs to teenagers and adults with step by step guidance in a variety of job readiness skills and routine horse care, related barn work, simple contruction projects, landscaping and gardening. 

 All trainees must be able to adhere to a Code of Conduct. 

Group classes 

Individuals eligible for NY State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) services or other public benefits may receive vocational training and transportation at no fee through Challenge Workforce Solutions or JM Murray.  

We offer classes aimed at developing work readiness skills: work tolerance, ability to maintain focus in a work setting, ability to take coaching and retain skills, and address the “soft skills” of social interaction, self-advocacy, on the job safety, hygiene and dress. To train in these skills and in the field of animal care, Stablework uses our “retired” rescue horses and three Nigerian Dwarf goats.  Gardening, landscaping, and contruction tasks are incorporated into the work day. Classes are conducted 2x week in the barn and pastures, and in a comfortable break room designed alternatively for group interaction and for trainees tand when needed,  quiet space. 

To get started through Challenge Workforce: Contact Briggs Seekins, Director of Employment & Vocational Services at Challenge Workforce Solutions in Ithaca, NY. briggss@aboutchallenge.org; 607 272-8990. or contact us at info@stablework.org
 

 · Covid-19 Safety Protocols Strictly Upheld

  Our Horse and Related Barn Care Community Class and Course offers individuals a hands on experience in the basics of horse care and related barn work.

Participants are eased into different training levels starting with learning horse communication, safety protocols, cleaning the barn, and setting up water and feed buckets for the horses. Other skills are added as individuals are ready such as giving treats to the horses, grooming (brushing) the horses, turn out skills, hoof cleaning and others.
Individuals learn to build stamina, complete tasks and pace themselves. Skills are transferrable to a variety of animal care settings.

Each 60-75 minute session provides customized instruction. Interested participants are required to come for a tour and complete a short application to determine appropriate placement. Also, trainees must be able to adhere to a Code of Conduct. Classes are deliberately kept small to enhance learning.  

STABLEWORK Community classes are open to the public. A single introductory class is $45;  Two courses are offered: "Horse and Related Barn Care,"  and "Woodworking Projects", consisting of ten sessions, is $400. Additional fees such as to cover materials or horse safety helmets may be applied.    

Self-Directed government payments and direct payment options available.

To learn more about these options  contact STABLEWORKinfo@stablework.org.   

Community Based Work Assessments 

 This is a three- hour observ ation and evaluation of the full range of an individual’s skills in working with supervisors and co- workers. The individual being assessed is part of the crew at Stablework for that day.

New York State Department of Education ACCESS VR program has approved Stablework as a site to provide a Community Based Work Experience.  

A participant in this program doing horse care and barn chores.