Our Mission...
At Northern Pathways Equine Center, we serve our community by providing a sanctuary for all, promoting mental, physical, and emotional health, improving interpersonal relationships, and increasing self-reliance through healthy client-centered activities with nature, horses and each other.
Our Programs
At Northern Pathways, our programs enable us to provide healing services to all sorts of people in our community. Read on for a detailed description of the methods we use to help those in need.
BRONCOS (Boys Reaching Out for New Challenges and Opportunities)
"I like to run with the ponies and hug the horses." - BRONCOS Participant
COWPOKES (Creative Outdoor Work & Play Opportunities for Kids and Equines)
In 2007, a United Way of Manistee County grant first turned a passionate dream into a reality, starting this program originally known as Cowpokes To Careers. Providing assistance with social and emotional skills for Manistee Intermediate School District (ISD) students, COWPOKES continues as a favorite for all who attend. Enhancing learning and social skills, through participation in different outdoor activities, COWPOKES has proven to be a magical motivational tool.
"It is so nice to see the joy in the faces of the students as they ride a horse and to see them grow more confident." - COWPOKES Staff Participant
GALLOP (Girls Achieving Life Long Opportunities with Purpose)
HOOFPRINTS (Horses Offering Opportunities for Families, Providing Recreation, Interaction, New experiences, and Therapeutic Services)
Initially created in 2019 as a pilot activity through the generous support of 100 Women Who Care, this program for families with children experiencing mobility challenges provides its participants with riding activities designed to develop balance, core strength, coordination, self-confidence, and social skills. As HOOFPRINTS has demonstrated to all involved the physical gains possible with therapeutic riding, the program has expanded each year under the guidance of a hippotherapist-in-training. HOOFPRINTS also offers activities and networking opportunities for participant families.
"...It's a huge deal for our family to be out on the nice and quiet horse farm relaxing, being a family, and seeing the kids having so much fun." - HOOFPRINTS Participant
TRAILS (Therapy for Recovery And Independent Living Skills)
Collaborating with Centra Wellness Peer to Peer Support, this program facilitates self-reliance and relationship skills for adults recovering from trauma and depression. Many are on a path of recovery that now need hope, purpose, and direction. Since the start of this program in 2010. the farm has become a sanctuary for those in need.
"From the first time you walk on the farm, the healing begins." - TRAILS Participant
HARVEST
With the help of our hardworking gardening volunteers, we try to provide all our participants access to healthy eating and lifestyle skills. Fresh vegetables, the opportunity to learn about growing and harvesting, and easy, delicious recipes are shared by everyone with an interest. Our gardens enable us to provide healthy snacks to our BRONCO and GALLOP kids, who are here through lunch on their program days.
"It's amazing how good you can feel after spending a few hours planting seeds!" - HARVEST Participant