Group Equine Education Programs
The Mountain Valley Horse Rescue offers developmentally appropriate, horse-focused programs throughout the year for all ages. All programs focus on developing a participant’s sense of H.O.P.E. (Heart, Opportunity, Perseverance and Empathy). These values are reinforced through a variety of engaging activities centered around caring for and understanding our equines. Besides groups, we offer one-on-one programs, birthday parties and team building by appointment. Volunteer and tour opportunities for adults and groups are also available year-round, by appointment. Please contact programs@mvhr.net for more information.
MVHR’s Community Horse Programs are in part made possible by DJ & Johanna Jensen with DJensen Electric.
2025 MVHR School Group Programs are made possible in part by Alan-Bradley Windows & Doors. Thank you for supporting children being outside with horses! Thanks to our Program sponsors, we can offer all children the opportunity to be with the horses and participate in our day camps, school and homeschool programs.
Educational School Programs
Mountain Valley Horse Rescue offers whole classes the opportunity to come out to the ranch for an education fun field trip! Groups work on communication, teamwork and leadership as they interact with our rescue horses in a variety of settings all while learning what it takes to care for a horse and learning from them. Pricing per student is listed for each program, however scholarships might be available so all schools and students can participate.
H.O.P.E. HEROES Program
During this full day program, students learn about our H.O.P.E. values as they rotate through four stations that include equine stewardship and service, groundwork, a craft, and team building. MVHR staff may visit the class prior to their ranch day to provide background information about the rescue and to prep students for what they will need for a successful day at the ranch. Cost: $20 per student, Grade: K through 8th
Journeys of Hope: From Classroom to Corral
A two part program opportunity for students who are in 2nd-8th grade! First, MVHR will schedule a date to come to your classroom and give your students a presentation and hands-on activity to learn about MVHR’s mission, what we do for the horses, and hear some of the current rescue herd’s stories. After we have visited your classroom, your class will take a field trip to the rescue on a later date! During your visit, you will spend the day learning about rescue work and helping care for the horses making their Journey of Hope. We will explore the intake and quarantine process, the health and farrier care, nutrition, and day to day aspects of helping these horses. After seeing it for yourself, you will get to pitch in to help make it all happen! Plan on a tour and some learning to start, then some service work including being around the horses in their corrals while mucking, watering, and feeding. On top of this, there will likely be some special projects around the ranch. Everyone will get a chance to see and learn! Bring a lunch, a pair of gloves, and your love for horses! Cost: $10 per student , Grade: 2nd through 8th
HELPING HANDS Service Groups
Service Days at the ranch are perfect if you do not have a full day and want to come for just a few hours. Students will still have the opportunity to get to know our horses and will develop relationships with the horse of their choice as they complete service projects around the ranch. MVHR Staff can still visit the class to prep students for the day if that is helpful. Cost: Free, Grade: K through 12th
Basic Information for All School Groups
MVHR can welcome groups as small as 5 to 80 students at the same time. Each program can be tailored to the schedule and time frame you have to working with. The Ranch is easy accessible by school bus and there is plenty of parking for busses and/or carpooling. The Ranch provides several outdoor locations for breaks & lunch. Bathrooms and water fill station are available. All of our programs are outdoors, should weather not allow this, we do have the ability to facilitate the programs inside in our indoor arena. MVHR’s programs go rain, snow or shine!
MVHR does require each group to bring enough chaperones to manage the group outside of the programing provided by MVHR’s staff. All these school programs are available to Public, Charter and Private Schools as well as Homeschool cohorts. We understand field trips can become expensive and out of reach for some teachers and schools. MVHR would like all students to be able to experience all that horses have to offer so if needed please do ask about our scholarship fund!
Corporate Retreats & Team Building
More to come soon on a new tailored program to local and visiting businesses to bring their staff out for a fun and educational day at the ranch, while giving back to a local non-profit through service and special projects.
Special Opportunities to visit MVHR
Family Tour — Available by appointment, an opportunity to visit our facility, meet our horses and hear their stories. You will also get an opportunity to lead and groom one of the horses, and spend time with them up-close learning. This is experience is best for a group no larger than 8 adults/children. Cost is based on groups size, ages and time spend with the horses. Have a larger family? We just need a bit more heads up to ensure staff is ready, and can schedule groups for up to 50 people.
Ranch Tour — Everyone is welcome for a regular tour of the ranch, and greet the horses over the fence. Appointments are available every day between 10am-4pm, with a few days notice, so we can ensure one of our staff members is available to greet you and show you around.
Kids Birthday Pony Party — A time for young equine enthusiasts to come and celebrate with some of our amazing horses. Available ages 3 and up. Depending on the age and size of group, we offer grooming, a scavenger hunt, an opportunity to lead horses through an obstacle course and finished with a pony ride. Contact programs@mvhr.net to check availability and schedule your birthday party!
Adult “Pony” Party — Who says a pony party is just fun for kids? MVHR offers a fun experience for any group looking to spend time outdoors and learn more about horses for all ages. Looking for a unique Bachelor or Bachelorette Party, a special birthday celebration or a fun girls evening out? Our ranch in McCoy provides the perfect background for any celebration. Outdoor and Indoor space available, bring your own F&B and make it your own. We can customize the program to any age group and size to include a tour, grooming, leading and groundwork with the horses and even add a Horse Shoe craft for those wanting to bring a souvenir home. All horse interactions are on the ground, and no horseback riding is involved. Transportation available to Eagle County or Yampa at addition
