Our Read With Us program is designed to strengthen literacy while nurturing confidence, compassion, and a love of learning in elementary students. Reading is the foundation of education—it supports success in every subject, builds critical thinking skills, and opens the door to lifelong learning. Through this program, we visit elementary schools and invite children to read aloud to our miniature horses, Stanley, Cricket, and Shasta. These gentle animals provide a calm, supportive presence that helps students relax, focus, and enjoy the reading process. Without fear of correction or judgment, children are more willing to take risks, sound out new words, and grow as readers.

Reading to miniature horses offers powerful emotional and educational benefits. Students often show increased motivation, improved fluency, and greater self-esteem after participating. The unique bond formed with Stanley, Cricket, and Shasta transforms reading from a task into a meaningful experience, reinforcing positive associations with books and learning. By combining literacy support with animal connection, the Read With Us program helps children build a strong educational foundation while discovering that reading can be both empowering and joyful.