Brook Hill Farm
United Neigh Program

United Neigh is an innovative program created for at-risk youth, led by adults and college interns, to teach its members basic horse care, horse rehabilitation, riding skills and personal accountability. The target population is youth ages 12 and over, some of whom are disadvantaged or disabled. The goal of the United Neigh Program is to provide educational and work experience that instills young people with equine knowledge and skill, self confidence and a strong sense of personal responsibility. A pledge is requested, and scholarships are available.

 

United Neigh members get to call a horse their own as they aid the farm with its mission of rehabilitation. Each member is responsible to come to the farm on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays to care for their program horse.

 

 

The United Neigh program is open to all ages over 12, and the members are all a family, sharing work, passion, triumphs and disappointments. Everyone works together towards the mission of helping the unwanted horse.

 

 

Members learn all about horses and get to ride their program horse three times a week. They receive weekly instruction from a licensed professional in order to be safe and learn correct equitation.

 

 

Brook Hill Farm stresses success at school - Members work with other members tutoring them in subjects that they struggle with - To date, all 43 members that have completed the United Neigh program have completed high school and gone on to further their education.

 

In 2008 the United Neigh joined with the national 4-H program and formed the Brook Hill Farm 4-H Horse and Pony Club. The United States Pony Club curriculum is followed for both mounted and unmounted education, in addition to the 4-H educational objectives.

 

 

This year our 4-H group took five horses to the State Fair in Lexington VA. We had three of our rescue horses receive ribbons: one over fences, one in dressage and one in the pony pleasure.

 

 

If you are interested in joining our United Neigh program, an overview of this program is located on our informational sheet.