How a Day at Westbrook Horse Farm Helped SWE Teen Mentors Build Confidence

The So What Else Teen Mentorship Program traded the city for the countryside and spent an unforgettable day at Westbrook Horse Farm in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

For many students, it was their first time getting close to a horse or experiencing life on a farm. There were a few nervous smiles at the beginning, but by the end of the day, every student had stepped outside their comfort zone, tried something new, and even climbed into the saddle!

Learning About Horses Up Close

The students rotated through four hands-on learning stations focused on horse care, anatomy, communication, and farm life.

The first station introduced students to horse grooming. They tried different brushes and adjusted their technique depending on the size, shape, and texture of the bristles. After seeing how much dust and dirt came off the horses, it quickly became clear why grooming is such an important part of keeping them healthy and comfortable.

Students also learned how to safely move around a horse. One surprising lesson was that walking behind a horse is not necessarily dangerous as long as the horse knows you are there. By keeping a hand on the horse’s back as they moved around it, students could avoid startling the animal.

For those who had never interacted with a horse before, learning more about their behavior helped ease some of the nerves. Watching hesitation turn into curiosity and confidence was one of the most rewarding parts of the day.

At the next station, students learned about horse anatomy and bone structure. Instead of using a diagram, they marked the locations of major organs directly on a horse using washable paint. They also enjoyed signing their names.

One especially memorable fact was learning that what many people think is a horse’s kneecap is actually closer to its heel, meaning horses are essentially standing on one very long toe.

Building Confidence Through New Experiences

Students then practiced guiding a horse through an obstacle course. They learned how to introduce themselves by approaching near the horse’s shoulder before leading it through cones and around a sandbox.

The activity required patience, calm communication, and confidence. Throughout the challenge, students encouraged one another and celebrated each success.

“One of my favorite parts was seeing the young children guide us while they were learning themselves. It was inspiring to watch them confidently teach us what they had just discovered.”

The final station offered a real taste of farm work. During a timed relay, students loaded hay into a wheelbarrow, maneuvered it through cones, carried buckets of water, and emptied them into a large container.

One student admitted she had never done anything like it and was not sure she could. She went on to post the fastest time in the group!

After completing every station, the students enjoyed a well-earned horseback ride.

More Than a Field Trip

The group closed out the afternoon with snacks overlooking the farmland as horses roamed through the open fields. Some students tossed around a football while others simply enjoyed the peaceful surroundings.

The trip was about much more than horses. It gave students the opportunity to be curious, brave, supportive, and open to something completely new.

It was a day filled with learning, laughter, teamwork, and proud moments. An incredible way to start the summer!

So What Else provides enriching out-of-school-time experiences that help young people build confidence and discover new possibilities. Support our youth summer camp programs to help create more opportunities like this for local students.