Rumore publishes article about years-long research project with local farm
Amanda Rumore
Biology professor Amanda Rumore recently published an article about her years-long research project with Brook Hill Farm, a nonprofit horse rescue and therapeutic riding organization in Forest.
The study, “Applying Equine-Assisted Learning: A Program for At-Risk Youth,” appeared in HETI Journal: International Research and Practice 2025. It was conducted in collaboration with Katja Mehlhorn of the University of Groningen’s Bernoulli Institute in the Netherlands and Jo Anne Miller, executive director of Brook Hill Farm.
The journal is published by the Federation of Horses in Education and Therapy International.
Their research examined the impact of Brook Hill’s innovative equine-assisted learning (EAL) program on at-risk youth. Originally launched in 2002, the program partners students with rescue horses to foster resilience, social-emotional skills, and academic strategies. The ultimate goal is for students to successfully transfer these skills and concepts back into the classroom.
By 2008, Brook Hill staff observed a striking success rate: all participating at-risk youth had graduated from high school. Analyzing program data from 2008 to 2022 revealed that all of the 86 program participants graduated from high school, and every student in the cohort pursued post-secondary education or technical training.
The authors conclude the Brook Hill program can serve as an EAL model and call for continued investigation into EAL as a viable intervention for improving academic outcomes in at-risk youth.
The full article can be found at https://hetifederation.org/product/applying-equine-assisted-learning-a-program-for-at-risk-youth.
Visit brookhillfarm.org to learn more about Brook Hill Farm, which is fully accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, and is a PATH International Premier Accredited Center—ensuring the highest standards of care and programming.
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Read more about Rumore’s past work with students at Brook Hill Farm:
Rumore, Miller present equine research at IAHAIO Conference
Super Saddle: Summer Research Examines Healing Properties of Thera-Tree Technology on Horses
Tags: Amanda Rumore, biology, research
