Families seeking an enriching and adventure-filled summer experience for their children can now register for the Ranch Life 101 program at Berkshire HorseWorks in Richmond, MA. Returning for its third season, this unique summer program provides children ages 5-12 with an immersive experience on a seven-acre ranch, combining outdoor fun, life skills development, and hands-on interaction with rescued horses and donkeys.
Running for six weeks from June 30 through August 7, Ranch Life 101 operates Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. This year, organizers have extended the program hours by 90 minutes while keeping tuition rates unchanged, allowing for even more time spent building friendships, learning new skills, and exploring the ranch environment.
Berkshire HorseWorks will provide snacks and drinks, and participants will enjoy a newly added 45-minute lunch break—families are encouraged to pack a lunch for their child.
Co-facilitated by early education specialist Chris Ciepiela and Berkshire HorseWorks founder and executive director Hayley Sumner, Ranch Life 101 fosters personal growth through structured, developmentally appropriate activities. Children will engage in Eagala Model equine-assisted experiences, where they will interact with horses in both ground-based and mounted activities to build trust, confidence, patience, and teamwork. The program also includes yoga, trail walking, arts and crafts, and ranch chores, ensuring a well-rounded and engaging experience for all participants.
In addition to these activities, the 2025 season introduces a diverse lineup of guest specialists, including mindfulness coaches, naturalists, artists, and musicians, enriching the program with unique learning opportunities. Berkshire HorseWorks is committed to accessibility and offers scholarships and sliding scale pricing to ensure all children have the chance to participate.
Tuition rates for Ranch Life 101 range from $395 per day to discounted multi-week packages, with an option to book all six weeks for a significant savings. Notably, for every full tuition paid, Berkshire HorseWorks will sponsor an at-risk youth, reinforcing its mission to provide therapeutic and educational experiences for vulnerable populations.
Additionally, thanks to the Berkshire Taconic Foundation, scholarships for one week of Ranch Life 101 are available for children from Becket, Cummington, Dalton, Hinsdale, Peru, Washington, Windsor, Cheshire, and Savoy. These scholarships make it possible for more children to experience the benefits of the program at no cost. Spots are limited, so families interested in this opportunity should reach out as soon as possible.
Berkshire HorseWorks, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has been a leader in equine-assisted therapy and learning for over a decade, serving more than 3,500 at-risk youth, veterans, families, and individuals facing mental health challenges across New England and New York. Their expansion into educational programming, including Horse Powered Reading and Math curriculums, continues to create meaningful opportunities for children and families.
For more information or to register, visit Berkshire HorseWorks or contact info@berkshirehorseworks.com. To inquire about scholarships, call 413-698-3700 or email info@berkshirehorseworks.com.
