PHOTO PROVIDED Children learn about horses at EmpowerStride.

EmpowerStride, founded in 2024 and located in Muncy, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering emotional growth, resilience, and personal development through equine-assisted learning experiences.

After retiring from a 34-year career in public education, I brought my experience as a teacher, literacy coach, principal, and supervisor of curriculum and instruction into a new vision–one that extends beyond traditional settings,” said Suzy Foresman, EmpowerStride president and CEO.

“Throughout my career, I worked with a diverse range of students, families, and educators, gaining a deep understanding of the social and emotional challenges individuals face,” she added.

“It became clear that while traditional approaches are valuable, not everyone thrives in those environments. Some individuals need more experiential, relationship-based opportunities to grow and heal,” she said.

“That understanding led me to become certified in 2024 as an Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator through Equine Connection, the Academy for Equine Assisted Learning, and ultimately to the creation of EmpowerStride.”

At EmpowerStride, those partners are horses.

“Our herd of six equines plays an integral role in every program, each bringing a unique presence that supports connection, learning, and growth,” she said.

EmpowerStride provides ground-based equine-assisted learning programs where participants engage in structured activities alongside horses. These experiences are designed to build confidence, improve communication, strengthen emotional awareness, and develop resilience. Horses play a unique role in this process, offering immediate, honest, and nonjudgmental feedback that helps participants better understand themselves and their interactions with others.

“Our flagship offering, the 12-Week Empowerment Series, is a structured, building-block curriculum designed to support meaningful personal growth over time,” Foresman said.

Each week builds upon the last, allowing participants to progressively develop skills such as self-awareness, emotional regulation, communication, boundaries, and trust, she promised.

Sessions include hands-on activities with the horses, followed by guided reflection to help participants apply what they have learned to real-life situations. This experiential approach allows individuals to actively practice new skills, making the learning both impactful and Lasting, she said.

Participants in the 12-Week Empowerment Series are referred through school counselors, mental health providers, and community organizations, ensuring that those who would

benefit most from this level of support have access to the program. The series is offered at no cost to participants, removing financial barriers and allowing full engagement in the experience.

In addition to the Empowerment Series, EmpowerStride offers Pony Connection Experiences, including youth camps, mini camps, and the Minis & Me program for younger children. These programs provide engaging, hands-on opportunities for children to build confidence, social skills, and emotional awareness in a supportive environment.

Herdbound Experiences are designed for groups, teams, and organizations, focusing on leadership, communication, and collaboration through shared equine-assisted activities.

A central priority at EmpowerStride is accessibility.

“I never wanted money to be a barrier that prevents someone from experiencing the power of horses and the opportunity to heal,” Foresman said.

To support this mission, EmpowerStride relies on a combination of fundraising efforts, grant funding, community events such as Raise the Region, Open Barn experiences, and Kringlefest, as well as the generosity of donors and supporters. These efforts enable us to continue offering the 12-Week Empowerment Series free of charge to referred participants.

As a growing nonprofit, EmpowerStride is committed to expanding its impact within the community. Plans are underway to introduce programming specifically designed to support veterans, with a targeted launch in summer 2026.

EmpowerStride continues to build strong partnerships with schools, mental health providers, and community organizations, reinforcing its role as a valuable local resource for social and emotional support.

Through the combined efforts of its programs, partnerships, and community support, EmpowerStride is creating meaningful opportunities for individuals to grow, connect, and move forward.

“To learn more about EmpowerStride’s programs, volunteer opportunities, or ways to support the mission, visit www.empowerstride.net, sign up for our newsletter, and follow EmpowerStride on Facebook for updates and stories from the farm,” she said.