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Equine program In The Herd asks CRC to continue funding for off-island therapeutic sessions for Nantucket youth
Summary
Michelle Soderbergh of In The Herd described last year’s off-island therapeutic horse program that served about 36 local youths, asked the committee to continue funding, and provided per-participant cost estimates and plans to scale.
In The Herd asked the Contract Review Committee on Jan. 17 to continue funding a therapeutic equine program that transported Nantucket youth to its Sandwich farm for full-day sessions focused on leadership and life skills.
Executive director Michelle Soderbergh said the program operated last year under a youth behavioral grant and served just under 36 unique youths. Sessions included animal care, equine-assisted activities and team problem-solving exercises; staff reported outcomes from pre/post assessments that showed roughly 70–80% improvements on targeted awareness and skills.
Nut graf: The program provided full-day, no-cost trips that covered ferry and bus transportation, meals, RN oversight and chaperones. Soderbergh said the all-in per-child cost in the prior grant cycle was roughly $400 per child per day, and that the program can scale back if full CRC funding is not available.
Committee members asked about enrollment patterns, repeat participation and feasibility of an island-based program; Soderbergh said recruitment initially required more outreach on Nantucket than expected but that several children returned for multiple sessions. She said local island capacity for similar programming is limited because of animal-care standards and insurance requirements.
Ending: The committee thanked In The Herd and noted the program’s high per-person cost and logistical complexity; members suggested the applicant continue exploring on-island partnerships and local fundraising while CRC staff evaluates the formal request.
