Community & Academic Partnerships
In addition to our on-site services, Pony Power also conducts research around equine- and nature-assisted social work.
We have relationships with a growing number of local schools of social work, with numerous Master’s of Social Work students joining us each year for practicum placements.
Quantitative and qualitative research are critical tools for change. Evidence-based research is key to furthering advocacy and policy changes, and to creating more opportunities for people to benefit from equine- and nature-assisted services.
This work is led by Dana Spett, Pony Power’s Founder and a Doctor of Social Work. Dana discovered therapeutic horseback riding over two decades ago while seeking alternative treatment options for one of her daughters. Seeing the impact therapeutic riding made on her daughter inspired Dana to found Pony Power. Dana earned her doctorate degree in 2023 from Rutgers University’s School of Social Work with a specific research goal of building a practice model for equine-assisted social work.
Pony Power offers:
Practicum placements (we currently work with schools of social work at Columbia University, Ramapo College and Rutgers University)
Experiential visits at the farm
Equine-assisted social work curriculum development
Consultation services for building out equine-assisted social work programs
