A Science-Based, Hands-On Animal Care Program for Youth Ages 10-15*

(* Private sessions for all age groups available. Contact us for more details!)
-------------   Location: Skyheart Sanctuary at Pine Trails Ranch, 35270 Co Rd 31, Davis, CA 95616  ​-------------

Spring Session Enrollment Monday, March 2

Healing Hooves is an 8-week, small-group program where youth build confidence, empathy, and real animal-care skills by training and caring for rescued miniature equines, goats, and pigs using science-based positive reinforcement.​

Why Kids Love This Program

  • They get to work one-on-one with miniature equines, goats, and pigs
  • They learn actual training techniques used by animal behaviorists
  • They design and test enrichment projects
  • They build friendships, leadership skills, and confidence​

Why Parents Love This Program

Parents consistently tell us their kids become:
  • more confident
  • more responsible
  • more patient and calm
  • more attuned to nonverbal communication
  • ​more eager to get off screens and outside
Parents also value that Healing Hooves is:
  • science-informed
  • run by trained animal-care professionals
  • small-group and highly supervised
  • grounded in positive reinforcement, not punishment
  • ​designed to be non-intimidating, inclusive, and welcoming to all kids
For neurodiverse youth, anxious kids, and sensitive kids, the calm, predictable structure can feel especially supportive.

What Students Do Each Week

Each session includes hands-on learning with our herd:
  • Meet-and-greet with our miniature equines, goats, and pigs
  • Learn to read animal body language
  • Help with age-appropriate care tasks that foster responsibility
  • Practice positive-reinforcement training (targeting, leading, cooperative care)
  • Create enrichment items for the animals and measure their impact
  • Build agility elements such as small jumps or bridges that promote exercise, coordination, and positive training experiences
  • Participate in quiet observation and confidence-building activities

Small Groups, Big Learning

Because learning happens in small groups of no more than 5 students, each student benefits from exceptional one-on-one time with the instructor and animals, making this a rare and highly personalized learning opportunity.
Led by Claire Short — a professional animal trainer, accomplished writer and photographer, and UC Davis graduate who finished at the top of her class in Wildlife, Fish & Conservation Biology — Healing Hooves is taught by someone who not only understands animal behavior deeply, but absolutely loves working with kids in this age group. After successfully leading two full sessions (and building a loyal fan base of returning students), Claire is offering additional sessions this winter due to popular demand.
Developed in collaboration with Dr. Rebecca Calisi-Rodriguez, UC Davis professor of Animal Behavior, long-time Davis resident, parent of two DJUSD students, and Founder and Director of Skyheart Sanctuary.

Program Schedule & Pricing:

Every dollar supports Skyheart Sanctuary, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit—caring for
​rescued animals while guiding youth to become leaders in animal science and welfare.

Regstration

8-Week Program Begins April 2, 2026
​(Max 5 students per group)
Location: Pine Trails Ranch, 35270 Co Rd 31, Davis, CA 95616

Available Session Times

• Thursdays, 4:00–5:30 PM — $355 (April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14, 21)
• Fridays, 4:00–5:30 PM — $355 (April 3, 10, 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15, 22)
• Saturdays, 11:00–12:30 PM — $355 (April 4, 11, 18, 25, May 2, 9, 16, 23)
• Saturdays, 1:30–3:00 PM — $355 (April 4, 11, 18, 25, May 2, 9, 16, 23)
Students are grouped by age:
  • 10–12 year olds
  • 13–15 year olds
To keep group sizes small and balanced, the specific day/time for each age group will be determined based on enrollment demand. This allows us to create the best possible peer groups for learning and social connection.

How Registration Works

​When you sign up, you will be asked to rank your preferred session times (1st, 2nd, 3rd choice).
We do our best to give every student their top choice, while also ensuring:
  • age-appropriate groupings
  • safe and balanced student-to-animal ratios
  • no more than 6 students per session
You will receive a confirmation email with your assigned day/time once grouping is finalized.

Tuition

Tuition covers all instruction, training equipment, and enrichment materials.
  • 8-week sessions: $355
CLICK ​HERE to REGISTER!
After you register, please allow a little time for us to create age-appropriate groups based on the days you selected. You will receive your placement notification no later than Friday, March 13.​