Episode 249 - Horse Powered Reading: Teaching Kids to Love Reading with Horses with Michele Pikel

What if learning to read could be playful, joyful, and even involve horses? 🐴✨ In this inspiring episode of Interviews with Innocence, I welcome Michele Pickel, PhD, Emeriti Professor of Education at Concordia University-St. Paul and the creator of Horse Powered Reading®. After more than two decades training teachers and teaching children from PreK–12, Michele developed a groundbreaking equine-assisted learning program that engages the mind, body, and emotions to help struggling readers thrive. Horse Powered Reading® uses interactive games and activities with horses to bring reading skills to life. Students build confidence, improve literacy, and experience the joy of learning in a completely new way. Since 2012, the program has trained more than 950 facilitators across all 50 U.S. states and in 24 countries, creating a global movement that blends education, healing, and the power of the human–horse connection. Michele's passion for helping children not only succeed academically but also feel seen, supported, and empowered shines throughout this conversation. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply someone who believes in innovative ways to support kids, this episode will open your heart. 💖 🌐 Learn more: www.horsepoweredreading.com 📧 Contact: [email protected] | [email protected] 📱 Facebook Group: Horse Powered Reading®