The CAIETS™ Field School was created as a division of Carlisle Academy, functioning as a learning lab and demonstration school drawing upon decades of learning from its trademarked namesake Carlisle Academy Integrative Equine Therapy & Sports™. Through the Field School, we work with high schools, universities, and individual practitioners providing accredited academic fieldwork, capstone research, coursework, certificates, and service-learning experiences which intersect with the fields of human health, equestrian curriculum, and nature-based initiatives in the equine, farm, and natural environment. Students and practitioners receive first-hand experiences and curriculum development in specialty program areas taught by credentialed professionals.
Academic Fieldwork/Capstone Research/Internships
Since 2011, we have worked with over 200 high school, college, and graduate-level interns in the study of Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Psychology, Therapeutic Recreation, Business, Equine Science, Neuroscience, Animal Behavior and Bioengineering. We have contracted with universities around the country, including Duke University, Northeastern, University of New England, University of New Hampshire, and Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences.
Occupational Therapy: A primary investment remains in the field of occupational therapy, where we offer Level 1 & 2 occupational therapy fieldwork placements and capstone research opportunities. We incorporate both clinical OT programs utilizing equine movement, as well as nature-based and community-based interventions. Students interface with equine-facilitated wellness program, vocational skill-building programs, para-dressage sports for athletes with disabilities, and horticultural therapy. All students receive supervision and mentoring by credentialed professionals in their field of study and according to accredited fieldwork guidelines. All fieldwork placements are tuition-based programs. Please inquire about an application packet.
It has been wonderful collaborating with Carlisle Academy for fieldwork. The expansion of ideas during our development period has been unique and innovative. Carlisle’s core values and beliefs strongly align with the Duke OTD program. There’s been a mutual understanding on the needs of Carlisle and the needs of the Duke OTD program which helped develop a strong relationship. Students have enjoyed their fieldwork experiences at Carlisle and are able to leave feeling that they have gained knowledge, skills, and experience to grow in their professional development. I highly recommend Carlisle Academy for fieldwork experiences.
Sheila Moyle, OTD, MOT, OTR/L Duke OTD Academic Fieldwork Coordinator
Bioengineering: Students from Northeastern University are participating in semester-long capstone research projects, sponsored by Carlisle Academy, which aim to design adaptive technology/equipment for equestrian athletes with physical impairments. Projects like electronic devices for riders with visual impairment to navigate the dressage letters in the arena and creating an improved one-handed bar rein are underway with the intention of making them more widely available to athletes in the future.
Business & Sustainability: Students from the University of New England participate in Business & Sustainability Internships as part of their academic credit exploring themes of entrepreneurism, non-traditional business models while participating in innovative curriculum design and marketing and communications.
Certificate Programs
Carlisle Academy provides Certificate Programs for a variety of skills in this emerging field context. These programs take place onsite at the Academy and combine practical, hands-on learning with lecture-based education, adding to a person’s vocational training, micro-credentialing, career exploration or continuing education credits. These programs emphasize best practices in the chosen scope of study as well as effective teamwork and communication in the work environment, providing support for college or job applications. All graduates will receive a certificate of completion.
Time/Tuition:
All programs span 100 hours. Schedules can be customized to different configurations of days and hours per week but typically span 8 weeks in length. All certificate programs have a tuition of $1500, and a $250 deposit is required upon acceptance. Please inquire about an application packet.
Carlisle Academy Internship & Certificate Programs include:
- Career Exploration Internship (based on the CAIETS™ Integrative Model)
- Para-Dressage Apprentice Coach Mentorship (based on the USEF Para-Dressage Coach Apprentice Level Criteria)
- Horse Handling Certificate (based on Carlisle Academy’s Therapeutic Horse Handling Curriculum)
- Stable Management Certificate – (based on the Pony Club Curriculum, C-Level Criteria)
Service-Learning Program
Our Service-Learning Program (SLP) offers community members a valuable educational exchange based on a service-learning model. There are three types of Service Learning: Program Aide, Barn Assistant & Horse Handler. We safely place and train participants into designated roles according to their interests and abilities. In return for a commitment to service, we offer enriching benefits which include:
- Approved community service hours for high school/college
- Access to an equine learning community and field professionals
- Access to free auditing to any Carlisle Academy clinics (Para-Equestrian, Dressage, Eventing, & Horsemanship)
- Access to discounted lessons (see details below)
To apply for the Service-Learning Program, individuals must be at least 14 years old (Barn Assistant) or at least 16 years old (Horse Handler), at least 18 years old (Program Aide) and complete an application packet. Participants will need to go through an assessment by Carlisle Academy Staff to determine program eligibility and readiness. After acceptance into this program, individuals attend a mandatory training taught by Carlisle Academy staff.
Carlisle Catalyst Partners
Carlisle Catalyst Partners (CCP) is an initiative of Carlisle Academy designed to support cohort-learning, knowledge transfer, and capacity-building for community-based equestrian centers. CCPs are integrative and innovative, driven by purpose over profit, and provide services in the equine, farm, and natural environment with an orientation towards human health, community enrichment, and horse stewardship. CCPs are highly varied in curriculum, geography, and populations served. CCPs recognize that creating a resilient culture and catalyzing impact involves alliance building and peer support. Carlisle Academy accepts four new CCPs each year.
Learn more about the CCP program and the application process »
One-on-One Consulting
Sarah Armentrout and the Carlisle Academy team of professionals draw upon 30 years of experience in the field of equine-assisted services, inclusive equestrian sports, and health programs in a natural setting. They can provide programmatic and strategic consulting to centers, schools, and professionals.
Areas of expertise include:
- Non-profit and for-profit models, strategy, & budgeting
- Program development framework
- Diverse curriculum development
- University partnership integration & internships
- Site review and physical plant recommendations
To request an initial conversation to discuss goals related to consultation, please contact sarmentrout@carlisleacademymaine.com
For more information, contact the office at 207-985-0374, or email your inquiry to info@carlisleacademymaine.com.