Read with the Horses is a free, monthly reading program offered by Stockhands Horses Healing. It provides a peaceful, non-judgmental environment where readers of all ages and abilities can enjoy reading aloud to horses. These events take place every second Saturday of the month.

The Delaware County District Library (DCDL) is proud to sponsor the Stockhands Horses for Healing “Read with the Horses” program for 2026. The free, monthly reading program, hosted at Stockhands Horses for Healing, provides a peaceful, non-judgmental environment for readers of all ages and abilities to enjoy reading aloud to horses

“Programs like reading with horses or dogs help build confidence in readers and create positive associations with reading, which leads to a lifetime of learning,” said DCDL Director Bryan Howard.

The Library and Stockhands held their first free Stockhands Read with the Horses event on July 12, 2025. Thanks to a generous sponsorship from the Friends of the Delaware County District Library and the Delaware County Foundation Polaris Community Fund, all events remained free throughout 2025.

Through the partnership, in just five months, almost 500 Delaware County children and their families have enjoyed Read with the Horses. Nearly every month was at full capacity.

Reading events happen every second Saturday. Community members may register in one-hour blocks between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. Space isn’t limited to just younger readers. Any community member who wants quality time with a horse may sit back, relax, and read. Stockhands’ equine partners are an eager audience and love listening as readers share new stories.

“Our volunteers have been known to say, ‘We don’t rescue horses at Stockhands, our horses rescue people,’ and I couldn’t say it better myself,” said Angie Mack, Stockhands Horses for Healing Director of Development. “We have been thrilled with the support of the community and the library for this event.”

Stockhands Horses for Healing serves children and adults with developmental and physical disabilities, as well as veterans, first responders, and those struggling with mental health and recovery. Included within Stockhands’ therapeutic programming are public events like Read with the Horses.

“It’s in these moments where we can share the therapeutic effects of our horses and allow the community to come in, lay down their burdens, and spend a few quiet moments in the presence of one of these amazing animals,” said Mack. “We are truly blessed to serve Delaware and the Central Ohio community.”

Horses remain in their enclosures while community members read in a chair set up outside the stall. The reading visit also includes a brief tour of the Stockhands Horses for Healing barn and an introduction to the horses. Some books are available on site, but attendees are encouraged to bring any book of their own choosing; the horses enjoy all subjects. Clothing worn on site should be weather and barn-appropriate.

Learn more about Stockhands Horses for Healing and the Read with the Horses program at www.stockhands.org. Registration information can be found at www.delawarelibrary.org/event.

Pictured (from left): DCDL Director Bryan Howard, Stockhands Director of Development Angie Mack,
DCDL Mascot Percy Unicorn, Stockhands Executive Director Tim Funk; Horses Winston and Mac.