0 Andrea Boon

Andrea Boon

Houghton faculty member Andrea Boon standing with horse.

Andrea Boon

Assistant Professor of Recreation and Equestrian Studies

585-506-7221
Equestrian Center

Teaching Philosophy  

I am a passionate instructor incorporating philosophy, riding and training into my classes while working to be a conduit of Christ’s love and grace in an intense equine world. I am blessed to teach in a classroom that encourages students to grow personally, professionally, and spiritually. My desire is to create an environment where positive growth and learning can occur for both horse and rider – which couples well with my passion and background in equine-assisted therapies. Besides my continued training under renowned clinicians, I love researching and studying natural horsemanship methods to help my students develop the best connection between themselves and their equine partners. Recently I have taken an untouched two-year-old warmblood cross and, through natural horsemanship methods, partnered with her and brought her under saddle, and am now using the dressage training scale to bring her through the levels. I love working in a place where this trust and partnership that we develop with our horses can reflect and deepen our trust and relationship we have with the Lord.

Education

  • M.S., State University of New York at Brockport (2006)
  • B.S., Houghton College (2000)

Courses Taught

  • Foundations  of Equine Assisted Therapies and  Methods and Materials of Equine Assisted Therapies
  • Jumping 1 and Jumping II
  • Principles of Training
  • Adventure Trails
  • Horsemanship II
  • Introduction to Equestrian Studies

Professional Memberships/Associations

  • Certified Horsemanship Association

Professional Experience/Achievements

  • Co-chair of Sport, Recreation, and Wellness Department
    Houghton College – Houghton, NY
    Also serves as academic adviser for all equestrian majors and minors
  • Certified Horsemanship Association instructor
  • Studies under renowned equestrian clinicians such as Eddo Hoekstra, Janet Youse, and Walter Zettle
  • Instructor in therapeutic classes for Recreation and Leisure Studies department
    Houghton University – Houghton, NY (2022-present)
  • Instructor in therapeutic classes for Recreation and Leisure Studies department
    Houghton College – Houghton, NY (2007-present)
    Brought equine-assisted therapy minor to Houghton’s equestrian program
  • Worked in Buffalo, NY as recreation therapist with at-risk youth and individuals with developmental disabilities in residential and school settings.
    Taught, planned programming, and helped individuals develop confidence, interpersonal skills, and personal success
  • While a student at Houghton, earned multiple achievement awards, including:
    All-American award as outstanding soccer player
  • Head Women’s Soccer Coach

Publications/Conferences

  • Presented therapeutic recreation workshops for Finger Lakes DDSO.
  • Has compiled research for the Center for Disability Rights’ Outdoor Exposure program.
  • Has presented multiple equine workshops at the Certified Horsemanship Association Region 5 Conference.
  • Has presented at EquiFest in Hamburg, NY.
  • Presents alongside colleagues at local equine business and clinics in order to promote learning opportunities in the equine industry.

Other Interests/Hobbies/Enjoyments

I live in Houghton with my husband and our three children on a little hobby farm, where our two dogs, two horses, 10 chickens and a feisty kitten keep us busy and entertained. When not riding or teaching, I coach my kids’ soccer teams, cheer at their little league games, or get ready to hit the ski slopes with the family.  I also volunteer with the children’s programs at Houghton Wesleyan church, and love living in a town where Houghton students become part of my family and community.

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