Carlisle Academy

10/25/2026

We had a stunning day celebrating our students’ progress at the Annual Harvest Horse Show. The weather cooperated, food and fun were abundant, and families enjoyed a chance to gather as an equestrian community.

Congratulations to all the participants for their excellent preparation and presentation, to judge Autumn St. Laurent who provided valuable feedback, the indomitable Carlisle staff and volunteers, and most especially our stellar equine partners who made this beautiful day possible.

10/22/2026

Maddie Frank is an Environmental Science Major from the University of New England here part-time as an intern for our nature-based programs. She’s been enjoying the youth programs alongside clearing trails, amending gardens, and learning about regenerative agriculture.

This week Apex Youth helped make mud cupcakes with things they found in the woods like acorns, bark, and leaves. She says, “the mud kitchen is definitely a favorite for the Nature Explorers participants. I am really glad to see that kids still want to get their hands dirty and play around in the dirt!”

Thank you Maddie for being at Carlisle this fall!

10/21/2026

Join us the first Saturday of the month! We still have spots available for December 5th. These clinics are full of valuable learning for amateur riders and trainers alike.

10/19/2026

A focused moment of connection with one of the participants from the Sanford Vet Center practicing leading.

10/18/2026

It was a brisk and wonderful autumn Saturday with Little Boots and Pony Club on October 17. Guest appearances by Hayley Holzhacker leading crafts with Toast and Muffin made for some extra fun and silliness, especially when Glenn joined the class.

Instructor Lindsay led the day with the older pony club members assisting with Little Boots in the morning, then later focusing on horse show practice in the afternoon. A super day all around.

10/16/2026

Yesterday we welcomed four teens from Portland-based Cultivating Community to participate in a 4-week community riding program, provided free of charge thanks to the financial support of the Carlisle Foundation.

We enjoy partnering with their Youth Leadership Program and sharing the growth, empowerment, and learning we all experience when working with horses. For all four participants, this was their first time on a horse! Deep breaths and lots of smiles! 🐎😀

10/15/2026

Thank you for autumn hacks and colors.

10/11/2026

Hello frosty October mornings!

10/02/2026

Enjoy this recap of an unforgettable night! Thanks to all who supported this fundraiser in myriad ways.

The Carlisle Foundation's Cowboy Ball on August 22, 2026 was one for the memory books, raising over $70,000 for Carlisle's charitable programs! Click here to see a recap of all the fun & games, dancing, and spirit of generosity from this marquee event🤠

09/25/2026

Fall is a nice time for our friends from Maine Veterans Home in Scarborough to enjoy horse time and nature-based arts on the farm. This week our new Level 2 OT interns, Betsy Li and Alexandra Kreitenstein from Duke University, here for the semester, organized the activity which was a big hit with the 11 veterans who came Tuesday.

These are moments of connection, creativity, and enrichment, and they are made possible with funding from the Carlisle Foundation, providing free access to equine-assisted services.

We are grateful for our partnership with Maine Veterans Home over the past 15 years, and equally grateful for the service of these wonderful men and women decades ago.