Empowering Families, Advocating for Best Practices

Empowering Neurodiverse Voices - Beyond the Saddle

At The Fathom Collective, our commitment to elevating neurodiverse voices extends far beyond the barn. We believe that the same principles that guide our equine work: connection, regulation, and understanding- also build stronger, more supported families and communities.

Through our Community Education Series, we bring together experts, advocates, and families to share practical knowledge and connect participants with real-world resources that improve quality of life for neurodiverse individuals and their families.

These sessions are open to the public and designed to bridge the gap between systems, services, and families fostering empowerment through education, empathy, and community connection.

Series Topics Include:

Autism… Now What?

An introduction for newly Diagnosed Families. Receiving an autism diagnosis can feel overwhelming : Autism… Now What? helps families take the next steps with confidence and support. This class offers a clear overview of available services and supports, common experiences after diagnosis, and health comorbidities families may encounter.

Participants will gain practical knowledge of how to access therapies, navigate systems, and connect with community resources, while finding reassurance in shared experiences and compassionate guidance. Rooted in a “For Us, About Us” model, this course empowers families to move forward with clarity, connection, and confidence.

Understanding the Developmental Disability System

Navigate complex systems like DSHS, DDA, Medicaid Waivers, SSI, with clarity and confidence. Learn how to access supports, advocate for your child or young adult, and coordinate care through every stage of life.

Educational Rights & School Advocacy

Empower yourself to navigate the special education system with confidence. This session demystifies IEPs, 504 Plans, evaluations, and accommodations, helping families understand their educational rights and how to effectively collaborate with schools. Participants will gain practical tools for advocacy, communication, and goal-setting, ensuring every learner receives the support they deserve.

Aging Out & Transition Planning

Prepare for life after school with insight into vocational training, guardianship, and long-term care options. Families will gain practical tools to build individualized transition plans that honor autonomy, ability, and future goals.

Rights and Resources for BIPOC and Underserved Families

Access matters. This session addresses systemic barriers and highlights rights, advocacy tools, and culturally relevant supports for BIPOC and underserved families within the developmental disability system.

Building Knowledge, Compassion, and Ethical Partnership with Horses

At The Fathom Collective, we believe true horsemanship begins with understanding and respect. Our Animal Welfare Education Series invites riders, families, and equine professionals to deepen their awareness of the science, ethics, and relationships that shape responsible equine care. These classes explore the foundations of animal well-being, from meeting a horse’s physical and emotional needs to cultivating safe, ethical, and connected partnerships in both recreational and therapeutic settings.

Series Topics Include:

Best Practices in Equine Welfare and Ethical Care

Forage, Freedom, Friends, and Function

Discover the core principles of modern equine welfare. This class examines how nutrition, movement, social needs, and hoof health influence a horse’s physical and emotional well-being. Participants will learn practical ways to align daily care with the Four F’s of Welfare, promoting happier, healthier horses at home or in program environments.

Understanding the Human–Animal Relationship in Therapeutic and Recreational Settings

Explore how horses and humans influence one another in learning, therapy, and recreation. This class bridges equine behavior science and human emotional awareness to ensure ethical, trauma-informed interactions. Participants will discuss concepts of consent, communication, and mutual regulation, and learn how to balance the needs of both horse and human in partnership-based programs.

How to Engage Safely and Respectfully with Horses

A hands-on introduction to safe, ethical horsemanship. This session teaches participants how to read equine body language, approach and handle horses confidently, and create positive, low-stress interactions on the ground and in the saddle. Emphasis is placed on safety, consent, and clear communication, creating experiences that support both horse and human well-being.

Beyond Serviceably Sound: Advocating for Your Equine Partner

Horses are resilient, but the pressures of riding, training, and competition can sometimes overshadow their long-term health. Beyond Serviceably Sound teaches riders and caregivers how to recognize hidden stressors, prevent injury, and advocate for their horse’s well-being.

Participants will explore the pitfalls of the equine world, including the subtle pressures veterinarians and farriers face to keep horses “ridable,” and learn how to navigate these conversations to plan rest, recovery, and long-term care.

This course draws on evidence-based research in preventative health, equine nutrition, hoof care, and veterinary best practices, offering practical tools to:

Identify early signs of strain or imbalance

  • Engage in informed discussions with vets and farriers

  • Implement strategies that prioritize root-cause solutions over quick fixes

  • Make decisions that strengthen your connection and respect your horse’s needs