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Equine Education
Equine education is an important part of all riding programs. This educational portion of our programs helps volunteers, parents and those involved with our programs learn about horse physiology, health and behavior.
Equine Education is incorporated with a child's IEP (Individualized Education Program) to make learning with horses fun and educational. DADTH offers programs for boy scouts, girl scouts, youth groups, and at-risk youth who would like to learn more about horses.
Equine education includes important safety techniques for approaching and working in close proximity to horses. Horse handling information like how to catch, lead and safely tie a horse helps protect the horse and the people working around horses. These topics usually lead to talking about the body language of horses and how to interpret their movements. The information is adjusted to the knowledge level and experience of the audience so that people of all ages and experience levels can learn and put their knowledge into practice.
The longer you are involved with the program, the more you will learn. After learning how to be safe around horses, you will start learning about horse anatomy and the equipment we use for riding, called tack. We discuss and use different riding equipment while learning the proper names, use, and care for horse tack. Students learn the history and lineage of horses (Quarter Horses, Arabians) and the way horses are classified based on their coloring and markings (Paint vs. Pinto).
The health of our horses is very important. As their caretakers, we must know how to assure the horses are in the best condition possible for the jobs they perform. We discuss the importance of regular vet, farrier (a specialist in equine hoof care) and dentist visits for horses.
Basic grooming is an essential part of caring for and working with horses. Although our staff and volunteers groom the horses regularly, most riders do some brushing and grooming each session. This helps the riders feel more connected to the horses. Brushing a horse is very calming for the horse, as well as the person grooming. The horses enjoy the attention and our riders derive a feeling of closeness to these beautiful animals.
At DADTH we have a sincere heartfelt love of our horses and clients. We are here to make sure that every rider has the best experience possible. Without horses in good health, that would simply not be possible. The horses here are our friends and co-workers. They deserve the utmost respect and best care available. We hope you feel the same way and will join us in learning how to further a positive relationship with these majestic and intelligent creatures.
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