Brushing
Riley grooms Sadie before the lesson.
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M.E.S.A. Therapeutic Horsemanship Winter Camp
March 24, 2013
M.E.S.A. Therapeutic Horsemanship is holding their Winter Camp, which is a condensed lesson program for participants to learn about horse safety, handling horses on the ground, as well as stable management and horse knowledge topics.
In this lesson, students first groomed their horses using the proper tools in the proper sequence. After their horses were ready, the participants practiced walking through an obstacle course that they would later guide their horses through. During this activity, participants practiced sequencing events, waiting their turn, spacial awareness, gross motor skills, counting, and the concepts of "Whoa" and "Walk on" for their horses. This activity emphasized the concept of communication and teamwork as it is always best to "ask" first before taking off without giving your horse partner a heads-up that you are changing the plan. Horses are key communicators in showing the participants that they forgot to "ask" and commands will be better received when asked to come along.
At the conclusion of the lesson, the participants learned the parts of a saddle and then they cleaned and oiled a saddle.
M.E.S.A. Therapeutic Horsemanship, Inc. is a non-profit program aimed at providing equine-related therapy activities to individuals with disabilities within Sublette County, Wyoming. The mission of M.E.S.A. is to promote self-esteem, self-confidence, physical independence, and social interaction through equine-related activities. This is accomplished through certified riding instructors, allied health care providers, educators, and community volunteers. M.E.S.A. Therapeutic Horsemanship equestrian services strengthen the Mind, Energy, Spirit, and Attitude of each participant, their families, and the community.
Photos courtesy Carla Sullivan
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