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HIGHLAND ACADEMY PARTNERS WITH TO BEGIN EQUESTRIAN PROGRAM ON CAMPUS INDIAN CREEK CAMP
BY: ERIC JOHNSON
If you love horses, then Highland Academy is the place for you! At the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year, the school entered into a partnership with Indian Creek Camp to house their horses here on the campus of Highland. “I am excited about the partnership between Highland Academy and Indian Creek Camp. This partnership will strengthen both the camp’s horse program, as well as help Highland as they build their own program,” states Indian Creek Camp’s Head Ranger, Ben Copley. We currently have 20 horses that we are keeping here during the school year. The school has fenced in about 20 acres for pasture and plans are being made to fence in additional acres for the future.
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The school hired Sara Bagshaw as their full-time Equestrian Director this summer. Sara is an alumnus of Highland, and has many years of experience working with and training horses. “I am thrilled to be a part of the Highland family and love the opportunity to teach our students how to care for and ride horses,” states Bagshaw. The equestrian center is currently in the process of becoming a fully accredited American Riding Instructors Association horse facility. Plans are underway to use this program as a benefit to our local community as well.
Highland is not just keeping the horses for Indian Creek Camp. HA is using them to teach an equestrian class for the students as well as give private lessons. With the strong support of the Kentucky-Tennessee Conference, the school has been able to build a barn to house hay and keep the horses out of the weather during the cold winter months.
“This new equestrian program goes hand in hand with our mission to educate the whole person here at Highland,” states Principal Chadd Watkins. Our desire is for students to be able to bring their own horse here to campus and board it here. We desire to eventually be able to build an indoor riding arena and create several riding trails around campus for our students to enjoy.
Please take some time and visit this exciting new program the next time you visit Highland Academy.
