Equine program a confidence-builder
Emma Hughes was one of six students who enjoyed the NDHS after-school equine program this semester at Phoenix Stables south of Trent River. The program wrapped up last week and will return in the fall. Photo: Bill Freeman
Hannah Ellis prepares Paddy for the ring during the final session of the NDHS after-school equine program at Phoenix Stables south of Trent River. The popular six-week program returns in the fall. Photo: Bill Freeman By Bill Freeman
EMC News - Trent River - Norwood District High School’s popular after-school equine program saddled up for the last time this semester with more fun and instruction at Phoenix Stables south of Trent River. The program is rapidly approaching its tenth anniversary and continues to provide core instruction to both experienced and beginner riders leaving students with lessons they can apply in the larger
arena of daily living. “Their confidence has escalated throughout the program and they are really finding a passion for horses,” instructor Andrea Veldhuyzen told the Trent Hills Regional News as the six riders tacked and groomed their horses before heading into the ring. Four of the students were complete novices, never having ridden a horse before while two others, one a diehard barrel racer, had experience in R0012062252
the ring benefiting enormously from the lessons provided by Veldhuyzen, the recipient of Equine Canada’s National Coaching Excellence Award. “It’s always nice to get different students and different personalities every session,” Veldhuyzen says. “You always see them grow. When they accomplish something with the horse it’s a really good feeling [for me] as well as for them.” Focussing on “overall confidence” is as important as skills training in the ring and the grooming and tacking they must do before they ride, she says. “Believing in themselves, that they can do something like riding and use that in their everyday lives.”
“I think it’s a good opportunity for people who haven’t ridden yet; it’s a great experience.”
Melody Scrimshaw and Hannah Ellis ride their horses in the arena during the final session. Photo: Bill Freeman
“It provides them with a lot of responsibility, it builds leadership, and it builds a sense of ownership around making sure the horse is safe and well-groomed.” Inglis enjoys watching beginner riders shed their initial nervousness and blossom in the ring as they learn to trust the horse and discover horses are smart animals that return a sense of trust. “They become comfortable and know the horse is not going to do anything silly,” she says. “And Dre is just a marvelous coach and makes sure they don’t do anything they don’t want to do. They’ll stretch
She agrees that the horse arena can be a metaphor for the “larger arena of life. The students learn “determination and strength” and for many without the NDHS equine program they would never have had an opportunity to ride, Veldhuyzen says. “I think it’s a good opportunity for people who haven’t ridden yet; it’s a great experience,” Grade 9 student Jerrica Cunningham said. Jerrica has been around horses all her life and is using the NDHS program to sharpen her barrel racing skills. “I’m working on the barrels and hopefully get to the Calgary Stampede,” she says. “I’ve improved my balance.” “I love this program. I’m passionate about the kids becoming barn rats,” says Lori Inglis, a community volunteer who has been with the program from its earliest days. “It allows kids to grow,” Inglis said.
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Melody Scrimshaw enjoys herself in the ring during the final session of the NDHS after-school equine program. Photo: Bill Freeman
themselves.” The high school “has been very good, especially in helping children benefit from the program who might not be able to afford [riding lessons].” The cost is a “more than reasonable” $100 for six weeks with NDHS providing transportation to the stable and financial aid to students who can’t afford the full fee.