New equine program proposed for South Central High School

By Joan Janzen
joanjanzen@yahoo.com

According to a South Central High School (SCHS) Facebook post, Prairie Rose Public Schools in the north (including SCHS and New Brigden) are looking at developing a program that would allow students the opportunity to learn and train in different rodeo events. Instruction would come from a staff member with extensive knowledge in the rodeo world and guest speakers throughout the year.

The program is looking to run in semester two (February - June), with the possibility of a few sessions in the fall. Currently, they are looking at grades 5-12 with the possibility of grade 4 if there is interest.

All program components haven’t been decided, but the schools are looking at modules in horsemanship, barrel racing, poles, roping and more. The only live animals they can use during school hours would be horses. All participants would need to wear a helmet when on any animals. There would be a fee for the program to cover costs of guest speakers, rental fees and other expenses. More information will be given later in regards to the fee.

For the past few years, Linda Kraft has run an equestrian program for the school in Irvine, Alberta, and said she would be happy to help any school set up or organize an equine program for riding or horsemanship, or an equine interaction program, which doesn’t involve riding.

“I have done this program for three-four years now, and it’s been a huge success and keeps growing every year! The reviews from kids and parents are great, and I get so many former students who say, I wish they would have had this when I was in school,” Linda said.

The equestrian program was offered to kids from Grades 3-9 as an option during class time or in a club after school. Barrel racing, pole bending, obstacles and horsemanship were taught to the students. While most of the students owned their own horses, others were able to lease horses for the class. Some kids consider horsemanship a hobby, while others were planning to compete professionally or were already performing professionally.

No matter what their skill level, the program is valuable to all students. To decide if there is enough interest in the program, school families in Oyen are asked to complete a survey that is available online.

The Horsemanship Program has run successfully at Irvine School.