KHP Announces Education Programs for 2006

The Kentucky Horse Park will offer a wide variety of educational programs in 2006, covering everything from driving to basic horsemanship.

Nov. 22, 2005 — The Kentucky Horse Park will offer a variety of equine classes and programs for both adults and children in 2006. The courses are designed to make participants better horsemen and horsewomen.

“As the Horse Capital of the World, we have a responsibility to the animals which contribute so much to our state’s economy, our history, our national identity and our quality of life,” said John Nicholson, executive director of the park. “The Kentucky Horse Park takes that responsibility very seriously, so we look for opportunities to make life better for horses by offering continuing education for their owners and caretakers.”

The education department will offer the following classes in 2006:

So You Want to Own a Horse?

February 25 – Factors to consider in the commitment to horse ownership–selection of animal, equipment, and living facility; appropriate health and hoof care; training and education.

Equine Management Program

March 1-August 25 – A six-month work study program in which students spend part of their day in lecture and the remainder in caring for and learning about the park’s horses.

Single Horse Basic Driving

March 4 – Learn two different styles and uses of single driving harness, as well as hooking and driving a single horse safely. Class limited to 8.

Basic Care and Handling

March 18 – Keep your horse happy, healthy and safe. Hands-on course will focus on living conditions, grooming and feeding, plus haltering, tying, leading and physical restraint.

Health Care

April 1 – Develop preventive health maintenance programs and learn to recognize and deal with common equine health problems. Hands-on and lecture format.

Healthy Horses

May 13 – In partnership with the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), the park will offer a one-day seminar of practical and cutting-edge classes taught by AAEP member veterinarians. For information on this seminar, call 859-259-4266 ext 266.

Youth Riding Program (Ages 10-17)

May 30-June 2, June 5-9, June 12-16 and June 19-23 – Participants will learn to catch, lead, groom and tack; stall management; and the basics of balanced seat riding.

Feeding the Horse

September 16 – Functions and malfunctions of the equine digestive system; how to match feeding plans with the age, activity level and metabolism of the individual horse.

Troubleshooting

October 7 – Dealing successfully with the hard to catch, tie, groom or tack. How to properly use round pen reasoning, longeing and line driving.

Basic Team Driving

November 4 – Learn to groom, harness and hitch a team of draft horses, as well as basic driving skills and the parts and types of harness. Class limited to 12.

For additional information and registration, call 1-800-568-8813 ext. 206, email education@kyhorsepark.com or go to the park’s education page.

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