The Education Department at the Kentucky Horse Park wants to make better caretakers out of horse owners, and consequently better horses. To that end, they will offer a variety of equine classes and programs for both adults and youngsters in 2006. Equine professionals and novices will benefit from courses on a wide variety of topics, designed to make participants better horsemen and horsewomen.

John Nicholson, Executive Director of the park, noted “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. 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 skills with – 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 eight.

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 led 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 - Functioning and malfunctioning of the equine digestive system; how to match feeding plans with the age, activity level and metabolism of the individual horse.

Trouble Shooting
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 (859) 259-4206 or (800) 568-8813, ext. 206, click on the website at www.kyhorsepark.com/khp/education/programs.asp or email [email protected].


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