Walking On Volume 7, Issue 1, January 2020 | Page 6

Encouraging Growth
A few practical ways that you
For those who own horses:
1. Share your love of horses. If someone you know
shows an interest in horses, invite them to visit
yours. This doesn’t mean that you have let everyone
ride your horse(s). Simply providing an opportu-
nity for them be in the presence of a horse can be
meaningful enough to cultivate their interest. This is
especially true for kids.
For those who train and/or own barns:
1. Give lessons. Lessons are a starting point a lot of po-
tential horse owners. Consider including grooming
and in-hand work in your lessons to give students a
more complete experience.
6 • Walking On
2. Go where the kids are. It is possible for kids to
earn scholarships via horses. Let parents know that
their horse crazy kid’s obsession may also be a path
to affording higher education and be sure to tell
them that your barn is the place to start. Promote
your program at schools, youth groups, after school
programs, etc. Talk to youth leaders, teachers, and
principals to find out how best to educate parents
on the benefits of riding horses.
3. Create a high school equestrian team. A great way
to introduce young people to riding and showing. A
great way for kids to prepare to show at higher-level
shows, too. A great way to establish your program at
a school and attract new students.