June 13, 2013 — With the start of summer upon us and kids out of school, riding instructors, camp counselors, and parents will no doubt have horse-crazy kids anxious to get in the saddle and enjoy the fine weather. But what about plans for those inclement days when riding time is nixed?
The Animal Welfare Council’s free youth education program “Lessons about the Unwanted Horse” offers a timely answer to the need for “rainy day” material. The research-based, six-lesson curriculum covers the issue—a surplus of horses, a shortage of homes—from a factual and historical perspective as it delves into:
- The causes, statistics, and possible solutions.
- The effects of state and national legislation (presently being broadly covered in the media).
- The role of animal welfare and animal rights organizations in defining “humane” horse management.
- The responsibilities of horse ownership, and more.
The underlying message reinforced in all six lessons is the vital importance of conscious, responsible ownership as the key to the truly humane treatment of horses. Each thought-provoking lesson includes goals, background information, a teaching outline and resources for further study, plus student activities meant to underscore the lesson in various entertaining, lively ways.
AWC is offering the program at no cost through its website; it is downloadable either as a package or in parts at www.animalwelfarecouncil.org. The curriculum is suitable for use in youth activity settings such as 4-H, Girl or Boy Scouts, or Pony Club as well as in traditional classrooms and home school programs. Lessons are designed for the 10- to 12-year-old age group, but may be easily modified for older students. Go to www.animalwelfarecouncil.org and download your copy today.
Animal Welfare Council members support the use of animals in recreation, entertainment, industry and sports. The organization is dedicated to advancing the responsible and humane use of animals in these activities. For more information about the AWC visit www.animalwelfarecouncil.org or contact Jill Montgomery at 719-547-7677 or Jill@jramenterprises.com.
