The Horse Goes to Class at King's-Edgehill School of Windsor Nova Scotia
Stock Photo
On Sunday, January 3rd we spoke with Elena Julien, a current student and Sabrina Corradini, an Alumna, of King's-Edgehill School of Windsor, Nova Scotia to learn about the way that horses are integrated as part of their education. Listen to the Podcast at https://www.zoomerradio.ca/podcasts/by-the-love-of-horses/
In years gone by, we know that many more children would have had access to a friendship with a horse than is the case today. In view of this, we want to explore some aspects of incorporating a relationship with a horse or horses into the education of a child, by taking a look at the good effects that come when a young person is able to experience a relationship with a horse within their overall schooling. A young girl or boy may wish to learn to ride to compete. But they also might just want the pleasure of getting to know a horse and learning to ride.
The exposure of children to horses at schools in England has a long history. Some schools in England, for example, have incorporated riding as a core part of their curriculum. The times for riding lessons are scheduled right into the academic calendar to ensure that they happen, rather than being relegated to after the end of the school day. By having the riding within the school hours, it sends the message that riding is a core activity not just an extra activity.
We have, in England, the example of the Hanford School, located in Dorset. (https://hanfordschool.co.uk)The school was founded by the Canning family, who believed strongly that “being around animals [is] an important part of childhood. It teaches children to be thoughtful, kind and gentle as well as encouraging them to think about others.”
In Canada, we have the example of the King's-Edgehill School of Windsor, Nova Scotia where an equestrian program is integrated into the main curriculum for some students.
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As a rider at 60 years old, I believe that all can benefit from the secret of riding. I myself, raised with a British background, take inspiration from the Queen who continues to ride at 94 years old. I believe that the same can be true for today’s youth. Riding can give them hope that they can overcome the challenges that they face and give them the confidence to become all that they can.
I was moved by the calls I received after my interview with Libby Znaimer from women and men who told me their stories of their love of horses and riding. They told me how riding set them up to overcome their circumstances. Some came out of the Depression, some out of World War II... these riders did not let these experiences dampen their efforts to achieve a full and happy life and make a contribution to their respective communities. All mentioned that riding helped immeasurably in this. They believe that riding gave them the confidence in themselves and in their ability to do something ... to go after what they wanted their lives to be.
If you are interested in sharing your experiences of horses, whether of riding or not, in the past, or more recently, on my show on Zoomer Radio, please contact me at ByTheLoveOfHorses@redscarfequestrian.ca Susan Jamieson
By The Love Of Horses is written by Doug Allen, a student of history at the University of Toronto, who believes in the need to be versed in country things. Doug’s father travelled extensively by horse on the Canadian prairies and his uncle as a small boy wept at the passing of a family horse. He is writing a novel set in Winnipeg, Canada exploring the nature of indigenous and non-indigenous relations and what it means to come home.
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