If you are a homeschooling family, you know that you are always searching for ways to incorporate new activities into your homeschool curriculum to captivate your children’s attention and encourage them to enjoy learning. Many homeschool families look to activities like cooking, baking or visiting a nearby museum.
One activity that can be beneficial for homeschooled children but is often overlooked is horseback riding. This is one activity that can be incorporated into topics such as physical education, science and biology, math, history and literature, social studies and biography.
Physical Education
Horseback riding can improve balance, coordination and core strength. Grooming and stable chores are a great way to provide strength training and endurance.
Science and Biology
Students can study horse anatomy, physiology and nutrition. They can also explore the physics of movement and biomechanics of riding. Lastly, students can learn about equine diseases and veterinary care.
Math
Children can learn to calculate the cost of feed and supplies, and measure out food rations. They might also learn about speed, distance and angles while riding. They can also measure the horse’s weight and height.
History and Literature
Students will enjoy researching the tole of horses throughout history, from knights to cowboys. And they can even read classic horse tales like Black Beauty or Misty of Chincoteague. Students can also learn about famous horses throughout history.
Social Studies and Geography
You can instruct your children to study breeds from around the world and their cultural significance. They might also learn about famous equestrian events like the Kentucky Derby.
While we can all agree that these can be great ways to incorporate horses into a homeschool curriculum, the benefits of riding don’t stop there. Horseback riding also provides therapeutic and emotional growth. Riding helps build confidence and emotional resilience. In addition, caring for a horse fosters empathy and patience. Your child can have a newfound responsibility for another living being. Integrating horses into your homeschool curriculum isn’t just about riding, and there are so many topics that you can relate to horses.
If you are a homeschool family and you want to use horses as part of your curriculum, be sure to check out our Equestrian Explorers program at our location in Elizabeth, CO. We offer opportunities to ride, groom and tack, interact with horses, and learn about basic horse care. Please contact us if you have any questions or would like to sign up for this program!