The Problem
In an effort to educate children between the ages 6-10 years old about HORSES, and why they should not to be afraid of them, in 2016 we launched the "Magical Mini Program". By using ten of our miniature horses, the fear factor is removed for most children. It is our hope that early learning will leave a lasting impression that will help children to grow up around horses and other animals without fear. We hope that early learning will stay with these children as a good memory causing their behavior as adults will be responsible, caring and respectful of horses and other animals. We would also like to work with and train teen volunteers to aide us in teaching the younger children and how they too can give back.
Our Plan
F.R.I.E.N.D.S. is a non profit 501 (c)3 organization that was established in 1987 (59-2825751) and is Broward County Florida's oldest and largest horse rescue and South Florida's only sanctuary. This program requires parents to pre register their children in order for them to participate. This learning experience is held on second Saturday of every month at the F.R.I.E.N.D.S. facility. We have limited this experience to ten children, one day per month. This is a learning experience for children so they may have a one on one, hands on experience without distraction from parents and siblings. The class is later divided into smaller groups using experienced volunteers to lead & help answer questions. At the beginning of the class the children are taught basic information about horses and safety information. Later, they move on to hands on grooming, putting on a halter & lead rope and how to lead a horse properly. Once they are comfortable and safely interacting with the miniature horses, they move onto the obstacle course to put all they have learned into action. When each child is picked up, they are given a huge, learning, coloring book all about horses so they may continue to learn about horses at home. The classes are held the second Saturday of each month from 10:00 am-12:30 pm. To sign up please go to https://www.eiahorses.org We hope to see your little animal lover there!
