Field Trips at Magic Valley Horses

Hands-On Learning with Real Horses

There’s something different about learning when a horse is part of the experience.

Magic Valley Horses field trips give children and teens the opportunity to learn through
observation, interaction and hands-on experiences with real horses.
Participants learn about horse behavior and communication, practice safe horse-handling
skills, and discover some of the things horses can teach us about caring, communication,
confidence, leadership and working together.

Field trips are designed for approximately ages 6–18, with activities
adapted to the ages, abilities and experience of each group.

No previous horse experience is necessary.

Field Trips for Younger Groups

Approximately Ages 6–12

For younger participants, the emphasis is on learning about horses by actually spending
time with them.

We begin with basic horse safety and some of the ways horses communicate through their
ears, eyes, movement and body language. Then it’s time to get hands-on.

Parts of the Horse

Forget the worksheet—we have a real horse!

Each child receives a removable label naming a part of the horse. As we learn about the
horse’s body, participants watch for their assigned part. When they recognize it, they
place their label right on the horse.

By the time we’re finished, our very patient horse has become a living anatomy lesson.

Grooming & Horse Care

Participants learn about grooming tools, what they’re used for and why grooming is an
important part of caring for a horse.

Then everyone gets involved. Children groom the horse together, rotate through different
grooming tools and learn about caring for another living being. Along the way, we make
some natural connections between good grooming and hygiene for horses and taking good
care of ourselves.

Depending on the age and experience of the group, participants may also learn about
cleaning and caring for a horse’s hooves.

Leading a Horse

For many children, this may be the part they remember most.

Each participant has an opportunity to lead a horse and experience what happens when a
much larger animal begins paying attention to them.

It’s a simple activity that naturally introduces ideas about communication, confidence,
trust and leadership—while giving children the experience of actually working with a
horse themselves.

A Little Something to Remember Them By

Each younger participant receives a Meet the Herd collector card
featuring one of the Magic Valley Horses they worked with during the field trip.

Field Trips for Teens

Approximately Ages 12–18

Older students experience the horses a little differently.

Teen field trips focus more on leadership, communication, observation and problem-solving.

Participants begin by learning about horse safety, behavior and nonverbal communication.
They’ll spend some hands-on time getting acquainted with the horse and learning to
recognize the signals the horse is giving them.

Horse-Assisted Leadership

The group participates in an age-appropriate horse-assisted activity designed to explore leadership, communication and working with others.

Rather than being told exactly how to accomplish the task, participants may need to plan, communicate, make decisions and adjust their approach as they work toward a common goal.

And there’s another participant giving them immediate feedback along the way—the horse.

The activity itself will vary according to the group, but the real learning comes from what happens along the way.

Did everyone understand the plan? Who communicated clearly? Did someone naturally take the lead? What happened when something didn’t work? Did the group listen to one another? And did they pay attention to what the horse was communicating?

Afterward, we’ll talk about what happened and what the experience can teach us about leadership, communication and working with other people.

Depending on the group and the activity, themes such as leadership, cooperation, trust, patience, adaptability and problem-solving may emerge naturally from the experience.

Meet the Herd collector cards are also available for teens who would like one.

What About Mixed-Age Groups?

That’s okay too.

The age ranges above are guidelines, not rigid dividing lines. Some 12-year-olds will
love the traditional hands-on field trip. Others may be ready for the team-building
experience.

If your group includes several ages, we’ll plan activities that are appropriate for
the participants in your group.

Field Trip Details

Field trips are intentionally kept small so participants have plenty of opportunity
for meaningful interaction with the horses.

Participants should wear comfortable clothing suitable for being outdoors and around
horses and closed-toe shoes.

A completed waiver is required for each participating child.

Parents & Accompanying Adults

Parents and accompanying adults are welcome to remain at the ranch during the program.
Because our field trips are small and hands-on, additional information about where
parents may watch or wait will be provided when your field trip is scheduled.

Interested in a Field Trip?

Field trips are scheduled by request rather than on preset dates. Use our contact page
to tell us a little about your group, including the approximate number and ages of
participants and the dates or days of the week you’re considering.

Email is the best way to reach us.