Hobby Horse

Meeting 1: Introduction to Hippology & Horse Basics

• Objective: Introduce members to the project, the concept of hippology, and basic horse terminology.

• Time Breakdown:

  • 5 min: Welcome and introductions.

  • 25 min: Lesson on basic external parts of the horse and common horse breeds. Use diagrams and pictures.

  • 20 min: Hobby Horse Activity: "Parts of the Horse". Members will use tape or markers to label the parts of the horse on their own hobby horses.

  • 10 min: Review and Q&A. Assign a simple task for next meeting, like drawing a horse and labeling its parts.

Meeting 2: Anatomy and Physiology

• Objective: Learn about the major systems of the horse's body, specifically the skeletal and muscular systems.

• Time Breakdown:

  • 5 min: Check-in and review from the last meeting.

  • 25 min: Lesson on the horse's skeleton and major muscle groups. Discuss how these systems work together.

  • 20 min: Hobby Horse Activity: "Build a Skeleton". Using pipe cleaners, yarn, or tape, members will create a simplified skeleton on their hobby horses, focusing on major bones like the skull, ribs, and legs.

  • 10 min: Discussion on how understanding anatomy is important for horse care.

Meeting 3: Tack and Equipment

• Objective: Identify and learn the proper use of common tack and equipment.

• Time Breakdown:

  • 5 min: Review from previous week.

  • 25 min: Lesson on bridles, saddles, halters, and other equipment. Discuss the parts of a bridle and saddle. Use real examples if available.

  • 20 min: Hobby Horse Activity: "Tack Up!". Members will use provided craft materials (string, cardboard, etc.) to create a simple bridle and saddle for their hobby horses and practice "tacking up."

  • 10 min: Discuss tack safety and maintenance.

Meeting 4: Health and Nutrition

• Objective: Understand basic horse health, nutrition, and common ailments.

• Time Breakdown:

  • 5 min: Discuss tack and any questions from last week.

  • 25 min: Lesson on a balanced diet for a horse (hay, grain, supplements) and how to identify a healthy horse (bright eyes, healthy coat, etc.).

  • 20 min: Hobby Horse Activity: "Feeding Time". Members will be given "food" cards (e.g., hay, grain, carrots) and different scenarios (e.g., "feed a working horse," "feed a senior horse"). They will decide which foods their hobby horse needs.

  • 10 min: Q&A on horse health.

Meeting 5: Breeds and Colors

• Objective: Learn to identify various horse breeds and coat colors.

• Time Breakdown:

  • 5 min: Brief review.

  • 25 min: Lesson on popular horse breeds (e.g., Quarter Horse, Thoroughbred, Arabian) and common coat colors (e.g., Bay, Chestnut, Palomino, Pinto).

  • 20 min: Hobby Horse Activity: "Breed Show". Each member will "show" their hobby horse and describe its "breed," "color," and "markings" using the vocabulary they've learned. The group can "judge" the presentations.

  • 10 min: Handout on breed characteristics to study.

Meeting 6: Gaits and Riding Fundamentals

• Objective: Learn the different gaits of a horse and how to apply them to basic riding.

• Time Breakdown:

  • 5 min: Review of breeds and colors.

  • 25 min: Lesson on the four main gaits: walk, trot, canter/lope, and gallop. Discuss the footfall pattern of each gait.

  • 20 min: Hobby Horse Activity: "Gait Relay". Members will navigate a simple obstacle course while performing the correct "gait" with their hobby horse as called out by the leader.

  • 10 min: Discussion on rider safety and posture.

Meeting 7: Contest Prep and Review

• Objective: Review key concepts and prepare for a mock hippology contest.

• Time Breakdown:

  • 5 min: Final check-in and warm-up.

  • 25 min: A rapid-fire review of all topics: parts, tack, breeds, gaits, and health.

  • 20 min: Hobby Horse Activity: "Hippology Bowl". Members will work in teams with their hobby horses as team mascots to answer questions in a quiz-bowl format.

  • 10 min: Certificates of completion and celebration. Discuss future projects or topics they'd like to explore.

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