Excitement is building around a proposed equestrian academy for students at David Thompson Secondary School, with a proposal approved by the board of education to offer a horse riding/training academy to interested students. The course will cover all aspects of horsemanship, including riding basics, barn safety, horse psychology, and careers in the equine industry. Students can earn 12 credits towards graduation and the course will promote responsibility and respect through interactions with horses.
The Equine Studies 10 course will be offered in class at school and at a barn outside of Fairmont Hot Springs, where students will be taught by a professional in horse husbandry. The cost for the program is $1,200 per student, with options for payment and potential grant money to lower the fee for students in need. The academy will accommodate 18 students chosen through an application process, with a focus on safety including mandatory helmet use and riding older, trustworthy horses.
The academy has received strong support from the DTSS Parent Advisory Council, who believe the program will open students’ minds to potential careers in agriculture and the equine industry. The emphasis on outdoor, hands-on learning is seen as a positive way to encourage students to spend less time in front of screens and more time engaging with nature and animals.
