GUYTON -- Girl Scout Troop 30197 of Guyton visited Faith Equestrian Therapeutic Center, also located in Guyton, in order to complete the requirements for the Girl Scout Equestrian Badge.
Seven young ladies participated Saturday with PATH certified instructor Elizabeth Todd, as well as Girl Scout co-leader Brandy Worley. The girls were hands-on in the process and covered material such as parts of the horse, diet and exercise, housing, illnesses, care, breeds, saddles and bridles, and even got to experience riding a horse. For many of the girls, this was their first time to be around horses and/or their first time riding!
When asked their favorite activity, many answered, "All of it!" But the opportunity to walk/ride the horses and help take care of the horses was at the top of the list. The girls enjoyed learning that the names of bones are different in humans and horses, that horses' front legs are like our legs and their back legs are like our arms, and how their fur changes in the winter and summer. While the girls were surprised to learn such things as how much work goes into the care of a horse, the various sizes of horses and that some harnesses have no rope on the bottom, the adults were surprised by the fact that horses can't vomit! Ms.
Amanda Evans was proud of how the girls worked together throughout the day and Worley added that the girls all followed directions so well. Worley was also surprised that no one complained about the cold!
For approximately four hours, the girls actively worked with the horses as well as completing classroom focused activities. It was a fun-filled day of learning and laughter all while the girls completed the requirements of their badge. With a unanimous vote, the girls highly recommend other Girl Scout troops earning their Equestrian badge here.
Faith Equestrian serves both therapeutic and able body students with a variety of different programs including riding lessons, field trips, volunteer opportunities, and introducing HorsePowered Curriculum for Reading & Math. For more information, contact Dana Starr at 912-728-3728 or email volunteer@faithequestrian.org.
At Girl Scouts, the next opportunity to stand up, speak up and take the lead is never far away. Scouts will discover the G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-Taker, Leader)™ in them and shine, again and again! The possibilities are truly endless.
Ready to join? Visit gshg.org or call 478-935-2221 to get started today! Girls wanting to join an Effingham County troop may email effinghamgagirlscouts@gmail.com for more information.
