Nov. 2, 2022 - Equine Therapeutics and Community Connections
Hello,
My name is Jared Coolum, and I am the Academic Coordinator for PTL Hardwick, Newport, and Moretown.
We are fully immersed in our class offerings for the fall semester. This academic year our theme is Sports and Recreation. Over the years, many participants have wanted to engage with a theme about sports and recreation, and this semester they finally have the chance!
This semester is noteworthy because it is the first time in years that we have had nearly all our classes in person and within our communities. Across all eleven campuses, we have so many participant-led class offerings available over the course of the semester, several of which are connected to the theme.
PTL Newport is one of the longest-running campuses – since 2003 – and we still have new participants joining each year. This semester, Crystal taught her first class to her PTL peers about horses and horseback riding. Crystal’s class accentuated our academic theme and highlighted the importance of community involvement. She also invited Tara Girard to co-teach with her. Tara is the program director, equine specialist, and instructor at Kingdom Therapeutics at Safe Haven Farm. Kingdom Therapeutics “provides a safe environment for individuals to acquire self-awareness and confidence through direct interaction with equines.” Crystal volunteers at the farm and shared her stories and experiences there.
Crystal and Tara talked about the different kinds of horses, their uses, and how horses can be therapeutic for their riders and caregivers. Tara was kind enough to join Crystal and give her unique insights into horse care and horseback riding. The class was very interactive and allowed students to share their stories and experiences with horses.
A complete list of participant-researched and participant-led classes for our eleven campuses for the Fall 2022 semester can be found here: https://www.peerteachingandlearning.org/campuses
Don’t forget to visit our new Instagram page for more photos and highlights
https://www.instagram.com/peerteachingandlearning/
Jared Coolum, Academic Coordinator
Tara, Program Director at Kingdom Therapeutics