AGRIPROJECTS COURSE OVERVIEW
Agriprojects is an agriculture-based class taught with horses and offered through Oxford Virtual Academy (elementary through high-school students) at Shenanigans Farm.
Course topics include horse and herd behavior, physical attributes of a horse, equine health and nutrition, and the critical components of the horse's living environment, including barn and pasture management. Students will explore equine sports, sciences, and veterinary studies from equine professionals (trainers, veterinarians, farriers, etc.) We will also explore the horse as the focus of artistic expression, history, literature, and culture. Students will create projects and learn about the various forms of riding as a sport, for pleasure, competition, or for work.
We offer a series of four uniquely designed courses. All courses are designed to be more than riding. Students will engage in equine skills, horsemanship on the ground, and additional educational opportunities through our horses and farm. They will spend ½ of the class on the ground, around the farm, in our classroom, and ½ riding in upper-level classes. This course is not designed to teach riding or offer riding lessons; it is an agriculture-based class taught through and with our equine partners.
Students must be enrolled in Oxford Virtual Academy (elementary, middle, or high school) and at least six years old. All new students must enroll in AG 100 to begin. Your course instructor will recommend advancement through classes 200 – 400 at the end of each semester.
Please contact your OVA Teacher or Shenanigans Farm directly if you have any questions.
AGRIPROJECTS 100
For new or younger students curious about agriculture and animals with a focus on horses. This is an “on-the-ground” class and does not include riding. This course is a prerequisite for Agriprojects 200, 300, and 400.
In Agriprojects 100, students will learn:
Horse and Barn Safety
Grooming a Horse
Parts of the Horse
Equine Health & Nutrition
Horse Behavior
Parts of Tack & How to Tack
Types & Breeds of Horses
Styles of Riding & Disciplines
Equine Sports & Careers
Students will learn these concepts through teaching, practice, guest equine experts, and various hands-on activities (we will not be riding). No helmet will be needed for this class. Students need to wear closed-toe shoes or boots.
This course will last ten weeks (in-person), and students must complete 14 weeks of Online Learning through OVA. The course will consist of classwork, lab work, and homework.
AGRIPROJECTS 200
For students who have completed Agriprojects 100, Agriprojects 200 reviews the fundamentals learned in Agriprojects 100 and added riding. Students begin learning to care for and ride a horse at the walk. Students will continue taking Agriprojects 200 until they are ready to move on (instructors will make recommendations.)
In Agriprojects 200, students will learn:
Horse and Barn Safety
Grooming a Horse
Parts of the Horse
Horse Behavior
Parts of Tack & How to Tack
Riding at the Walk independently
Students will review these concepts through teaching, practice, guest equine experts, and various hands-on activities. Students begin riding at the walk. Students must have an ASTM Certified riding helmet (which can be fitted and purchased at a tack store). Students need to wear pants and boots.
AGRIPROJECTS 300
For students who have completed Agriprojects 100 and 200, Agriprojects 300 reviews the riding fundamentals learned in previous courses and adds the element of riding independently at the walk and trot. Students will continue taking Agriprojects 300 until they are ready to move on (instructors will make recommendations.)
In Agriprojects 300, students will learn:
Horse and Barn Safety
Grooming a Horse
Tacking a Horse
Riding at the Walk and Trot independently
Students will review these concepts through teaching, practice, guest equine experts, and various hands-on activities. Students are riding at the walk and begin trotting. Students must have an ASTM Certified riding helmet (which can be fitted and purchased at a tack store). Students need to wear pants and boots.
AGRIPROJECTS 400
For students who have completed Agriprojects 100, 200, and 300, Agriprojects 400 reviews the riding fundamentals learned in previous courses and adds the element of riding independently at the walk, trot, and canter. Students will continue taking Agriprojects 400 until they are ready to move on (instructors will make recommendations.)
In Agriprojects 400, students will learn:
Horse and Barn Safety
Grooming a Horse
Tacking a Horse
Riding at the Walk, Trot, and Canter independently
Students will review these concepts through teaching, practice, guest equine experts, and various hands-on activities. Students are riding at the walk, trot, and begin cantering. Students must have an ASTM Certified riding helmet (which can be fitted and purchased at a tack store). Students need to wear pants and boots.
ASK YOUR INSTRUCTOR