FREE PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN & ADULTS
SATURDAY SADDLE CLUB
Horse ownership not required (ages 9 to adult)
Volunteers are always welcome and appreciated at the Swan Center. There are many wonderful ways to participate, and one of the most popular ways is the Saturday Saddle Club. The Saddle Club is a fun way to spend a Saturday with horses, and a great way to meet new friends. The saddle club is free of charge, and does not require horse ownership, or previous horse experience. The club offers members an opportunity to learn how to care for, train and ride a horse. The club is open to adults and children ages 9 and up (younger children may apply and may be accepted depending upon their maturity level.)
The majority of our animals have been previously abused, neglected or poorly trained, and are in various stages of rehabilitation or training. Our animals are handled and trained in very specific ways, in order to address their special needs. The Saturday Saddle Club is an educational program designed to teach these handling and training methods to individuals who are interested in working with the animals. The program teaches the basic care, handling and training of our small barn animals and horses. The initial portion of the training program follows a specific format that consists of a series of 12 classes held weekly. Members are not required to attend every week, and are not required to stay for the entire day.
Each saddle club morning begins with the feeding of the horses and other barn animals, stall and barn duties, horse grooming, saddling and bridling, and classes on leading the horse. After lunch activities include classes on animal communication, round pen training and general training. The day concludes with the detacking, feeding and turning out of the horses. Saddle club members are also eligible to participate in horse drill team performances; horseback game days; and special events planned by the club.
Club members are divided into three categories, which reflect each level of accomplishment.Youth categories are:
Buckaroos - level 1 - beginner
Mustangs - level 2 - intermediate
Wranglers - level - 3 advanced
Adult categories are:
Mountaineers - level 1 - beginner
Rangers - level 2 - intermediate
Rough Riders - level 3 - advanced
To advance from one level to the next, each member must complete the required classes, and successfully pass the tests for that level. Members who have successfully completed all three levels of their training, may apply to participate in the Horse Trainer Apprentice Program.
THE HORSE TRAINER APPRENTICE PROGRAM
The Horse Trainer Apprentice Program is offered free of charge to individuals who want to apprentice as a horse trainer. The program is designed first and foremost to insure the proper care, handling, riding and training of the horses that participate in the Outreach programs. The program is taught, by Swan Center Outreach’s head trainers – Rose and John Longhill.
Apprentices are taught how to do start a horse under saddle; how to handle problem horse behaviors; and how to rehabilitate a previously abused or improperly trained horse.
Applicants are not required to have previous horse training experience. Those who do have previous experience will need to be willing to be retrained in the ways taught in the program. All participants will start at the same level of training regardless of previous experience.
The program requires a specific time commitment and bears a lot of responsibility. Each participant is assigned one or more horses to care for and train.
Individuals who wish to observe the program, or participate on a limited basis can come during any of the regularly scheduled times, by appointment.
GENERAL VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
Volunteers are always appreciated and needed for gardening, construction, maintenance, barn duties, fundraising, computer work, and a variety of other tasks. If you are interested in doing any volunteer work, please contact us and let us know the days and times you are available and what particular skills you have to offer.
FREE DOG TRAINING PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN
DOG PARTNERSHIP (ages 9 to 15)
The dog partnership training sessions cover general obedience commands; animal communication skills; and address any behavioral problems. Three levels of training are offered: Basic on leash; Intermediate on leash; Advanced off lease.
-Sessions are 1 hour in length
-The sessions consist of 8 consecutive weekly classes; one review class before the dog show date; and a graduation dog show.
-Session 1 is for the handler only – dogs do not attend (class supplies will be discussed then)
-Sessions 2 thru 10 are for both handler and dog
To Contact us
By E-mail: info@swancenter.org
By Phone: 970-468-0924
By Mail:
Swan Center Outreach Inc.
PO Box 25749
Silverthorne, Colorado 80497