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North Platte Public Schools

North Platte PSNorth Platte Public Schools received a $34,304 grant. Including the 1:1 match, this initiative represents an investment of $68,608.

Sites
Cody Elementary School
Jefferson Elementary School
Lincoln Elementary School
Washington Elementary School
4th and 5th grade students

Partners
Dusty Trails LLC
Mid-Plains Community College Rodeo

Project Focus Areas
Career awareness, college exposure, equine therapy
Once per semester students experience behind-the-scenes treatment from the college rodeo team. Students toured with the rodeo team on the ground, in the shoots and in the grandstand area of the rodeo arena, and attended a culminating event where they were hosted at a college rodeo. In addition to improved school day attendance, school day teachers reported that students participating in Horse Club showed improved classroom behavior and homework completion. Equine therapy has been proven as an effective way for students to regulate their emotions. Benefits of Equine Therapy • Increased trust. • Reduced anxiety. • Less feeling of depression and isolation. • Increased self-esteem, self-acceptance, and social skills. • Better impulse control. • Increased problem-solving skills. • Improved communication skills, including non-verbal. Horse club attendees are also introduced to careers related to horses, their care, and activities associated with them in college.

Project Overview
Students spend six weeks in the spring, summer and fall working with Dusty Trails staff to learn how to care for, feed, saddle and ride a horse. Students were responsible for their tack and equipment, brushing and care of their horse’s hair, mane and tail and learning proper terminology and techniques for horse handling.

North Platte grouping

Updated April 26, 2023 3:58pm