Horseshoes Meet Vocational Education at Green Chimneys

Back to School: A Parent’s Perspective

September 21, 2020

January 25, 2018

Green Chimneys students learn what it's like to be a farrier

Green Chimneys School students recently received a lesson from our longtime farrier, Tom Nolan. Applying what they’ve learned about horse conformation,* students saw firsthand the important role proper shoes play in equine health. Students also practiced handling tools used in hoof care as they took turns pulling shoes, filing edges, and polishing hooves.

High School Students Explore Careers in the Equine Industry

“The students all came together – cheering each other on when a shoe was finally pulled. This also made them appreciate how hard our farrier works to ensure the best care for our horses,” says Green Chimneys Barn Manager, Samantha Arevalo.

The Purpose

This session is part of Green Chimneys School’s vocational education program. High school students may choose to spend a semester learning the skills required for working in a horse barn. These include grooming horses, leading horses, mucking stalls, basic first aid and healthcare, feed management and herd behaviors. Each week consists of hands-on activities designed to mimic barn operations. The purpose of this course is to prepare students for entry-level positions found within the horse industry. It also supports each student’s individual education plan (IEP), life skill-building, and personal growth.

The Benefits

“Opportunities like this are so important when teaching new skills to students with special needs,” Samantha explains. “This class is designed to illustrate the variety of ways students may access horses as a potential career. By performing work alongside experts, students are building knowledge and confidence. And students are embracing new experiences, many of which, they never imagined for themselves.”

*Conformation looks at the degree of correctness of a horse’s bone structure, musculature, and its body proportions in relation to each other.

Nutmeg the Goat

A school that partners children with animals for educational and therapeutic activities is an ideal home for Nutmeg, a Nubian goat donated by a family who kept her as a therapy animal for a child with special needs. Nutmeg arrived at Green Chimneys as an energetic one-year-old. Although she had lived solely with people, she immediately adapted to her new goat peers at the farm. At the same time, she presents a challenge to students: goats possess a strong will so taking a walk is not always a simple task.