PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Applicants to the Equestrian Program should be entering grade 10, 11, or 12 and have a strong interest in learning about horses. This is an individualized and experiential program, delivered both on CSS campus, and at the barn. Students do not require any previous horse handling/or horseback riding experience.
Students will learn everything from how to work safely around horses, basic care and maintenance (grooming, feeding, saddling, horse first aid, etc.), as well as riding skills. Riding instruction will happen in small groups, with experienced coaches, and will be individualized based on each rider’s initial level of comfort and experience, with an emphasis on safety, fun, and equestrian sport skill acquisition.
Students will ride, care for the horses, and work on other written/online/and fieldwork components related to the program each week. Students may have the opportunity to undergo rider level testing to achieve either Equine Canada Western Rider Levels or CHA rider level certification.
In the Equestrian Program, students will earn credit for Equine Studies 10, Environmental Science 11, and Physical and Health Education 10 (or Active Living 11/12).
For more information, please see our brochure. Please also feel free to contact the Equestrian Program teacher, Mrs. Avril Broekhuizen, in room 3169 at CSS, or at avril_broekhuizen@sd33.bc.ca
Equestrian Program Application Form Applications are now being accepted for next school year. Email completed applications to avril_broekhuizen@sd33.bc.ca or drop them off at the CSS office.
*Note: some fees apply.
Follow us on Instagram at: @cssequestrian and Facebook at: CSS Equestrian Program
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. I have no experience with horses, can I apply?
Answer: Yes! The horsemanship and riding components of this program will be tailored to your initial level of experience. As long as you are motivated to learn, and are ready to try your best, then a lack of direct experience isn't a problem.
2. I am an experienced rider, will this program meet my needs?
Answer: Yes! The horsemanship and riding components of this program will be tailored to your initial level of experience. If you already have experience, then you will be able to deepen your skill set.
3. How will I manage taking a science 11 course (Environmental Science 11) as a part of this program if I'm in my grade 10 year?
Answer: Science 10 is a graduation requirement, BUT it can be taken anytime in your high school years. Environmental Science 11 does not have any pre-requisites, and it satisfies your science 11 grad requirement.
4. Who is teaching the Equestrian Program?
Answer: Avril Broekhuizen is a CSS science/biology teacher and lifelong equestrian. She has a B.Sc. in biology (specialty in ecology), an M.Ed. in ecological education, and she has been a CHA level 2 English and Western riding instructor. She created this program for CSS because she has a passion for horses & for introducing new people to riding. She currently owns and rides her young Clydesdale mare, Darby.
5. I have some physical challenges (wheelchair, limited mobility, intellectual challenges, balance issues, etc.), can I apply?
Answer: At this time, we are not able to offer a therapeutic riding program to meet individualized physical/intellectual special needs. You must be physically and intellectually capable of riding a horse, on your own, under your own control, in order to be a part of this program at this time.
