Have you ever had a pet that felt like your best friend? Maybe a dog that wags its tail when you come home, or a cat that purrs when you cuddle it? Well, imagine having a friend that’s big, strong, gentle, and loves to go on adventures with you. That’s what it’s like to have a horse as a friend!
At Compton Junior Equestrians (CJE), children learn that horses are very special animals and can be wonderful friends.
What Makes Horses Such Good Friends?
Horses are amazing creatures. Here are a few reasons why they make such great companions:
- They Listen: Even though horses don’t talk like we do, they are very good listeners. They can sense how you’re feeling. If you’re happy, they might get playful. If you’re calm, they will often be calm too.
- They are Gentle: For such big animals, horses can be very gentle. The horses at CJE are used to being around children and are very patient and kind.
- They Teach Us: Horses teach us so many things! They teach us to be responsible because they need our help to be fed and groomed. They teach us to be brave when we learn to ride. And they teach us to be kind and understanding.
- They Love to Play: Horses enjoy having fun, just like kids! They like to go for walks (or rides!) and explore.
Learning to Care for Our Horse Friends at CJE
At Compton Junior Equestrians, it’s not just about riding. A big part of being friends with a horse is learning how to take good care of them. Children at CJE learn important skills like:
- Brushing: Horses love a good brushing! It keeps their coats clean and shiny, and it’s a nice way to bond with them.
- Feeding: Kids learn what horses eat (like hay and special grains) and help make sure they get their meals.
- Keeping their Home Clean: Just like we like our rooms to be tidy, horses need their stables to be clean and comfortable.
- Understanding Horse Talk: Children learn to understand what a horse might be trying to say with its ears, its tail, or the sounds it makes. It’s like learning a secret animal language!
When children learn to care for a horse, they build a special bond. The horse learns to trust them, and the child learns how wonderful it feels to care for another living being.
Help CJE Keep These Friendships Growing!
Compton Junior Equestrians is a wonderful place where these special friendships between children and horses can grow. But it takes a lot of work and resources to keep the horses happy and healthy, and to make sure the programs are available for all kids who want to join.
If you believe that horses make special friends and that all children should have the chance to learn and grow with them, you can help CJE continue their amazing work. Please ask a grown-up to visit the Compton Junior Equestrians donation page at https://comptonjrequestrians.org/donate-page/.
Every little bit helps to buy food for the horses, keep their stables cozy, and support the wonderful teachers who guide the children. Your kindness helps these special friendships blossom!
Thank you for helping the children and horses at Compton Junior Equestrians!
