The Refuge Equestrian Center

08/23/2024

Have you always dreamed of becoming a horse trainer? New courses starting this Fall!

08/21/2024

Do your homeschool students have a passion for horses? Here’s a great article on how you can implement equine studies into their curriculum. Our Homeschool Apprenticeship for Teens is perfect for students with a love for horses!

How did we tailor high school science for our horse loving daughter? The plans are detailed in this post. By the way, she's doing great in college!

08/18/2024

Apprenticeship for Homeschool students starting this Fall! Reimbursable with Step Up Scholarship Students! Limited space available, sign up now! Register below to save your spot. https://form.jotform.com/222638652377060

08/11/2024

We always try and implement this same philosophy here at TREC. Working towards independence in every area while working with horses empowers the students and builds confidence.
https://www.facebook.com/share/jifu66Zi59sbMvjF/?mibextid=WaXdOe

Make Them Carry Their Saddle

A father of a darling girl and I were talking last week and he said that he wanted his daughter to ride more and not have to do the work part of the catching, grooming, and saddling. I smiled as I explained.

Riding horses is a combination of strength, timing, and balance. Kids in this country are physically weak (unless they are actively involved with weight training and physical conditioning 4+ times a week.)

When you walk out to the field, you are clearing your stress from being under fluorescent lights all day; feeling the sun soak into your bones. As your body moves on uneven surfaces, it strengthens your legs and core.

When you groom your horse (especially currying), you are toning your arms and stabilizing your core.

When you carry your saddle, your arms, chest, and back are doing isolated strengthening work.

Being near horses, calms and makes you tune into the splendor of these empathetic animals.

When you ride at a posting trot, it’s equivalent to a slow jog calorie burn wise.

After a lesson, the riders are physically tired and mentally quiet and balanced.

Horses feel your heart beat and mirror your emotions back.

Riding large and somewhat unpredictable animals makes you resilient and pushes your expectations.

Working with horses is so much more than learning how to ride.

So parents, make your children carry their saddles. Don’t do the hard parts for them, as long term it actually hurts them. To advance with their riding, they must get stronger. You can help by doing the high parts.

I love having you all at the farm, and am so grateful to get to share these fascinating animals with you.

Hannah Campbell Zapletal

03/07/2024

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10/04/2023

10/04/2023

Check out our new Fall Classes! Click the link to register
https://form.jotform.com/232765955330158

01/23/2023

How do our Horse Agility Classes benefit the handler?

-Develops leadership skills
-Develops skills for problem solving
-Don’t have to own a horse to get involved
-Creates a strong bond between your horse
-Helps awareness of your body language
-Get exercise while having fun!
-Develops your confidence in handling horses
-Helps handlers improve their communication skills and relationship from the ground which transfers to being in the saddle.
-Learn about the Nature and Character of God

01/10/2023

Today April 10th, marks 5 years since we brought Serena home with us!! Happy Adoption Day Serena!! She’s been making dreams come true for kids around the world ever since.

01/10/2023

Here’s the course we’re teaching this month!
There’s still time to sign up 🙂

01/05/2023

Click here to sign up for new classes!

https://form.jotform.com/222638652377060

10/13/2022

Trying to stay dry during the hurricane. Our hearts 💕and prayers 🙏 go out to all those impacted by this devastating storm. If you are from Volusia County and your family has been displaced due the Hurricane Ian, The Refuge Equestrian Center is offering a Free “horse experience” for your children.
Spots are limited, but please reach out if this would bless your kids for a day and help bring them some joy in the midst of hardship.

09/12/2022

Still time to sign up!
Our next session begins October 4th,2022 at 11am. https://form.jotform.com/222638652377060