Post by Deleted on Oct 31, 2009 18:17:55 GMT 1
I'd like to introduce those of you who don't know about it to IH Kids.
IH Kids is an on line club run mainly by myself with the help of a couple of very kind volunteers. It is aimed at all children up to the age of 16, so no minimum age. The purpose is to give children access to IH and IH ideas, so that they can start to question and think for themselves. Quite a few who join say that they are unhappy about the way they are being taught or the way things are done on their yards, but they don't know another way of doing it. We are there to give them that other way and also to give them the support they need when they find others telling them they're wrong.
We have a monthly magazine and a rosette scheme. The magazine is actually quite hard to write, as the audience is so varied. With members as young as 3 and as old as 16, it's virtually impossible to reach all at the same time. I do try, though...
The rosettes are all either written answers with photos or videos of groundwork. They are designed to encourage thought and build up a better understanding of the pony. Each entry gets a personal reply, with comments and suggestions where appropriate. Not everyone passes first time and where someone doesn't pass, I will always give them the help they need to improve.
We get questions from members about riding, care and understanding of their ponies. Why does my pony not canter in the show ring although she canters on a hack? My friends say I don't ride enough, what should I answer? How do I know I'm feeding my pony the right thing? All questions get answers. Some are guided towards an RA, in other cases - for example if it is a riding school pony where an RA visit is unlikely - I'll try and send a helpful answer.
All this, I should add, is done for free because it's what I believe in. We don't want to charge a membership because we want as many children as possible to have access to us. The rosettes have a nominal charge to cover costs.
I think it works. We have some great members, like young Joe up in Scotland who rides at a school and doesn't have his own pony, but who is still working through his rosettes and like 7 year old Rebecca who send in the most beautiful leading excercise for her purple rosette.
We have nearly 600 members, with more joining every week. If you know anyone aged 16 or under who would like to join, just email me at intelligentkids@hotmail.co.uk, or go to the main IH website and follow the links from the main menu.
IH Kids milestones to follows as they arise...
IH Kids is an on line club run mainly by myself with the help of a couple of very kind volunteers. It is aimed at all children up to the age of 16, so no minimum age. The purpose is to give children access to IH and IH ideas, so that they can start to question and think for themselves. Quite a few who join say that they are unhappy about the way they are being taught or the way things are done on their yards, but they don't know another way of doing it. We are there to give them that other way and also to give them the support they need when they find others telling them they're wrong.
We have a monthly magazine and a rosette scheme. The magazine is actually quite hard to write, as the audience is so varied. With members as young as 3 and as old as 16, it's virtually impossible to reach all at the same time. I do try, though...
The rosettes are all either written answers with photos or videos of groundwork. They are designed to encourage thought and build up a better understanding of the pony. Each entry gets a personal reply, with comments and suggestions where appropriate. Not everyone passes first time and where someone doesn't pass, I will always give them the help they need to improve.
We get questions from members about riding, care and understanding of their ponies. Why does my pony not canter in the show ring although she canters on a hack? My friends say I don't ride enough, what should I answer? How do I know I'm feeding my pony the right thing? All questions get answers. Some are guided towards an RA, in other cases - for example if it is a riding school pony where an RA visit is unlikely - I'll try and send a helpful answer.
All this, I should add, is done for free because it's what I believe in. We don't want to charge a membership because we want as many children as possible to have access to us. The rosettes have a nominal charge to cover costs.
I think it works. We have some great members, like young Joe up in Scotland who rides at a school and doesn't have his own pony, but who is still working through his rosettes and like 7 year old Rebecca who send in the most beautiful leading excercise for her purple rosette.
We have nearly 600 members, with more joining every week. If you know anyone aged 16 or under who would like to join, just email me at intelligentkids@hotmail.co.uk, or go to the main IH website and follow the links from the main menu.
IH Kids milestones to follows as they arise...