By Ewen McRae
Emmaus Catholic Primary School pupils could be forgiven for a bit of horsing around last week.
The Sydenham school received a visit from retired thoroughbred racehorse Archie last week, as part of 16 Hands, a Racing Victoria program aimed at giving city children a taste of the equine world.
Presenter Jo Rogan said the program had been warmly received by all the schools it had visited, with many students seeing a horse up close for the first time.
“It’s a chance to educate the children about the thoroughbred horse, and for them to come and meet this amazing animal that we love and are so passionate about,”
Ms Rogan said.
“We’ve had similar programs in regional areas for around 13 years, but we’ve added the metropolitan schools in the past 18 months and the response has been fantastic.
“Kids really do love it … when they get up close to a real thoroughbred they realise just how big and powerful they are. Seeing the smiles on their faces after that is great.”
As well as meeting the horse, and maybe giving them a feed, the program touches on equine health and anatomy and horse safety, as well as some interesting facts about horses for the students to take away.
Details: 16hands.com.au
