JMH has a carefully structured curriculum

Junior Master Horseman is a multi-level, experience-based curriculum that uses vibrant characters to lead youth through lessons about horses. Level 1 is comprised of basic information and history and includes a book and fully interactive Web site. Youth start with the book, which includes the lesson and several reinforcement activities. Then, youth go to the web site to complete several more activities and the comprehension check. When youth complete and pass the check, a certificate is printed out for them on their home computer for immediate reward and recognition. Students and groups register for the JMH program. In addition, youth have the opportunity to sign up to receive regular newsletters and information from a variety of horse organizations and associations. JMH is a non-breed-specific program.

JMH is a great fit within 4-H horse clubs, FFA chapters, after-school programs, home-school programs, boy scouts, girl scouts and almost any classroom! The McRel teaching standards have been outlined for each of the lessons. Standards in math, science and language arts are found throughout the program!

Level 1 launched in March of 2006 and Levels 2-4 will be completed in the near future. Information for the lessons was derived from a variety of sources, including the Horse Industry Handbook by the American Youth Horse Council. The American Quarter Horse Association has underwritten the JMH program and is in charge of its development, marketing and distribution. Many other breed associations have supplied photos and information for the book.

JMH features activites that adults and kids will love

Horse lovers of any age can benefit from these interactive lessons. Christy Bramwell, AQHA Senior Manager of Youth Activities and JMH project leader, has used one specific activity with several adult groups. “Adults are kids at heart. This program lets us all reconnect with that part of ourselves. I have had a lot of fun watching people commonly known as ‘stuffy executives’ cutting loose and showing their Miniature Stick Horse they made out of newspaper!”

Searching for exciting, new teaching tools for horsey youth?

When it comes to a fun, interactive horsey curriculum for all ages, you may have a difficult time finding comprehensive and scientific, yet engaging, material. Where can parents, 4-H agents, FFA instructors, science teachers and others go to find the information that will engage their youth in a unique and challenging way? Right here!

Almost any teacher will testify that youth learn best when they can utilize their senses. Hands-on learning has become the teaching method most preferred these days—for students of all ages. We all learn better when we get to experience the lesson. Curriculum that focuses on the experience, yet has clearly defined goals, specific lessons, engaging characters and interactive learning, is hard to find. However, the creators of the Junior Master Horseman (JMH) curriculum have developed this material with all these important factors in mind.

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Thanks to all our pilot-testers!

The JMH program has been piloted across the nation. Instructors have used the program in a variety of settings, including 4-H, after-school programs, riding camps and riding lessons have tried out Junior Master Horseman.

Kerith Gray, an educator from Colorado, said, “I think [JMH] would work well in small 4-H groups for younger siblings, in small groups at school or as entertainment for younger kids at a horse show, trail ride or other sponsored event. I really like the book and the idea of making it fun for younger kids. Having the [activity] following the information will help kids feel knowledgeable and confident about their answers. I am looking forward to having the book available! Not to mention using the activities with my daughter and her horse loving friends. They will go crazy over an-age appropriate horse book!”

Janiene Marlow, principal of Horseshoe Trails Elementary in Cave Creek, Arizona, appreciated that the curriculum was “complete and easy to follow,” adding that the curriculum was “sequential with connections to the real world. This follows authentic learning and ties so well with our enrichment equine after-school program. Teachers commented on the developmentally appropriate lessons and appreciate ties to McREL [teaching standards]. Key points lead to discussions and investigations by individual students. Horseshoe Trails is eager to be a 3rd-5th JMH school.”