1/1/2010 - Equine Studies Major, One Step Closer

Judson Spotlight On...

By Allison Agee, Student Writer

Judson equine instructors Janice Williams and Jennifer Hoggle received "Registered Level 1 Instructor" certification through the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association in December.

Instructor Janice Palmer Williams (pictured above) on Hunt - a horse donated to the college by Emily Carlson.

Both ladies will now be able to direct the anticipated equine-assisted mental therapy major at the college.

Williams, adjunct instructor, and Hoggle, equine program director and lead instructor, completed the four-day evaluation and certification process Dec. 1-4 at the Montgomery Area Nontraditional Equestrians campus in Pike Road, Ala.

The course included therapeutic riding, equitation, complete knowledge of equine husbandry, knowledge of NARHA standards and procedures as well as a thorough understanding of physical and cognitive disabilities.

Applicants spend 25 hours under a mentor learning to teach people with both physical and cognitive disabilities.

Hoggle also brought several of her equine students to the certification event where they participated in a special studies course. Students called this training the "chance of a lifetime" and were grateful for such a unique learning opportunity.

Both Judson instructors completed their preparation for certification and the actual process in Montgomery while maintaining full teaching responsibilities in Marion. Williams completed certification despite having broken some ribs after a fall a few days before the NARHA event.

"I am so excited to have had the opportunity to be a part of something so big and so great like NARHA and the program at MANE," Hoggle said.  

Pictured Left, Equine director Jennifer Hoggle during a riding class at Judson.

"This is the kind of thing that makes you proud to be a horse person! I'm thankful for the opportunity to learn from others so we can make a difference in people's lives."

Judson currently offers a concentration in Equine-Facilitated Mental Health, as well as, a minor in Equine Science. Judson's new covered equestrian riding arena was completed in 2007, amongst plans to eventually construct a new equestrian facility.

More information about Montgomery Area Nontraditional Equestrians is available at the website, maneweb.org. Information about the North American Riding for the Handicapped organization is found at narha.org.

* Article courtesy of the Judson College Public Relations Department.

 Judson's Equine Department  /  Equestrian Team

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