The cold was bitter this Thursday morning, but many schoolchildren were able to find a little warmth and comfort in contact with the horses. Among them, 370 middle school students from ULIS classes who spent the day at the Cheval Passion show, which is being held until Sunday, January 19 at the Avignon Exhibition Center. For six years now, the Department of Vaucluse has been organizing this educational action for these students with specific needs. Even transportation to and from the establishments is covered by the Department. This year, 22 ULIS classes benefited. After collecting their snack offered at the entrance by the Department, the middle school students began their visit to the show, with a questionnaire to complete as an educational aid to better discover the equestrian world.
« This outing is eagerly awaited, we prepared it in class by doing readings around the theme of horses, vocabulary which is different… », attests Isabelle Horyna, ULIS teacher at Voltaire college, in Sorgues. In his class alone, two students practice horse riding and another equine therapy. It must be said that proximity to animals brings many benefits to young people. “ Being in the presence of the horse works on all emotional skills, touch. We develop gentleness, respect for the animal, the integration of safety, taking into account a living being », explains Barbara Loup, educational manager at the IFCE (French Institute of Horses and Equestrianism). She and her colleagues led a workshop around Comtois draft horses. The young participants were able to approach and even caress these friendly colossi and ask their questions to the speakers.
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