Info about TRAK

Youth often have lost confidence in their ability to learn. The TRAK program will offer areas of "skills for service" where youth can rediscover the fun and value of learning. The hope is that they will give back to society all they have learned. Our program will allow youth to choose an area of particular interest. These options will teach them the necessary skills to be successful as individuals. We will offer experience in the following areas:

Vocational Programs Participants acquire hands-on skills that can be used outside the program through experiencing the daily routine at a barn. This includes barn maintenance, learning to clean stalls, feed and water animals, grounds upkeep and repair, etc. Animal Friends School Programs How far can a rabbit hop? Why does a pig roll in the mud? How can you tell if a horse is happy? What does it mean to be a predator or prey animal? These questions and many others will be answered in our Animal Friends hands-on programs. Children will learn a variety of information ranging from the diet and required care for these animals to behaviors and interesting facts. The TRAK animal family enjoys travelling to schools and being a part of this educational and fun experience.

We also invite school groups to our ranch to see where our TRAK family lives. Programs can be done as a single classroom presentation or assembly for an entire grade.

Animal Education Participants will be educated in animal care and maintenance, nutrition, health care management and behavior. They will utilize these skills in the regular care of the TRAK animal community. Special Event Volunteer Work Participants in the Animal Education Program will travel to various events throughout Tucson to share their knowledge of animal care and behavior. This will provide the opportunity to increase self-esteem by allowing our program participants to be the expert in a very high interest field among their peers.

These lessons are more involved than just riding. We believe that in order to be safe around horses it is very important to understand the "nature of a horse". Lessons start with working side by side with the horses learning about their nature, how to approach, halter and lead them. Once mounted, students will learn the Secure Seat method of riding. This works on having a balanced seat which leaves the riders hands and legs free to communicate with the horse. Lesson topics will also include learning about daily horse care, diet, teeth floating, hoof trimming and much more.

Members of our TRAK family will have the opportunity to take some of our animal friends into the community to visit with those who could benefit from animal contact. This will include, but is not limited to, hospitals, hospice, nursing homes, schools, programs for people with disabilities, community events, etc.