Jackson County Center History
September 2005
Our very, very first ride. September 2005. We rode in the "arena" field, Mark led, Beth and Cathy, our sisters, side walked and Kit, our niece, rode. Rocky really looked great! He is now 27 and is retired on our farm where he was born.
April 2006
Mark and Cheryl looked around Madison County for a suitable site for a riding center and were unable to find a location that would be appropriate without a large investment of cash and time. They determined that if money was to be invested in developing a riding center it should be located on their farm in Jackson County. This picture was taken before excavation was done. You can see Rocky and Jack and some sheep in the background.
May 2006
This picture was taken after the excavation.
June 2006
In this picture the rails have been installed. We were helped with the installation by the donation of the rental of an auger by Equipment Sales and Rental. The black material is Geo Textile which keeps the earth from rising up through the Class I sand which will be added next.
July 2006
The finished arena at dawn, summer 2006.
Abilities Course 2009
After 30 years of trail riding experience, KFTHC’s instructor and horse trainer developed a design for a multi skill level abilities course that would simulate situations one might find on a trail. The obstacles challenge balance, improve problem solving skills, provide sensory experiences, develop sequencing skills and provide a safe venue to experience the thrill of being transported through these unfamiliar and challenging obstacles by a 1000 lb partner. By being involved in this activity self reliance is encouraged.
In 2009 KFTHC received a grant from the Kentucky Social Welfare Foundation to construct the Abilities Course.
The Abilities Course is a project designed to provide KFTHC's participants and volunteers with an opportunity to develop more complex riding skills outside the arena. KFTHC has desired, from its inception, to focus on the abilities of the participants rather than their disabilities. As KFTHC’s riders’ abilities improve there is a need to provide opportunities to improve problem solving skills, balance, confidence and equestrian skills in a controlled yet more challenging environment than the arena can offer. The families of many of KFTHC ’s participants have a great desire for every member of their family to have opportunities to develop their equestrian skills to their fullest potential. When a participant masters a new skill, or squeals with delight at the success of completing a challenging task the whole family unit benefits.
It is crucial, in the development of trail riding skills, to experience uneven terrain, to pass through water crossings, cross bridges, step over logs, weave around obstacles, and to face other unfamiliar challenges. It is not feasible to develop these skills within an arena.
In 2009 KFTHC received a grant from the Kentucky Social Welfare Foundation to construct the Abilities Course.
The Abilities Course is a project designed to provide KFTHC's participants and volunteers with an opportunity to develop more complex riding skills outside the arena. KFTHC has desired, from its inception, to focus on the abilities of the participants rather than their disabilities. As KFTHC’s riders’ abilities improve there is a need to provide opportunities to improve problem solving skills, balance, confidence and equestrian skills in a controlled yet more challenging environment than the arena can offer. The families of many of KFTHC ’s participants have a great desire for every member of their family to have opportunities to develop their equestrian skills to their fullest potential. When a participant masters a new skill, or squeals with delight at the success of completing a challenging task the whole family unit benefits.
It is crucial, in the development of trail riding skills, to experience uneven terrain, to pass through water crossings, cross bridges, step over logs, weave around obstacles, and to face other unfamiliar challenges. It is not feasible to develop these skills within an arena.
