With the purchase of any Milgard Hurry! This offer only lasts until May 31st, 2015. Offers cannot be combined. One offer per customer. See store for details. 400credit o n w i n d o w c o v e r i n g s $ receive a

WE HONOR Your commitment to wellness. Your unique health needs. Your busy schedule. Your questions and concerns. Your right to feel empowered about healthcare. Making healthcare easier to navigate. Scottsdale Healthcare and John C. Lincoln Health Network are now HonorHealth. HonorHealth.com We are making healthy personal. Page 45 July 2015 By Mallory Gleich Recalling the history of the Horse Hands program at the Phoenix Zoo, Becky Manning had to laugh. Before the horses, there were mules. Back in 2000, Harmony Farm (the children’s portion of the zoo) offered mule rides for kids. Manning, who started the Horse Hands program, noticed that because most kids are in school during the week, the program wasn’t making much money. Also, insurance issues prohibited kids 5 and under from riding the mules. At the time, the program had around 10 mules. Manning and the group that works with her decided that instead, they would start a caregiving program in which students would learn how to care for the animals and be rewarded with a ride after their completion. This happened to raise another issue. “Mules are way smarter. They look at the instructor in the center like, ‘I’m not doing this,’” laughed Manning. The program decided to switch it up and add a couple of horses. At first, the program was only offered to members of the zoo. Once the program gained popularity, the program was offered to anyone. The program is horsemanship based, which means students learn the basics of taking care of horses. This includes tasks such as learning how to clean stalls, learning about horse breeds and behaviors, medical needs and things of that nature. There are four levels. The first level introduces basic caregiving skills, such as learning how to groom horses and the process of preparing to ride a horse. The second level furthers grooming skills, with students learning how to care for horses’ hooves and how to bathe a horse. The third level includes a trail ride and learning the different colors of horses. At the last level, students learn about health issues and riding skills, including how to ride at a faster pace. During the series, each student is assigned a horse to care for throughout the program. These programs last a total of four weeks, and each student receives a certificate upon completion. The mission of the Horse Hands program is to connect participants with the natural world. “We provide experiences for them to care for nature. By providing hands-on experience to them, we instill a loving attitude towards any kind of animal,” said Manning. Manning said that if participants can form a bond with horses, they will be able to care for any other kind of animal, which is part of Horse Hands’ mission. As of now, there are five instructors who work with the Horse Hands program. Janene Lusson, who has worked there for five years, shared why she loves her job. “My favorite part about being a Horse Hands instructor is watching the students truly connect with the horses for the first time – that ‘aha moment’ when the child realizes that they are taking care of a real, live horse! There’s nothing to compare with the joy that shows on their face,” said Lusson. There are three different programs available, with ages ranging from 3-year-olds all the way to adults. For more information about the program, visit phoenixzoo.org or call 602-914-4333. Phoenix Zoo offers well-rounded education with Horse Hands Students in the Horse Hands program learn animal care long before riding. PHOTO BY AMANDA GOOSSEN