Year 8 Outdoor Education: Horse Riding Day

Dear Parents / Guardians,

The final Outdoor Education activity for Year 8 students is a Horse Riding and Activity experience held at Cape Schanck.

Organisation / Outline of the day:

Day #1 - Monday 16th October - 8 Lombardand 8 Mannix

Day #2 - Tuesday 17th October -8 Ryanand 8 Simonds

Day #3 - Friday 20th October-8 Coghlanand8 Foynes

Day #4 – Monday 23rd October -8 Gavin and 8 James

Day #5- Friday 27th October - 8Cagneyand nominated students from other classes

The students will participate in both activities on the day in their homeroom groups. One class will start with Horse Riding, whilst the other class participate in the Adventure Activities. After a lunch break the classes will swap over and complete the other activity.

Activity Site

Ace Hi Ranch: Boneo Rd, Cape Schanck

Supervision

Horse Riding

2 Mazenodstaff + 4 Horse riding staff from Ace Hi Ranch

Adventure Activities

2 Mazenod staff + 2 staff from Ace Hi Ranch

Activity Structure

Horse Awareness Program – 1 hour tuition

Students will be given a one hour horse handling lesson going through the basics of horse awareness and safe riding skills. These lessons take place in corralled areas in small groups with two instructors per group. The students will be given instructions regarding safe mounting and dismounting, sitting position and basic control of the horse.

Horse Riding – 1 hour scenic trail ride

Once the initial instructions is completed, students will be allocated a horse according to their size and riding experience. ALL riders will be wearing a proper horse-riding helmet. The horses are experienced trail horses and are chosen for their nature and ability to tolerate novice riders. The students will then participate in a ride within the borders of the Ace-Hi property.

Adventure Activities

Each class will rotate through the following Adventure Activities situated at the Ace Hi Ranch: Giant Swing;Climbing Wall & Initiative Activities. The qualified staff from Ace Hi will supervise the Giant Swingand the Climbing Wall.

Clothing & Equipment:

Suggested items to bring for both activities:

  • Warm Comfortable Clothing
  • Jeans or tracksuit pants (ESSENTIAL FOR THE HORSERIDING ACTIVITY)
  • Shorts for Adventure activities (NOT FOR HORSE RIDING)
  • Jumper
  • WATERPROOF Jacket (eg Japara)
  • Comfortable boots / shoes / runners, gloves (if cold)
  • Hat / Cap (compulsory for Adventure Activities)
  • Day Pack
  • Lunch and healthy snack for energy
  • Water Bottles (at least 1 litre of water should be taken)
  • Sunscreen
  • Fly spray
  • Camera (optional)
  • Students are not to wear sleeveless shirts or singlets.

Mobile Phones

Mobile phones have become a normal part of a student’s life. They may be brought to the day but students must undertake responsibility for their safety and they must not be used as music players or video recorders. Usage should be limited to contacting parents should buses be delayed.

Departure & Arrival Times:

Students must be at the College by 7.45 am as we are leaving at 8.00am. We need to arrive at Cape Schanck by 9.15am

We will aim to leave Ace Hi Ranch at approximately 3:00 pm and be back at the College by 4.15pm approximately.

Transport:

Students will travel by Australiner Coach

Food & Drink:

All food and drink for the day is to be provided by the student. Students should try to bring healthy items that will help keep up their energy levels throughout a busy day. Rolls, sandwiches, fruit, dried fruit, biscuits etc. are ideal. We request that students do not bring nuts to the activity. Water is the best drink to bring – at least 2 bottles. Soft drinks are high in sugar and low in water content and tend to be dehydrating.

Medical Information

The College requires you to update all medical information that you provided on the Parent portal earlier this year should there be any changes. This will be used in case of injury or illness.

Absence:

If a student is unable to attend on their day, parents must contact the front office (9560 0911) before 8.00am.

Questions:

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this activity please contact either Mr. Riley on (8561-1136) or myself (8561 1110) during normal school hours.

Please also find attached a Registration form from the ACE-HI ranch. These will need to be completed and returned to your son’s Homeroom teacher prior to the activity.

Kind Regards,

Dee McDonaldMichael Pearson

Outdoor Education Coordinators

8561-1110