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SONG OF THE HORSE CAMP: A CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE FOR NAVAJO YOUTH AND THEIR FAMILIES

Extension Education

Grey Farrell
tuba city

Abstract

In early 2016, several Dine´ tribal members came together to organize a youth horse camp that focused on horse care and management skills, as well as the cultural importance of horses to the Navajo people. This group planned programing with professional horse trainers, riding instructors, extension horse specialists/agents, Navajo Medicine Men practitioners, veterinarians, and other horse competitors who share knowledge and teach skills to Navajo youth. Unlike typical youth camps in Arizona, Navajo parents, grandparents, siblings, and extended family attend camp and learn along with youth. Topics include origin stories of the Dine´ people and horses, the traditional ways of the Navajo people, and the strong relationships tribal members have with their horses. Workshops include “under the tent” topics such as horse conformation, feeding and nutrition, how to take vital signs, farrier work, tack and saddling, and dental care. A large part of this camp involves youth working with their horses in the arena, learning to ride safely, and understanding different training methods, including equine facilitated learning, an experiential education method to teach confidence and communication with horses. Youth spend at least half of each day in the arena with expert instructors and trainers. Competitions at the end of the third day demonstrate improvements made. In 2025, participants reported learning: “how to sit in my saddle correctly”, “the value of trust, patience, and confidence”, “traditional horse songs and the lessons with it”, and “hoof care and safety.” To evaluate youth, we introduced a banner prompting participants to write or draw what they learned. Participants reported learning: “How to tell a horse’s age by looking at their teeth”, “I love horses”, “How to feel safe around horses”, and “that I could steer a horse and stop...”, and “...about black smith how to make horseshoes.” Quantitative data shows that 57% of respondents found the camp “extremely valuable,” and 29% found the camp, “very valuable.” Planning for the tenth Song of the Horse Camp (June 2026) is underway. This has been an extremely effective method to reach our tribal audiences and to teach youth about their culture and good horsemanship.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted only for display at AM/PIC. Poster is not to be judged, but the abstract will be published in the proceedings.

A poster file has not been provided

Authors: Grey Farrell, Ty Jones, Kelsey Dayle John, Betsy Greene, Juan Arias, Elisabeth Alden, Adonis Alabaman, Kristy Kinlicheenie, Leander Thomas, Alberta Arviso
  1. Farrell, G. FRTEP Agent, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Arizona, 86045
  2. Jones, T. Horse Trainer, Navajo Technical University, New Mexico, 87313
  3. Dayle John, K. Assistant Professor, University of Colorado, Colorado, 80309
  4. Greene, B. Professor/State Extension Horse Specialist, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Arizona, 85721
  5. Arias, J. FRTEP Agent, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Arizona, 85550
  6. Alden, E. FRTEP Agent, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Arizona, 86434
  7. Alabaman, A. FRTEP Agent, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Arizona, 85344
  8. Kinlicheenie, K. Assistant 4-H Agent, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Arizona, 86511
  9. Thomas, L. FRTEP Agent, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Arizona, 86511
  10. Arviso, A. Senior Engagement Officer, College of Veterinary Medicine, Arizona, 85719