Horsense is a dynamic equestrian youth riding camp designed for elementary school age children. This outreach program is operated by Health World, a non-profit 501C-3, locally based organization that champions children's safety and health through prevention and sponsored by the Scottsdale Charro's and MacDonald's Ranch.

Horsense is a series of five camps, each five weeks in length. The camp is structured in two sections; Basic Equine Instruction and Life Skills classes. The equine program was developed by 22-time World Equestrian Champion, Al Dunning and Barbara Hanes, Head Equine Instructor. Campers will learn basic riding, safety and care of horses. The Life Skills classes include basic first aid, desert survival skills, team building and making better choices with classes on drug, tobacco and alcohol prevention.

      

Volunteers are essential to the success of the Horsense program. Because of the importance of continuity with campers and training efficiency, we ask volunteers, who are part of the Ride Crew or Mentors/Buddies, to commit to a full five week camp cycle. The following are descriptions of volunteer positions:

1. Mentors/Buddies - Provided by the high school students from the Scottsdale Unified School District Service Learning program, Notre Dame Preparatory, Pinnacle High School and Xavier College Preparatory.

2. Camp Cook - Assists with cooking breakfast and snack preparation for the campers. Assist with break down of camp and clean up.

3. Ride Crew - Experienced adult riders who will be trained on our program by our lead instructor and will serve as a ride crew instructor during the camp.

4. Entertainment - Guitarists or singers to participate during special camp days leading campers in campfire songs, etc. Or an equestrian with a riding talent, who can perform a demonstration, i.e., running barrels, roping, etc.

5. Camp Crew - Assist with camp set up and break-down, camp activities, construction projects and/or camp maintenance.

6. Camp Photographer

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Horsense Week-by-Week

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ORIENTATION All Volunteers are required to attend an orientation to review program safety procedures. In addition, Ride Crew volunteers are required to be trained and certified by the Lead Instructor. SAFETY Safety is our number one concern. Volunteers are given instruction on safety around horses and are supervised by a member of our Ride Crew. Please read and review the Training Manual and the Equine Safety Manual provided at orientation. Volunteers should be aware that, under Arizona law, pursuant to A.R.S 12-533, an equine activity sponsor or professional staff shall not be liable for any injury to, or the death of a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risk of equine activities. If you have any questions regarding this law or the required Riders Assumption of Risk from that must be signed and on file for your child, please contact the Horsense Program Coordinator. AMENITIES The Horsense campsite has indoor bathroom facilities and shade areas to gather under. We provide drinking water at all times and a healthy snack is also provided. CLOTHING Horsense provides all volunteers with a t-shirt and cap to wear to camp. Please wear your shirt and cap to every camp. For safety reasons, all volunteers should wear long pants and closed toe shoes. WHERE Horsense is held at MacDonald's Ranch in north Scottsdale.     MacDonald's Ranch     26540 North Scottsdale Road     Scottsdale, Arizona 85255     (480) 585-0239     See Map DIRECTIONS Take the 101 North to the Scottsdale Road exit Exit at Scottsdale Road and turn right (north) Take Scottsdale Road north to Jomax Turn left on Jomax (west) Turn left into MacDonald's Ranch Follow the signs to Horsense parking.