Agape Farms salutes scouts and the wonderful leaders that have a hand in developing our adults of tomorrow.
We concur that Scouting is a doorway into whole new worlds.
Adventures your scouts might otherwise never take. Skills they might never learn. Friends they might never meet. Wide eyes, big smiles, open arms, self-assurance…Be a Scout!
There is discovery in every badge, and for every scout. Something they didn't know about the world, or about themselves. Developing values that will always be so important: leadership, service, character, inclusiveness.
Learned skills they will take out into the world
Scout Badges with Horses
Agape Farms is the #1 barn for the Scout horse lover. Talented professional horsemen teach the individual badge requirements. Presentations and age appropriate classes instruct the proper care of an equine including nutrition, hoof care, dental, training and stable maintenance and design.
- Hands on grooming session with discussion of the common parts of the horse and safety principles.
- Tack and equipment session where the scouts are shown how to tack a horse, the parts of the different equipment and purposes. Western and English tack is covered.
- History and examples of clothing and gear; explanations of rules and riding etiquette of the different sports and events with horses.
- A riding lesson, instructing the natural aids, at a walk, trot, and canter(lope).
Certificate presented to each scout stating the particular badge requirement achieved.
Check out our many other badge workshops
Beginning Riding Classes as a Troop Girl/Boy Scout
When your scout is ready to achieve a more advanced riding badge - the “Horseback Rider” or prepare for the “Horsemanship”; a beginner rider will need to develop their basic riding skills or a rider may need to refresh.
We offer “troop-group” lessons
Troop group lessons or private lessons for a scout will apply barn safety, understanding horse behavior, and practice, practice, practice riding skills. Riding is an acquired skill and time is needed to develop balance, reining, walking, trotting and cantering/loping. These extended lessons emphasize a rider’s form and function with the horse.
Whether it’s badge work or a troop group activity
Agape Farms is a great place to have fun!
Scouts should be at the barn at their scheduled time. Any delays will result in a shorter lesson for your troop.
- Riders must wear long pants (jeans, breeches, or sweats are permitable).
- Excessive baggy jeans, hip huggers, dangling jewelry, and midriffs are not practical. Dress simple and athletic!!
- Boots or shoes must be sturdy with 1” straight
heels. Please note that tennis shoes are not as safe but may be worn for
this beginning riding. (We have a few pairs of boots to borrow.)
- CAUTION: Hiking boots and alike may have too WIDE of a sole or wedges and may not fit safely in the stirrup
- Helmets will be furnished and must be worn in all riding sessions. You may bring your own “ SEI” approved helmet.
- Permission slips must accompany all riders BEFORE they ride. Scouts forgetting their slips will not be allowed to ride.
All “Tag-A-Longs” must be with an adult supervisor from the troop at all times.
Groups waiting their turn will wait outside the barn and riding areas with a troop adult supervisor. Worksheets could be worked on at this time.
HORSE INSTRUCTION
Level: Juniors
Cost:
Min/Max: 10/50
Why did a Junior cross the road? To get to Agape Farms! Juniors, come spend
some time at Agape Farms to earn your Horse Rider Badge* or Horse Fan Badge. Agape Farms focuses on giving the best individual instruction and is committed to serving the concerned horseman with safe and successful techniques. This eventful day will also include integrated activities to help strengthen the friendships within your troop. Agape Farms offers a picnic area to enjoy lunch and refreshments. So pack a sack lunch, stock up the cooler and come on down to the farm!
*some pre-requisites required
GROOM A HORSE FOR SUCCESS
Level: All
Cost: $8/girl
Whether you show or not, own a horse or not, Agape Farms invites fellow Girl Scouts to learn about the show grooming steps of a horse from grime to gleam. Cleaning a horse for pleasure or show, this is a great first step. Riding horses combined with taking care of them is a sign of a good horseman. Come join us for what it takes outside the gate to win inside the arena.
FARM VISIT
Level: Daises and Brownies
Cost: $8.00
Min/Max: 10/150
Daisies, Brownies and Scouts come to Agape Farms' Farmersville to meet your favorite barn animal! Have an exciting and energetic time enjoying these activities: petting areas, informative animal stage, animal visits, and playtime. Each visitor finds their favorite activity and can stay and rotate at their leisure investigating the farm faire.
