Reading to horses is one way to encourage students to become better readers, according to officials with the Horsetail Literacy Program.
Anthony and Vivian Ashcraft of Grapevine provided horses for the program held at James Matthews Elementary School Friday.
The elementary school allowed horses to come onto the campus for the children to read to them.
A nationwide project based in Kissimmee, Fla., the Horsetail Literacy Program encourages children to read by allowing them to interact with horses and to read stories to them, event coordinator Vivian Ashcraft said.
The students of James Matthews were given two books, Little Black Goes to the Circus and Little Black Pony, both written by Walter Farley to read to the horses.
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As the children received their books they made their way to the horse of their choice and began to read to them.
According to Ashcraft, both the children and the horses benefit from the experience because it’s a relaxing environment and there is no stress for the children.
The horses are brought to the school and the students have a chance to actually get close with the animals and bond. A few children were a little frightened of the animals upon first seeing them, but as they got their books and began to read they saw the horses were patient and very calm, Ashcraft said.
“The horses don’t judge,” Ashcraft said. “It is a very relaxing time for the horses as well as for the kids.”
Ashcraft recalled a time when her horse, Ernie, was an encouragement to a little girl who had difficulty reading because she stuttered. The horse lightly nuzzled her and she was able to continue.
The children not only learn to read, but also learn a little about horses during the program.