For my senior project, I am preparing for a test about horses called HA. I know it might be a little confusing, but basically, I am part of an organization called United States Pony Club, and I am taking a certification test through their organization. This test is the last of many, and it would open up lots of opportunities and jobs for me if I had this qualification. Studying for this test means lots of things; I have to practice practical skills like bandaging horses, teaching riding lessons, and learning about horse anatomy and nutrition. I have to be able to apply veterinary knowledge and present an architectural design for a barn. In short, completing this test will help me be a more well-rounded and knowledgeable horseback rider. Here is a link that explains more about exactly what is required of me. I chose this project because I have wanted to achieve this certification for many years, and senior projects seemed like a perfect opportunity to devote more time to it. To prepare, I have spent more time at the barn, practicing practical skills, and working at home on studying. I also have a teaching job lined up, but unfortunately, it doesn’t start until July. I am working largely by myself on this project, but I have peers and mentors who are there to help me as well. Three goals that I have in mind for my project are:
- Complete all of the physical elements of the test (lesson plan, barn plan, conditioning schedule)
- Get together all of the needed equipment for bandaging, and practice the different bandages
- Master the Health Care and Veterinary knowledge section
Mikayla, what a smart idea to use this time to get a certification. I'd love to know what kinds of opportunities the HA test's certification will open up for you. Which parts are you finding most challenging or most interesting? I'm also curious about what Bren is wearing. Can you tell us more about that? Wendy
ReplyDeleteWhoa, horse ear hats are a thing? I'm blown away. Does your test involve practical hands-on components in which you have to demonstrate what you've learned or is it a written test? I also have the same question as Wendy about why one would engage in this process - what's your overall motivation for doing this or your goal once you finish?
ReplyDeleteMikayla, I'm so glad you're getting to work on this capstone. The drawing is lovely!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteHi Wendy and Veronica!
ReplyDeleteBren is wearing an ear bonnet, which is just made of thin fabric. It is meant to keep flies out of their ears so they can focus better. So far I have been really interested in the conditioning and exercise physiology pieces of the test, but I have been finding veterinary care and diseases to be difficult. I mostly just want to complete this test because it is the very last level of many, and so it would bring me a big sense of accomplishment. There are no specific jobs that would open up to me from this certification, but it is a good credential to have under my belt (similarly to a degree you would get from school). And lastly, the test has oral and practical components, as well as sections where you have to demonstrate skills like bandaging, teaching, and longing. Here is a link to the test sheet if you want to read more: https://www.ponyclub.org/ContentDocs/Instruction/Standards/2019%20HB-HA%20SOPs.pdf