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What is this project about?
The Regional Equine and Agricultural Centre of Huron Inc. (REACH Huron) is a premier equine training facility and educational facility at the heart of Huron County. Offering educational opportunities for all ages, pristine training facilities, and advanced meeting spaces.
With strong educational partnerships, REACH Huron has recently concluded a successful Equine Management Skills Development Day for youth taking part in the Agricultural Specialized High Skills Major (SHSM) program. After receiving positive feedback on the day, and a request from our secondary school teachers to offer more learning opportunities, we intend to host 4 training days per year, with a diverse range of animals, developing skills for 120 youth per year.
Program Overview:
Unique one-day, hands-on learning experiences for high school students that connect curriculum outcomes with real-world agricultural practices. This immersive day focuses on large animal training and care — featuring horses, cows, sheep, and pigs — while integrating key educational themes.
With multiple days throughout the year, focusing on one animal per day, students will rotate through a series of interactive stations at REACH Huron. Modules include:
1. Large Animal Handling and Training
2. Culinary Connection: Farm to Fork
3. Financial Math in Agriculture
4. Agriculture and Mental Health
Why is this project important to the community?
Through the hands-on training days provided at REACH Huron, students are better prepared for careers in agriculture, veterinary services, livestock management, and related sectors—industries that are actively seeking skilled workers. The practical exposure also helps students explore entrepreneurial paths and make informed choices about post-secondary education or apprenticeships. Students learn critical financial literacy skills by managing aspects of animal care such as budgeting for feed, housing, and veterinary needs. Furthermore, youth will gain skills while learning about ag focused mental health resources as the CMHA has highlighted that farmers are experiencing higher rates of stress, depression, and anxiety compared to the general population, leading to a mental health crisis within the sector (2022).
Target Completion Date
December 17, 2027
Location
169 Beech Street, PO Box 248
Clinton
N0M1L0