2008 will forever been known as the “Year of the Sensory Trail” at Happy Trails Riding Academy. Kiwanis Division 18 approached Happy Trails about a hands on project for their membership. A partnership was formed to take on this 2 acre project.
The Sensory Trail as a lesson is focused to be a trail obstacle course in a natural setting. This allows riders to experience heightened physical challenges while guiding their horses, educating riders on their environment and exercise their social skills with the team of horses, staff and volunteers in a unique setting.
The Sensory Trail focus is on our five senses: vision, hearing, taste, touch and smell. It is visually stimulating by using different shapes, bright colors and interesting objects. The auditory system will be stimulated by the different textures for the horses to walk over. Some of these include a wooden bridge, pea gravel, sand and fall leaves. Song birds, crickets and the like are all welcome. Taste buds will be stimulated from the variety of fruit tress planted. Riders have the opportunity to pick fruit will on the back of a horse. Sense of touch is demonstrated by the vast number of flowers and plants. And finally smell from the variety of foliage.
As Happy Trails Riding Academy continues to be the only Premier Accredited Center from Bakersfield to Modesto, the Sensory Trail adds another element that is unmatched in our community.