From the Alberta Equestrian Federation
May 15, 2009

The AEF is very excited to announce that we are now offering a brand new Western learn to ride program! This program is designed for children 5 years old and up and their parents and/or coaches. It is a program devoted solely to the initiation of equitation and to the horse world so that young children can discover the pleasures of western equitation and understand how to care for the horse. This program fills a need with young western riders that are very interested in this subject.

The P'Tit Trot program was designed and published by the Federation Equestre du Quebec (Mary Claude Lamothe, Patricia Leclerc and Serge St-Louis). Several Provinces, including the AEF, provided input for the English version. The AEF is very excited to be able to deliver this program to our members.

Lavishly illustrated, the workbook thrusts the child into the environment of the horse, with the principal characters, Carly, Alley and Will and the horses, Sugar, Dreamer and Lucky and the trainer Jennifer. The mascot, P'tit Trot puts in value, always on a humorous grade, the points more important to keep.

In addition, if the child wishes it, this work integrates itself in an apprenticeship program completely managed by a trainer or a supervisor. The objectives can be adapted according to the circumstances, the positions and the capacity of apprenticeship of every individual.

P'tit Trot does not address itself only to the young ones desiring to climb onto a horse but to all those that like horses! Better yet, parents can deliver this program to their children, or, search for a Western coach that has purchased the program and is willing to assist the child through the program.

This initiative can be categorized in the FUNdementals stage of the Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) program as it meets the general objectives and goals laid out in the plan.

We believe that this new program will contribute to the development of equestrian activity in different ways and will prove to be of great use for the different stakeholders:
• For the AEF;
• The program is a means to increase the number of young participants in equestrian sports and to encourage them to continue in this activity
• It contributes to reinforcing the role and importance of AEF among certified instructors and coaches
• For the instructor/coach/parent;
• It supports them in the marketing of their services towards a young clientele by providing them with a recognized program and quality material
• It provides them with the kind of tools needed to approach schools and municipalities and other groups
• And most importantly, the participant;
• It offers a fun way to discover the wonderful world of horses
• It contributes to acquiring various motor and technical skills and encourages them to be physically active
• It helps children acquire confidence and self esteem as they progress through the system

The AEF would like to thank the FEQ for their hard work and dedication put into this wonderful program and we are very proud to be able to offer it to our members!

The program can be purchased through the AEF via our website at www.albertaequestrian.com or by contacting our office.

Kits can be purchased as an individual participant kit which includes:
• One (1) manuals
• One (1) certificate
• One (1) pattern pads (this is a 50 page pad that the kids use to design their own Horsemanship patterns)
• One (1) P'tit Trot button

Or for the parents/instructor/coach, kits can be purchased in a bundle which includes:
• Four (4) manuals
• Four (4) certificates
• Four (4) Sticker sheets
• Four (4) pattern pads (this is a 50 page pad that the kids use to design their own Horsemanship patterns)
• One (1) coach's guide
• One (1) poster
• Four (4) P'tit Trot buttons

Please feel free to contact the AEF if you would like more information!

www.albertaquestrian.com