Cleveland County Hearts and Hooves

08/18/2026

Thank you to all who donated already! Just a few more items we could use for our participants if you’d like to donate. 😉

08/17/2026

08/13/2026

Find out what they’re into and gives them joy!

08/13/2026

We are excited to being back in the arena soon to start a new school year with the exceptional student’s at North Shelby School

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

08/13/2026

We teach all kinds of different learning in the arena!

TEACHING TIP FOR INSTRUCTORS:
Tacking up is a fantastic time to weave in learning beyond horsemanship skills!

Adjusting the girth is a perfect chance to practice CARDINAL numbers (one, two, three...) and ORDINAL numbers (first, second, third...).

Here are a few ideas of how you could add in extra cardinal and ordinal practice in your lessons:

1️⃣ Using both types when explaining and praising:
• "Put the girth at hole number three.” (Cardinal)
• "Well done getting it set at the third hole.” (Ordinal)

2️⃣ Break it down for students:
• Hole number 1 = first hole
• Hole number 2 = second hole
• Hole number 3 = third hole

3️⃣ “I say / you say” idea:
• Take turns naming the holes in different ways as you both point to the hole on the billets or latigo!
• Let the student choose which way to say it first, then trade roles.
Instructor: “Hole number two.” (Cardinal)
Student: “Second hole.” (Ordinal)

4️⃣ Count out loud as your student slides the buckle over each hole:
• "One, two, three!" (Cardinal)
• "First, second, third!" (Ordinal)

5️⃣ Emphasize the ordinal numbers during the sequence of tasks:
• "First, we put the pad on. Second, we place the saddle. Third, we attach the girth."

Why make it a point to incorporate both ordinal and cardinal numbers?

🐴 We often assume students (of all ages) automatically know "first, second, third” because they know "one, two three"...but they may not!
🐴 It gives you a chance to check comprehension of both ordinal and cardinal numbers instead of assuming.
🐴 Misunderstandings about ordinal vs. cardinal numbers can be the root of confusion or what looks like “not listening” in lessons...because the student truly didn’t know what you meant, especially when using ordinal numbers.
🐴 Reinforces number recognition and sequence.
🐴 Supports students who learn best through repetition.
🐴 Builds communication skills and memory for steps.

Bonus idea: Roll over the ordinal and cardinal work into the mounted time and be intentional about providing opportunities for you and the student to use both types and check understanding.

08/13/2026

❤️

08/12/2026

Thank you to those who donated already! We greatly appreciate the items purchased and incorporating them in our lesson plans for this school year. ❤️ 🐎

08/10/2026

Let’s take a quick break from our meet the teacher series and meet our OUTSTANDING assistant principal…

We are so happy to have Mrs. Amanda at NSS!

We love you, you rock!!! ❤️

08/09/2026

Thank you all for coming out to our 2026 Volunteer Orientation & Equine Safety Training! 🐴💚

We are so excited to have you join the Hearts & Hooves team! We truly appreciate your willingness to give your time, energy, and heart to our program.

We are especially excited for the new school year at North Shelby School and all the wonderful opportunities ahead. We can’t wait to see what we accomplish together and, most importantly, the positive impact we’ll make with our participants and horses.

Thank you for being part of the Hearts & Hooves family! We’re so happy to have you on our team! 🐴❤️