Sam the Reporter

Hi, my name is Sam Covert. I am a 5th Grader at Horseshoe Trails Elementary School in Cave Creek. I'm so excited about our new program, TRRFCC Horsemanship. T.R.R.F.C.C. stands for Six Pillars of Character - Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Caring, and Citizenship.

We built an arena last weekend at our school. We're going to have a class once a week for all third, fourth, and fifth graders. We will learn the Pillars of Character while learning how to ride horses. It really is going to be terrific!

We have been raising money for a year to pay for the arena construction. There was a big BBQ dinner at Harolds restaurant in Cave Creek. Some of the students helped serve drinks and clear tables. I worked with playing free games for the little kids. It was a great way for the community to help us raise money. We are going to do it again this year!

I have been riding horses since I was five. Horses have taught me a lot about leadership. They act the same way we act. When I am around a horse, I have learned I need to be my best. I still learn something new every time I ride. My favorite thing to do is to go really fast!

Here is what my principal, Mrs. Janeine Marlow, has to say about the new arena. "As Sam's principal I am excited for students to have the opportunity to work with horses to learn more about themselves. I grew up around horses and know that they made me a more patient learner. Horses have a way of making their handlers better communicators. It is up to the student to communicate what they want the student to know and do. The messages must be clear, consistent and gentle. It is no different in the classroom for young learners. There will be a lot of similarities between the classroom of students and the arena full of horses. I cannot wait to start this innovative program at Horseshoe Trails Elementary School."

I am so excited to have horses at my school. It's really cool to have something special at Horseshoe Trails. I'm looking forward to reporting more about TRRFCC Horsemanship to you this year.