(Re)discovery of horses Erasmus Project

Project Title

(Re)discovery of horses

Project Key Action

This project related with these key action: Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices

Project Action Type

This project related with this action type : Strategic Partnerships for Schools Only

Project Call Year

This project’s Call Year is 2015

Project Topics

This project is related with these Project Topics: Intercultural/intergenerational education and (lifelong)learning; Quality Improvement Institutions and/or methods (incl. school development); Creativity and culture

Project Summary

The basic aim of the project was the development of learning material mainly in English (local languages in addition, if desired) for different age groups and subjects (history, ethics, creativity, sciences, economy, foreign languages, geography, health,…) around the topic horses and to put this on an online-platform.
Another aim is intercultural learning and networking among teachers and students.

The main objectives were:
internationalization of education (324 students and 33 teachers had the opportunity to move and experience different approaches in teaching subjects in foreign schools)
multilingualism (students used English as the communication language)
improvement of skills and qualifications (the peculiarity of our project allowed vocational schools to exchange their knowledge about “horses and men” but also to improve and acquire new skills on this subject
use of digital learning (most of our work was carried out using digital tools in order to communicate and exchange ideas and materials
development of tools and competences that promote a life-long and flexible learning attitude, with the final aim to help moving freely in Europe and be well equipped for job purposes

Each partner contributed different aspects. The material was worked out by students together with teachers in the respective countries but also during meetings (workshops):

1st Kick-off meeting in Bulgaria (Oct 2015) with the attendance of teachers from each organization. The aim of the meeting was to introduce the partners to each other, giving information about their cultures and the detailed planning of meetings/processes. The Bulgarian partner has a rich European project experience (more than 15 implemented projects so far) and explained how evaluation would be carried out.
Apart from that, the veterinarian doctors (teachers of VET subjects) prepared a presentation about basic equine anatomy and physiology, behavior and main breeds. Horse-riding center “Albena” and a stud farm with local breeds were visited.

1st short-term exchange of groups of pupils in Portugal (Feb 2016) – The Portuguese School of Equestrian Art and the National Coach Museum were visited; a bullfight training and “campinos” (portuguese cowboys) working gave insight into local traditions; visit at 267 years old Alter Stud Farm; teachers and students (T+S) took part in workshops with the topic ‘history, religion and ethics-knowledge’ about horses ‘evolutionary history’

2nd short-term exchange in Austria (April 2016) was held with a workshop based on equine science and biology topics: visit of the “Spanische Hofreitschule” in Vienna and participation in the official opening of the federal exhibition of Upper Austria called “Mensch und Pferd”

3rd short-term exchange in Germany (October 2016) – summarized the unique relationship brtween horse and man. In practical training units and demonstrations with the horse the contents and results were introduced to the international guests (communication with the horse and social pedagogical use of the horse with disadvantaged juveniles and children). Methodical steps were executed together in order to be put into practice back home.

2nd transnational meeting in Italy (Feb 2017) was for 2 teachers from all schools. Focus was on the mid-term report, the further planning, evaluation and on the problems encountered

4th short-term exchange in Spain (April 2017) – T+S got information on health, welfare and veterinary matters for horses competing in sporting events; meeting with veterinary health professionals; health of riders – warm-up, riders’ massage, specific protection for outdoor activities; exhibitions and workshops to share and transmit the technical information about the issues; videos were and shared.

5th short-term exchange in France (Nov 2017)
discussion of the geographical factors which enable the breeding of horses in a certain area, as well as the economic value of horses (economic impact of horse industry in each country), environmental and health benefits from having horses in our communities.

6th short-term exchange in Denmark (May 2018) – topic of horse arts, creativity and handicraft. A wide variety of equestrian craft ideas were presented as decorating ideas, sculpting and modelling; crafts for students inspired them to be creative and explore their artistic side, and teach them what imagination is all about; visit of Helgstrand dressage center

3rd transnational meeting in Denmark (June 2018)
During this final meeting a collective video was prepared and final evaluation was carried out.

EU Grant (Eur)

Funding of the project from EU: 355724 Eur

Project Coordinator

Handelsakademie Lambach des Schulvereines am Benediktinerstift Lambach & Country: AT

Project Partners

• Escola Profissional de Desenvolvimento Rural de Alter do Chão
• ranum efterskole
• Gazi Uni.Vakfi Ozel Anadolu Lisesi
• LEAP ST CYRAN DU JAMBOT
• Istituto d’Istruzione Superiore M. Amari Giarre
• Max-Eyth-Schule BBS Schiffdorf
• INSTITUT CAL·LÍPOLIS