Horses Inspire Reading “It’s magic when horses inspire children to read and succeed!” By Amanda Ball The Black Stallion Literacy Foundation (BSLF) motivates students to read through the use of live horse interactions. Nearly 10 years ago, they began with 5,000 participating children in Florida and Arizona, and now serve almost 70,000 children yearly in 13 states. Their website, www.bslf-online.org, gives detailed information about the complete line of programs. And, they’re off! ... to a great start in Mississippi. This spring, Governor Haley Barbour officially declared April as “Black Stallion Literacy Month” for the State of Mississippi, as the 2009-2010 school year marks BSLF’s statewide inaugural. The program launches on September 22nd at Kirk Fordice Equine Center at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds in Jackson, with two events designed to reach thousands of local children. In the coming year it will expand to other areas, including northern Mississippi. The first program event, presented by Arabian Nights from Kissimmee, Florida www.arabian-nights.com is “The Black Stallion Literacy Show.” It features an appearance by The Black - the title character in Walter Farley's classic novel The Black Stallion. Students at the 5th grade reading level attend an hour long performance during the school day, and each student receives a hardcover copy of The Black Stallion for their personal library. Participating schools receive a copy of the Francis Ford Coppola movie “The Black Stallion” plus corresponding curriculum material aligned with national teaching standards. The second event is an evening benefit performance also by Arabian Nights. This exciting show is suitable for families and children of all ages and showcases the Peruvian Pasobilities Precision Drill Team. General admission is $10 and tickets will be available through Ticketmaster. All proceeds will go toward growing BSLF’s programs in Mississippi. This program in Mississippi is run “start to finish” by volunteers, who are needed for as little as two hours to as much as a full day, as many days as desired. It is not a perpetual weekly or monthly commitment. Volunteers are needed to: Share the joy of your horses with children Provide your horse facility for schools to visit during programs Participate as a key volunteer coordinating a program in your area Be work station presenters for first grade program (explaining tack, grooming, feeding, etc. at each station) Be horse handlers for “Reading Row” for first grade program (no horse experience required; children will be reading to the horse). Work at fifth grade Arabian Nights performance seating students, book sales, etc. Host hospitality room at events for volunteers County program coordinators Share clerical and organization skills for various communication opportunities Promote program with schools in your area Solicit sponsors Other miscellaneous jobs North Mississippi horse enthusiasts who want to volunteer and help get the program started can call Mississippi Director Karen J. McCord at 601-951-1034 or email her bslf.ms@comcast.net, or local contact Amanda Ball at horsesinspire@gmail.com.