Who We Are

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Who We Are

HORSENSE, operated by the nonprofit Health World Education and supported by more than 40 dedicated volunteers, is a life-changing after-school program that helps children grow in confidence, character, and compassion. These volunteers make camp not only possible, but meaningful and memorable for every child who attends.

Held every Saturday for five weeks at MacDonald’s Ranch in Scottsdale, Arizona, each three-hour session blends equestrian education with real-world life skills.

Equine Program
Led by Barbara Hanes, a seasoned trainer and former educator from Scottsdale Community College’s Equine Science Department, students receive hands-on instruction in horse safety, care, and basic riding. With over 35 years of experience, Barbara ensures every child feels safe, supported, and empowered around horses.

Life Skills Program Directed by Sarah Lauchner, Health World’s Director of Education and accomplished equine rider, this component helps students develop strong decision-making skills. Topics include drug, alcohol, and tobacco prevention, as well as first aid, desert survival, and team building.

Throughout the program, special guests, including the Phoenix Herpetological Society, Liberty Wildlife, Nella the indigenous Chef, Scottsdale Fire Department, and Scottsdale Mounted Police, visit camp to provide interactive lessons that deepen students’ connection to their environment and community.

Want to make a difference?
Join us as a volunteer or donor and help Horsense empower Arizona’s youth—one ride, one lesson, one life at a time.

What We Do

Horsense is a hands-on equestrian youth camp for children ages 9–10 who would not otherwise have the opportunity to experience horseback riding. This outreach initiative is part of Health World Education, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting children's health and safety through prevention education.

Proudly sponsored by the Scottsdale Charros and MacDonald’s Ranch, Horsense brings together expert instruction, character development, and unforgettable experiences.

Each year, we host a series of five camps, each running five weeks in length. The program is divided into two powerful components, Equine Instruction and Life Skills Education.

Equine Instruction:
Developed by World Equestrian Champion Al Dunning and led by Barbara Hanes, our head equine instructor, campers learn horseback riding basics, horse care, and safety practices.

Life Skills Education:
Through engaging, age-appropriate lessons, students build confidence, teamwork, communication, and resilience—skills that extend well beyond the barn.

Horsense is more than a camp. It’s an opportunity to grow, connect, and discover inner strength—through the powerful bond between kids and horses.

The Life Skills classes focus on helping children make healthier, smarter decisions. Campers participate in engaging lessons on basic first aid, desert survival, team building, and drug, prevention. These interactive sessions are designed to promote critical thinking, resilience, and personal responsibility.

High school students from local schools serve as mentors and buddies, creating meaningful peer connections. Additional support comes from a passionate team of volunteers, including our Camp Crew, Ride Crew, and Life Skills Educators.

Together, this diverse and dedicated team creates a positive, supportive environment where children learn about respect, responsibility, leadership, decision-making, character, and self-esteem—all while having fun and bonding with horses.

About the Camp

Horsense operates year-round through a series of five-week camps designed to provide children with a unique blend of equine education and essential life skills. The program is divided into two core components:

Equine Instruction: Developed by World Equestrian Champion Al Dunning, and led by head instructor Barbara Hanes, the riding curriculum teaches campers the fundamentals of horseback riding, horse care, and safety.
Life Skills Education: Campers engage in hands-on lessons covering basic first aid, desert survival, teamwork, and prevention strategies for drug, tobacco, and alcohol use—equipping them to make safer, healthier choices.

ACTIVITIES

Each camper receives a personal journal to reflect on their daily experiences and lessons learned. They’re encouraged to write, draw, and include photos from camp, which are available on our Camp Photo Board—a fun way to capture memories and take them home.

In addition to riding and life skills lessons, campers will:

Create a camp-themed art project
Learn to rope like a real wrangler
Enjoy classic games like horseshoes

These hands-on activities help build confidence, creativity, and a sense of connection to the camp experience.

SAFETY

At Horsense, safety is our top priority. Every camper is provided with a helmet and protective vest during equine instruction. Campers receive hands-on guidance on how to safely interact with horses and are closely supervised at all times by members of our Ride Crew.

Please note:
In accordance with Arizona law (A.R.S. §12-533), equine activity sponsors and professionals are not liable for injuries or death resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities.

A signed Rider’s Assumption of Risk form is required for all participants. If you have questions about this form or the law, please contact the Horsense Program Coordinator for more information.

AMENITIES

The Horsense campsite is equipped with indoor restroom facilities and shaded gathering areas to ensure campers stay comfortable throughout the day.

We provide cold drinking water at all times, and each camper receives a nutritious snack during camp hours to help them stay energized and focused.

Our goal is to create a safe, welcoming environment where children can learn, play, and thrive.

CLOTHING

Each camper receives a Horsense t-shirt and cap, which should be worn to camp each day.

For safety and comfort, please ensure your child also wears:

Long pants (no shorts)
Closed-toe shoes (preferably boots or sturdy sneakers)
Sunscreen applied before arrival

These guidelines help protect your child during equine activities and outdoor lessons. Thank you for helping us keep your camper safe and prepared!

GRADUATION

Graduation is a special celebration where campers showcase their horsemanship skills in a fun and friendly horse show. Following the demonstration, we hold a graduation ceremony to recognize each child's hard work, growth, and accomplishments.

After the ceremony, all guests are invited to enjoy lunch and refreshments with the campers and staff.

We warmly encourage parents, grandparents, and siblings to attend—come celebrate your child's journey and achievements with us!

Transportation

Transportation to and from camp is arranged by your elementary school, youth organization, or—when necessary—by parents or guardians.

Please contact your school office for specific departure times and locations.
Camp dismissal is at 12:00 noon, and buses will depart promptly.
Check with your bus driver or school staff to confirm the return time at your school.

If your child will be picked up by a parent or guardian, please inform the Horsense Program Coordinator in advance.

Comments

Comments From Parents

Comments

Comments From Parents

Comments from Parents

"This was such a wonderful experience all around!! It really brought my girls out of their social "shells". It really helped build their confidence as they learned SO much over these few weeks!!! Thank you to all staff and volunteers!!!"
"The experience was amazing. My child had a sense of pride and accomplishment after graduation. The staff and volunteers were amazing."
"My girls had a FANTASTIC time! This was a wonderful experience for them."
"Thank you so much for expanding the program this year to include slightly older kiddos so my 12 & 14 year old's could attend. The program far exceeded our expectations and was such a wonderful social opportunity for my extremely shy and introverted children. My only wish is that this was a more frequent opportunity. We are so appreciative to have been able to participate."
“Many thanks and appreciation for allowing my granddaughter to be a part of this! You just never know how an experience as this can impact a child!”