Name Your Own “Virtual” Quarter Horse in New Horse Game For Kids

AQHA Publicity

Take Me Riding, an educational portal dedicated to introducing children and their parents to the wonderful world of horses, has released a new online game for children ages 5 to 9. “Hoof Stuff” allows horse-crazy kids to care for their very own, interactive horse while learning basic horse-care facts.

The game begins with selecting an American Quarter Horse and giving it a name. Children learn the difference between a mare and gelding, and select a unique name for their horse. Throughout the game, kids learn the importance of giving their horse proper care. They are taught how grooming, feeding, picking hooves and exercise contribute to having a happy, healthy horse. The ultimate goal is to compete in barrel racing events with your horse. The better care you provide, the stronger your horse is in competitions.

Children who are beginners to the world of horses will learn basic horse knowledge while enjoying an interactive experience. In addition to educational games and videos following the lives of Jack, Anna and Grace – three children enthralled with everything horse-related – Take Me Riding offers countless resources on horse breeds, horseback-riding and even equine history. Take Me Riding is also packed with resources for mom and dad, lesson plans built around the common core standards for teachers, an event calendar that offers upcoming horse events near children and a store that carries almost anything a child could ever want, except a real horse. Mom and dad can also use the comprehensive geo-location map to find trusted trainers, instructors and locations to inquire more about a real horse experience.

“Many of us at AQHA tested this game in-house, and it’s a wonderful balance between fun and education that’s going to fuel kids’ passion for horses,” said Chief Marketing Officer Tom Persechino. “For families who aren’t quite at the point of horse ownership, the Hoof Stuff game is the perfect way to keep kids connected to horses. And the Take Me Riding website is full of opportunities to learn more about horses and even take a riding lesson at a nearby horseback riding facility.”

Take Me Riding came to life from a comprehensive research project led by AQHA and an advisory board of industry leaders from the American Youth Horse Council, Certified Horsemanship Association, Cooperative Extension Equine Specialists, The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. and Wagonhound Land and Livestock. This team assisted in determining where the deficiencies existed in membership and participation, how to engage with a younger audience and what new products should be considered to maximize the engagement potential. The goal of Take Me Riding is to get kids horseback by introducing them to horses through modern, interactive media.

Share Take Me Riding and the new Hoof Stuff game with the horse-crazy kids in your life.