Instructions
Read the short introduction about Emma Massingale below. Then, use the information and your own creative thinking to complete the activities for each subject. Good luck!
Emma Massingale is a famous horse trainer from a part of England called Devon. She is known for something very special called "liberty training." This means she works with her horses and ponies without using saddles, bridles, or ropes. She has built such a strong bond of trust and friendship with her animals that they choose to follow her and work with her. Emma has a large team of animals, including many ponies, and she often goes on amazing adventures with them, showing the incredible connection humans and animals can share.
Art: A Picture of Trust
Emma's work is all about the bond between a person and an animal. In the box below, draw a picture of yourself with your favorite animal (real or imaginary!). Instead of using a leash, collar, or cage, show the connection between you through your actions and expressions. How can you show you are a team?
After you draw, answer this question:
What is one detail in your drawing that shows friendship and trust?
_________________________________________________________________________
History: Training Through Time
The relationship between humans and horses has changed a lot over hundreds of years. In the past, horses were mainly seen as tools for work, transportation, and battle. Training often involved forcing the horse to obey. Modern trainers like Emma Massingale have a different approach.
Fill in the blanks below to compare the two approaches. Use the words from the word bank.
Word Bank: friendship, work, force, choice, transportation, trust
1. In history, a horse's main purpose was often for _______________ and _______________. Training sometimes used _______________ to make them listen.
2. Emma's "liberty" method is based on _______________ and _______________. The animal makes a _______________ to follow her.
Science: Understanding Animal Language
To train horses without ropes, Emma must be an expert at understanding their body language. Horses communicate their feelings through small movements. Can you guess what these horses are trying to say?
Match the horse's action on the left with its likely meaning on the right. Write the correct letter in the blank.
| Horse Action | Meaning |
| 1. _____ Ears pointed forward and alert. | A. "I am annoyed or angry about something!" |
| 2. _____ Ears pinned back flat against its head. | B. "Hello, friend." or "I'm hungry." |
| 3. _____ A soft, low nicker sound. | C. "What's that? I am curious and interested." |
Social Studies: Exploring Devon, England
Emma Massingale lives in Devon, a county in the southwest of England. England is an island nation, part of the United Kingdom. Devon is famous for its beautiful and rugged landscape. It has two different coastlines with sandy beaches and high cliffs, as well as vast, open areas of wild, grassy hills called moorlands.
Answer the following questions based on the text.
1. England is what type of landmass?
_________________________________________________________________________
2. Name two different types of landscapes you could see in Devon.
a) _______________________________________________________________________
b) _______________________________________________________________________
Answer Key
Art: A Picture of Trust
- Answers will vary. The goal is creativity and reflection. A good answer might mention details like "the animal is leaning against me," "we are looking at each other," or "we are both smiling."
History: Training Through Time
- In history, a horse's main purpose was often for work and transportation. Training sometimes used force to make them listen. (Note: work/transportation can be in either order).
- Emma's "liberty" method is based on friendship and trust. The animal makes a choice to follow her. (Note: friendship/trust can be in either order).
Science: Understanding Animal Language
- C. "What's that? I am curious and interested."
- A. "I am annoyed or angry about something!"
- B. "Hello, friend." or "I'm hungry."
Social Studies: Exploring Devon, England
- An island / an island nation.
- Any two of the following: coastlines, sandy beaches, high cliffs, moorlands (or wild, grassy hills).