OCALA, FL (352today.com) – How do you get kids interested in reading over the summer? Answer: Trot out a miniature horse, of course!
That’s what happened on Thursday, June 6, at the Ocala Downtown Market.
A miniature horse named Officer Magic from Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses took center stage for a ribbon cutting to kick off the Heroes and Helpers summer literacy program. The first event in the series celebrates the Ocala Police Department.
The mini mare is the main character in the book, Officer Magic is my Friend.
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“The actual book that they have is based on what we do,” said Tara Woods, Ocala Police Department community liaison, and a retired OPD major. “So, the kids have an opportunity to better understand our perspective as police officers of what we encounter every day, all the different facets of the actual job.”
The summer series features a new book every week and a different horse to promote the title in which it’s the main character. The summer reading program with horses takes place every Thursday at 10 a.m. through the end of July at the Ocala Downtown Market which is located at 403 SE Osceola Ave. This is the third year for the program at the market.
“So, the whole main idea for the summer is bringing books to life for children,” said Debbie Bengochea-Garcia, Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses cofounder. “This kind of keeps children reading during the summer. It’s important to keep them loving their books.”
Bengochea-Garcia, who is a former elementary school principal, said kids can get a free book each week.
“I love that the kids are out here, that they’re learning about history, they’re going to be able to participate today with our horse, and then they’re going to be able to engage in reading activity, which is so crucial today,” said Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano. “One of the big indicators they’ve determined about how a child’s is going to succeed in life is by their third grade reading level. We want to make sure kids are taking advantage of the event.”
And, judging by Charlotte Myers’ reaction… the program should continue to be a success.
“I’m pretty excited,” said Myers. “I like Magic.”
Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses partners is a nonprofit and provides its services free thanks to donations. If you’d like to contribute, visit their website.