为丰富“活力节”的活动形式，让体育课程走出课堂、落地实践，近日，上海市世外小学国际部三年级的同学们，怀着好奇与期待走进“骑剑殿”马术学校，开启了一场兼具趣味与知识的马术体验之旅。与温顺的马匹近距离接触，在亲手实践中收获成长，孩子们在欢声笑语里，真切感受着马术运动带来的独特魅力。
一到马术学校，同学们就按捺不住兴奋的心情，在教练的引导下分组行动。
在马术理论课环节，专业教练们用通俗易懂的语言，讲马匹的品种、日常习性，还有基础的马术礼仪，让孩子们慢慢懂得，与马匹相处，尊重与耐心比技巧更重要，也对“骑士精神”有了最直观的理解。
马房学习环节，更是让孩子们过足了“小小马夫”的瘾。在教练的耐心指导下，大家学着给马儿洗澡，软乎乎的毛刷轻轻拂过马身，孩子们屏着呼吸、小心翼翼，生怕惊扰到身边温顺的小伙伴。从一开始的生疏胆怯，到后来的熟练轻柔，孩子们在一点点的尝试中，学会了呵护与责任，也读懂了人与动物之间的温情。
备马环节里，大家围在一起，认真跟着教练学习汗垫、马鞍的摆放技巧，以及一些备马小知识。
最让孩子们期待的，当属骑马体验环节。换上专业护具，在教练的贴身陪伴下，孩子们挺直腰板、握紧缰绳，当马蹄踩着“哒哒”的节奏缓缓前行，不少孩子从一开始的紧张，到慢慢放松身体、嘴角上扬，每一步尝试，都充满了勇气与突破。
除了骑马，画马、喂马的趣味环节也让孩子们乐在其中，大家拿起画笔，把心中可爱的小马定格在纸上；捧着胡萝卜，温柔地送到马儿嘴边，在劳逸结合中，进一步拉近了与马匹的距离，也收获了满满的快乐。
这次马术实践活动，把学校体育课程与课外实践紧紧结合在一起。孩子们不仅学到了基础的马术知识和技能，锻炼了身体的协调性与专注力，更在与马匹的相处中，慢慢养成了爱心、耐心与责任感。
马鬃轻扬间，藏着少年的赤诚与热忱；马蹄踏响时，载着成长的勇气与荣光，每一次与马匹的对视，都是一场温柔的双向奔赴，每一次亲手的呵护，都是一次心灵的滋养，马术的诗意，藏在人与动物的温情相伴里，也藏在孩子们向阳生长的每一个瞬间。
撰文：孙菁华
摄影：国际部三年级老师们
Where Confidence Takes the Reins
Year 3 Explores Equestrian Learning at WFLPS International Division
What happens when a group of curious nine-year-olds step into a stable for the first time?
As part of the Well-Being Festival, Grade 3 students from the International Division of Shanghai World Foreign Language Primary School (WFLPSID) recently visited Qijiandian Equestrian School for a hands-on equestrian learning experience.
Stepping beyond the classroom, students entered a new learning environment filled with curiosity and anticipation. Through close interaction with gentle horses and guided practical experiences, they discovered not only the fundamentals of equestrianism, but also the joy and meaning within it.
Upon arrival, students quickly settled into their groups under the guidance of professional coaches.
The day began with a theory session, where students were introduced to horse breeds, daily habits, and basic riding etiquette. Through these conversations, they began to understand that working with horses requires more than skill—it calls for patience, respect, and awareness. These early insights offered a first glimpse into the spirit behind horsemanship.
The stable session gave students the opportunity to take on the role of young caretakers. With careful instruction, they learned how to groom and bathe the horses, using soft brushes and gentle movements. At first, many approached the task with caution, but gradually became more confident and at ease. Through this process, students experienced what it means to care for another living being, developing both responsibility and empathy while forming a quiet connection with the animals.
During the preparation stage, students gathered to observe and practise how to place saddle pads and saddles correctly, along with other essential routines. Their growing focus and attention to detail reflected an increasing sense of responsibility in their learning.
The most anticipated moment of the day was, of course, the riding experience. Wearing protective gear and supported closely by instructors, students mounted the horses and began to move at a steady, rhythmic pace. Initial nervousness soon gave way to relaxation and smiles, as each step forward became a small but meaningful achievement. In these moments, students demonstrated both courage and perseverance.
Alongside riding, students also took part in creative and interactive activities such as drawing and feeding the horses. They captured their impressions through art and gently offered carrots by hand, further strengthening their connection with the animals in a relaxed and joyful setting.
This equestrian experience brought together physical education and real-world practice in a meaningful way. Students not only developed coordination and concentration, but also nurtured patience, care, and a sense of responsibility through direct interaction.
In the gentle movement of horse manes and the steady rhythm of hooves, there is a quiet reflection of growth. Each moment of connection, each act of care, and each step of courage became part of the students’ learning journey—one shaped not only by experience, but by feeling.
As the sun began to set, the day slowly came to an end. The students headed back with a sense of fulfilment, reluctant to leave the experience behind.
For the Grade 3 students of WFLPSID, this was more than just a new activity—it was a meaningful step in their growth. The quiet moments shared with the horses, the courage shown in trying something unfamiliar, and the sense of responsibility developed along the way will remain with them as lasting memories. Each experience adds to their journey, deepening the impact of the Well-Being Festival in ways that will stay with them over time.
