Howell Farm's big work horses will be checked from head-to-toe when the doctor, dentist, and shoer come for a visit.

When the horse specialists arrive, visitors can watch, ask questions and even help them with the tasks at hand - making sure that the farm's furry workforce is ready for spring.

From 10:00am to 4:00pm, visitors can learn about horse care as it was practiced during the farm's circa 1900 time period, a time when most U.S. farmers relied on horses for the power to grow and transport crops.  Then, it was not uncommon for a horse doctor to go to the farmer's kitchen cupboard to find a remedy for a sick horse.  Or, for a blacksmith to shoe a horse before switching files and "floating" (filing down) a horse's teeth.

Besides seeing some of the tools, techniques and products that relate to horse care as it was practiced during the farm's circa 1900 time period, visitors will be able to meet a veterinarian and horse dentist, and even try their own hand at a bit of horse doctoring.

"Kids will be able to listen to a horse's heart through an antique stethoscope, look inside a horse's mouth, and even rub cream into a cracked hoof," explains Kathy Brilla, the farm's program coordinator. During the morning hours, the horse dentist will be checking the horses' teeth. From noon-1:00pm, visitors can watch the horse doctor give spring shots and worming medicine to the farm's draft horses.

Children's craft program: Horseshoe Letter Holder
On a walk-in basis (Groups of eight or more must pre-register)
Time: 11:00am to 3:00pm
Approximate time to complete project: 20 minutes
Materials fee: $4.00