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On January 29, fourth grade students from the Goshen Intermediate School learned how the Town of Goshen became known as “The Cradle of the Trotter” while attending a field trip at the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame in Goshen.

Students were split into class-size groups so that they were able to get up close and personal while they toured the museum. During the tour, students learned about the track’s history as well as its famous riders and horses, and were able to try on jockey uniforms and sit in a sulky.

Students listened to and shared facts about different local historical figures, such as Sarah Wells, and discussed New York explorers such as Samuel de Champlain, Giovanni da Verrazano and Henry Hudson. They were able to reference a map of New York to view Lake Champlain, New York Bay and the Hudson River. They also rode on a simulated sulky ride where they were racing against other horses in a 3-D show that had bumps and turns on the track, and viewed the race track where riders and their sulkies and horses were practicing.

“The students moved around every 20 to25 minutes which kept them interested,” said Kristen Garulli, fourth grade teacher. “The trip was hands-on so learning about local New York history, and even the properties of science, was more enjoyable and effective.”

For more information, visit www.harnessmuseum.com.