The Indian's Pony

The Indian's Pony is part of the RUFF curriculum Susan Fadler developed in the 1990s. It focuses on the plight of the Mustang. RUFF was organized to establish homes for unwanted neglected animals on the Navajo Reservation. She began taking rescued animals into classrooms to help teach the children about animal behavior, care and health but soon found out using an animal helped extrapolate expressions of emotions which would otherwise be harbored or unexpressed by the child. It also incorporated self-esteem where all else had failed. Using a natural catalyst, puppies and kittens, to teach responsible behavior proved to be extremely effective. Teachers began requesting materials to help teach history, geography, culture, and language. The curriculum was nominated by teachers and administrators in 1996 and went on to win the 1st place Golden Bell award from the ASBA as the best new curriculum that year.