Riding opportunities knock with 4-H project

By Karin Livingston
Correspondent

With the addition of riding clinics and affordable help from a broad range of experts, children not yet in the 4-H horse project have more reasons than ever to consider joining.

When youngsters work with a large animal in a club setting, they learn three of life's most important lessons--social skills, responsibility and compassion for a living creature.

The $30 cost of county membership brings many other benefits. A 4-H'er has access to affordable riding clinics and the fair 4-H horse show. Membership also includes a horsemanship manual, a record book, a choice of local clubs (extra dues may apply), access to scholarships and many other activities. Local club enrollment deadlines differ, but to show in the fair, a member must enroll in the county horse project by April 30.

This year, for the first time ever, the 2006 county fair 4-H horse show will be organized according to skill levels. Now, beginning riders, even older teens, won't have to compete against more advanced riders.

Much like the British Pony Club, children riding in 4-H work toward one of four horsemanship levels. As in the past, all fair horse exhibitors must have at least a Level I card. To compete in the higher divisions, Levels III or IV, riders must pass the more advanced written and riding tests.

There is one hard-and-fast rule in Larimer County 4-H. Nobody rides without a helmet. A 4-H member should get a well-fitted, certified riding helmet. These days, helmets come in interesting looks and colors that coordinate with just about any outfit.

New riders will appreciate the extra riding clinics offered this year, and with the right horse, there's still time to make the fair a summer goal. Anyone thinking of buying or leasing a horse, however, should be sure to get expert help from a veterinarian and horse experts, such as 4-H leaders, horse trainers or other equine professionals. The one sure way for a child to fail in the horse project is to have the wrong horse for the job.

No matter what skill level, a clinic and a club are out there to fit a youngster's needs.

Colorado State University's Equine Sciences department is offering custom clinics for riders in 4-H clubs who have passed their Level I or II test. The cost is $5 a person for a minimum enrollment of five riders. Contact Tiare Wells, CSU instructor, at 491-8504 or e-mail tiarew@colostate.edu.

Several clinics are scheduled throughout the state this spring, and when summer arrives, so do clinics at the fairgrounds, aptly named The Ranch. Once a week in the evening, instruction is offered for riders of all levels. Advance enrollment is required, so be sure to call the Larimer County 4-H horse coordinator, LuAnn Goodyear, at 498-6016 if interested. Remember, these clinics are open to 4-H members only.

Before completing a county membership, a youth must choose and be referred by a local club. Names of clubs with openings are available at the extension office. Part of the decision depends on the type of riding that interests the youth. Most new members prefer clubs with children of a similar age, and a riding location that is close to home.

Scholarships to some 4-H activities--and even college--are offered to 4-H members who are in good standing. The Kirsten Gray Memorial Scholarship deadline is April 14. This scholarship allows 4-H horse project members to attend the CSU summer riding camp.

In another first for 2006, the Larimer County Fair 4-H horse show will offer the Working Ranch Horse class, including sorting of cattle. Riders who want to try this division must have attended a working ranch horse clinic. Goodyear and clinician Tyler McCann plan a clinic May 6 and 7 at Last Resort Equestrian Center. Cost is $15 per individual or $40 per team.

Parents or business owners can take advantage of advertising opportunities in the fair premium book by taking out a fair 4-H horse show sponsorship. Sponsorships, which are used to buy awards, are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For complete horse project support materials and information visit the horse project web site at www.larimer.org/extension/horse/home.htm or call the county extension office at 498-6000.