4-H . . . The Power of YOUth!!!
Our club has two main focuses - horsemanship and community service. Our members have been active in all areas of 4-H, from camping to public speaking and presentation. Our community service projects t have included a Hay for Horses Halloween Fun Show which raised $1200 toward the fuel costs of sending donated hay to horse owners in Louisiana, and a SaddleUp for Saint Judes' Trail Ride. Each year we adopt a family for Christmas through the Department of Social Services and we continue to foster two miniature ponies for the Personal Ponies Program, which breeds and trains miniature ponies to be therapeutic pets for special-needs children. The EEs will also be busy improving their horsemanship skills with riding clinics! Look for the EEs at the County, District 4-H Public Speaking, Presentation and Share the Fun Contests, 4-H camps, 4-H Congress, Horse Judging contests and the 4-H State Horse Show!
The 4-H Pledge
I pledge my head to clearer thinking
my heart to greater
loyalty
my hands to larger service
my health to better living
for my club, my community,
my country and my world.
Interested in Horse Judging and Hippology? Call Nicole McGowan at 540-662-4993 or
Victoria Lockwood 540-837-1878
The Equine Enthusiasts welcome all horse lovers, whether you have a horse or just love them! You don't need to have a horse! There are always opportunities to ride, groom and care for horses!
4-Her versus Rider
A rider is one who rides a horse. A 4-Her is one who not only rides a horse but knows how to look after him, how to treat him in sickness and in health, and is always interested in learning as much as she can about the origin, characteristics, and habits of her mount. The rider is content to get as much as possible out of his horse, with no thought as to the comfort of his mount.
The 4-Her thinks of her horse before herself. After a hard day's work, it is the animal that rates a thorough grooming and a warm mash before the 4-Her may relax. The rider pulls his horse up on his haunches from a dead gallop at the barn door. He flings himself off the panting, lathery animal, throws the reins to a groom, and rushes away to tell of the number of high jumps he has taken or boast of the speed of the horse. A 4-Her brings her horse in cool, having walked the last mile. She makes sure her horse is properly taken care of. When the rider is thrown or is unable to make his mount do what he wants, it is always the horse that is blamed. When a 4-Her takes a spill, she looks to herself for the cause.
In consequence, the rider will pay dearly for his mounts. He will forever be chopping and changing him. He will be fit victim for the dealer and the laughingstock of the groom. But the 4-Her will always seem to be satisfactorily mounted. Her horses will remain sound and if she is unable to own a horse, she will be offered the best there is free and gratis by the owners of the finest horses, who know that their animals will profit by the experience of being ridden and trained by a master. No matter how long she may live or how poor she may be, provided there are horses to be had, the 4-Her, a true horseman, will never lack a mount.
Lovingly adapted from Horse versus Rider, written by Margaret Cabell Self
The Horse's Prayer
To thee, master I offer my prayer. Feed me, water and take care of me, and when my work is done, provide me with clean shelter to lie down in comfort. I cannot tell you when I am thirsty, so provide me with clean cool water often. Always be kind to me. Talk to me, your voice means more to me than the reins. Pet me sometimes, so that I may serve you more gladly and learn to love you. Do not jerk the reins or strike, beat or kick me when I do not understand what you want, but give me the chance to understand you. Keep me well shod, so I will not fall. Examine my teeth when I don't eat, for I may have an ulcerated tooth, which as you know is very painful. Do not restrain my head in an unnatural position, or take away my best defense against flies and mosquitos by cutting off my tail.
I cannot tell you in words when I am sick, so watch me, so that by the signs you will know when I am unwell. I try to carry you and your burdens without complaint, and I wait patiently for you long hours of the day and night. Remember that I love you and am ready at any minute to lose my life in your service.
And finally when my useful strength is gone, do not turn me out to starve or freeze, or sell me to some cruel owner, but do take my life in the kindest way, and your God will reward you here and in the hereafter. Please do not consider me irreverent if I ask this in the name of Him who was born in a stable
Amen
author unknown
The Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all; regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, veteran status, national origin, disability or political affliation. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
For more information, call the Clarke County Extension Office at 540-955-5164
. . . And How It Relates to the 4-H Horse Project
Working with animals provides mental relaxation from schoolroom studies and stimulates quick thinking and alertness.
The close bond developed between a horse and his master and between young people planning and working together in a common interest is conducive to a deepening sense of loyalty and consideration for others.
Skillfull hands are a must for a horseman. It is the touch of the hands on the reins which telegraphs the rider's wish to his mount.
Outdoor activities affect every nerve, muscle, and organ of the body in a healthful way.
The 4-H Horse Program provides many opportunities for young people to participate in community service, to educate the public regarding equine stewardship and to learn about equine-related career opportunities
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Clarke County Equine Enthusiasts
4-H Club
This page was last updated: February 2, 2008
Upcoming Events
February 12th - Business Meeting and Driving Clinic -
Clarke County High School - 5:15 pm
February 23rd - 4-H Share the Fun Contest - JWMS
February 23rd - Block & Bridle Horse Judging Clinic - VT
February 29th-March 1st - Northern District Horse Judging and Hippology Contest
