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Horse Care: How to Help Youngsters in Training and Raising their Horses

Youngsters nowadays divulge in different hobbies like video games and cartoons. Although this is a typical case, there are also those youth who are horse enthusiasts and would rather go horseback riding than sit on the couch all day long.

There are many programs involving youngsters in activities with horses. Future Farmers of America for example offers training for young people.

Some subjects being taught are herd behavior to learn the movements of the horse and the 2 way communication using body languages to improve the bonding of youngsters and their horses. When positive relationship with the horse is utilized, the riding skills will also be improved.

Rural areas in America hold country fair week for 4H youth. The participants usually exhibit their horses for competition. All are excited to get a first place trophy or ribbon. Some of the boys and girls appear very small compared to their horses.

The youth prove their abilities in handling their animals. The enormous love of the kids towards their animals is clearly seen in the project. Endless hours of feeding, taming and grooming of their horses are spent to have their best show to impress the judges.

Camaraderie is also developed during 4H and FFA shows. This is regarded as a family event where kids are assisted by their moms and dads. The kids are also taught responsibility, character and good work ethic through FFA’s training.

With a great tradition like this, FFA and 4H draw a good picture of the future horse lovers and care takers.

Other competitive activities under FFA are:

• Youngsters are allowed to watch competition and FFA horses’ Shows

• Youngsters are required to participate in various horses’ activities such as public speaking and riding events.

Just recently, around 500 young horse lovers joined in FFA Horse Show at Ike Exposition Center. Many youngsters came from Louisiana and they have won from various competitions like demonstrations, roping and riding. The youngsters have proven that they can be excellent in their crafts through hard work and dedication. Among the activities are:

Timed events such as breakaway roping, tie down roping, stake race, pole bending, barrel racing. All participants are 14 years old and below. There are also public speaking, quiz bowl and demonstrations for open and junior divisions. Riding events on the other hand include western horsemanship, western riding, trail, reining, working hunter, hunter under saddle, hunt seat equitation, English showmanship and miniature horse showmanship; all participants are over 14.

Horse related activities are just a part of the development programs of FFA. They also cover the topics regarding nutrition, public speaking, photography and character education. The youngsters who participated are well supported by their parents, teachers and volunteers; thus making the program a success. Focused on the youth, FFA’s horses’ competition is designed to honor the skills and general knowledge of the young people.

There are a lot of trainers but there are only few who can touch the youngsters’ lives and bond with their horses. The lives of the youth can radically change when being enriched and when skills are being enhanced. Among the good trainers of youngsters are the following:

1. J. Rydberg is the 2006 Faculty of the year in Lamar Community College. He joined the Horse Training and Management in 2000 August. Before joining the community, he had spent most of his life training horses and competing for professional rodeos. He had been ranked as one of top 20 horse trainers. He teaches clients of all ages with horse roping, barrel racing and cutting.

2. Jason Kravig spent 3 years in horse training and rodeoing. He gained other insights and techniques from professional trainers like JJ Rydberg.

3. Jill Chase coached successful FFA national champions. She started horse production, reproduction, management and evaluation. She has been involved in horse business since nine years old. She graduated from Colorado State University of Equine Science.

4. Van Sant is the daughter of Vicki and Ernest Van Sant. A 10 year experienced equestrian who often wins in horse shows. She is a member of FFA for almost 4 years. She enjoys photography and her usual subjects are horses.

Helping youngsters in riding, raising and competing with their horses is a tedious yet enjoyable task any trainer can love if they have enough patience and dedication. Youth have the enthusiasm to learn new things and they are very passionate once they get involved in any activities. Willingness to teach and develop a kid’s skill can be essential for a smooth learning process. As one trainer stated, the most important thing in youth training is setting a good example.

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