June 13th

On June 14Th we went to Mercer county and worked on handling skills. There were about 20 students there. The group I worked with decided to put some of the skills into a Showmanship pattern. We also did some mock testing. I learned a couple new ways to do quick release knots. I had a lot of fun working with everyone there.

Horsemanship, What Is It?

Our job as Team Horse Power members entails us to work with kids on a program under the name of "Horsemanship Skills". But what really is horsemanship? And how can we apply it to what we teach and what we learn?

Horsemanship is the art or practice of riding on horseback.

This definition has many truths within. Horsemanship is an art, it takes time and skill, and along with this, a lot of practice. So, this makes the practice part of the definition essential too. It is so vital that we as THP membes have these skills mastered in order to go about teaching them. By having these mastered it helps us learn the other skills as well. Horsemanship is not about who brings in the most blue ribbons or who has the most expensive horse, it is about the art of riding and how we apply/teach others with the knowledge that we have gained.

Westmoreland Co. Multi County Horse Camp

This coming week, June 14-17 is the time of the year when Westmoreland County hosts their annual horse and pony camp. This camp offers many activities such as: riding your horse, making new friends, creating crafts to take home, and a variety of demonstrations. Riders from the Western half of the Pennsylvania come to Westmoreland Fair Grounds to join in the experience. When the campers arrive they soon find themsevles surrounded by the theme of the camp and the unkonwn people that will soon become a friend. This camp is not only known for the experience but, the food. Camp if known for the delicious food! This camp has the opportunity to teach a young rider the proper way to feed their horse, clean their horse's stall, work as a team, and handle their horse properly. When a returning camper enters the barn they understand what stable managment is though, the new campers have no idea. Stable managment is when the campers and counselors are graded on: how clean the stalls are, how clean the isle way is, are the horse's doors latched, is the campers tack clean, and several more. This may seem to be alot to do but, at the end of the week the group's total points are added up and they are given awards. Not only do the campers have the satisfaction of making it to the end of the week but, small prizes are given accordingly to the placing groups. This is Westmoreland Co. Multi County Horse Camp Coloring Your World so, where are you?

This past weekend a few members of Team Horse Power visited Jefferson County for a Horsemanship Skill clinic. There were a lot of young kids, and they were anxious to learn how to better their skills. As the day progressed, the skills were being demostrated and taught. Skills from Level 1 and Level 2 were brought up, but it mostly depended on the person you were working one-on-one with. I think everyone learned a lot! At the end of the day most kids admitted to having little knowledge of the skills before the clinic, but they were now test ready thanks to Team Horse Power! Teaching in any situation is always a learning experiance for the students, a well as the teachers. We hope everybody had fun at Jefferson, and hopes them the best of luck when testing their skills!

Jefferson County

Team Horse Power members from the west are looking forward to spending time with Jefferson County 4-h members this saturday, June 4th at the Jefferson County fairgrounds.  The plan is to assist members in learning and mastering skills necessary to test for levels one and two for the Horsemanship Skills program.  We will be helping them with both riding and handling skills.  What better way to spend a Saturday than assisting other 4-H members with their horses!!  See you all there!