More than 30 equestrians from three states had an opportunity to hone their equine-related skills at the 2024 Orange County 4-H and Open Mounted Horse Clinic, May 31-June 2.
The annual event, held at the Tunbridge Fairgrounds in Tunbridge, put the 4-H principle of “learn by doing” into practice through riding lessons, workshops, interactive games and other fun activities. It was sponsored by University of Vermont (UVM) Extension 4-H and the Orange County 4-H Foundation and open to 4-H’ers, non-4-H youths and adults. 4-H’ers from clubs in Vermont, Connecticut and New Hampshire took part in the clinic.
4-H Spirit Awards were presented to (left to right) Stella Ballou, South Royalton; Samantha Bedell, White River Junction; Amara Waters, South Pomfret; and Taylor West and Addie McCarthy, both from Tunbridge, at the 2024 Orange County 4-H and Open Mounted Horse Clinic, May 31-June 2, in Tunbridge.
Participants had five riding lessons over three days with instructors Amber Adams, Williamstown; Laura Pratt from Daybreak Farm, Randolph; and UVM Extension 4-H Educator Amber Thibodeau. They also took part in three instructional workshops with time scheduled to learn about stable management and general equine topics.
The 4-H Spirit Awards, chosen by peer voting, were presented to those youths who demonstrated enthusiasm for all clinic activities, took exceptional care of their horse and were quick to help others at the event. Recipients were Stella Ballou, South Royalton; Samantha Bedell, White River Junction; Addie McCarthy and Taylor West, both from Tunbridge; and Amara Waters, South Pomfret.
UVM Extension 4-H Educator Molly McFaun organized the event and was assisted by 4-H Educators Tracey Stubbins and Amber Thibodeau. In addition to the riding and workshop instructors, volunteers included Yvonne Campbell, Randolph; Lorrie Churchill, Brookfield; and Madeline Hatt, East Lyme, Connecticut.
The weekend culminated with all participants having the opportunity to demonstrate their improved skills through an exhibition of games on horseback.
By Tracey Stubbins/UVM Extension 4-H
Ava Silloway, Randolph, pulls horseshoe nails from a mock up held by Tanya Wheeler (right) at a farriering workshop at the 2024 Orange County 4-H and Open Mounted Horse Clinic as Adeline Malone, Brookfield (left) and Rachel Richardson, owner of Maple Hill Horseshoeing and Blacksmithing in Marlboro, look on.
