Tunbridge—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.
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.
Receiving English riding instruction were Samantha Bedell, White River Junction; Annora Duncklee, Strafford; Victoria Hatt, East Lyme, Connecticut; Talia Kentel, Enfield, New Hampshire; Ellie and Keegan LaMotte, White River Junction; Adeline Malone, Brookfield; Ella Rilling, Randolph; Ava Silloway, Randolph Center; Lilly Stott, Norwich, Connecticut; Lilly Suponski, West Hartford; and Taylor West, Tunbridge. Adults Felicia Dieffenbach, Bethel; Madeline Hatt and Grace Hightower, both from East Lyme, Connecticut; and Mikayla Pick, Danville; also participated.
Youths who participated in Western riding activities were Rianna Bagalio, Randolph Center; Stella Ballou, South Royalton; Hailey Dow, West Hartford; Kaya Freeman, Thetford; Rylee Godson, Randolph; Olivia Hatt, East Lyme, Connecticut; Addie McCarthy, Tunbridge; Izzy Nickerson, Bethel; Madison Olmstead, East Randolph; Miranda Poirier, Williamstown; and Amara Waters, South Pomfret. Adult equestrians Sarah Ballou and Cheryl Manning, both from South Royalton; Olivia Campbell, Randolph, Lliam Daly, Norwich, Connecticut; and Kristina Waters, South Pomfret; also received instruction.
Owner Rachel Richardson and her assistant Tanya Wheeler of Maple Hill Horseshoeing and Blacksmithing in Marlboro donated their time to teach two workshops on farriering. The group also learned about trailering safety from two 4-H leaders, Megan Hatt, Happy Hoofbeats 4-H Club in East Lyme, Connecticut, and Krystal West, Clever Clovers 4-H Club in Tunbridge.
In addition to the horsemanship activities, two craft workshops were held, one to make ribbon wreaths out of show ribbons, the other on silk screening T-shirts. Each youth participant also created a poster or display focusing on the clinic’s theme, “Me and My Horse.”
These were incorporated into their stall decorations and evaluated as part of their stable management score along with stall cleanliness, condition and cleanliness of tack, safety awareness and overall health and care of their horse, among other criteria. Ribbons for stable management were awarded based on the Danish system.
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 Orange County 4-H Foundation provided pizza for the Saturday night dinner as well as one bale of shavings per animal. The Union Agricultural Society generously offered use of the Tunbridge Fairgrounds at no charge.
The weekend culminated with all participants having the opportunity to demonstrate their improved skills through an exhibition of games on horseback.