Team Horse Power Members Recognized

At the State 4-H Horse Show, Leah Craig, a member of the North Ridge Riders, was honored along with the other members of Team Horse Power. In recognition of their service and achievement, the youth were introduced and presented with medallions.
Team Horse Power is a leadership program that trains and empowers teens and young adults to develop their individual skills and in turn teach horsemanship skills and mentor youth. The team consists of 25 teens from 17 counties across the state. Team members work at county, regional and state activities to help other youth improve their horsemanship abilities, to promote safety, and to provide information about 4-H programs. Over the past months, Team Horse Power members have conducted 86 workshops and/or clinics on horsemanship skills and safety, reaching approximately 1535 youth, leaders, volunteers and parents. The team is to be commended for their dedication, accomplishments and outstanding work with youth throughout 2011.
During the 4-H State Horse Show clinics and demonstrations with horses and riders were conducted by Team Horse Power members, Penn State extension and industry professionals. Dr. Tammy Eichstadt conducted a demonstration on preparing the horse for Open Trail classes. Equine Extension Associates for the 4-H Horse Program, Bethany Bickel and Lew Trumble worked with several Team Horse Power members to provide hands-on clinics for youth and adult participants. The clinics included horsemanship, handling and safety techniques, as well as an introduction to the “On the Road to Horsemanship Skills” curriculum. Team Horse Power members worked with younger show participants to make and show mop ponies in two, popular interactive sessions.
For additional information on 4-H Horsemanship Skills Programs or Team Horse Power in Pennsylvania, contact your county Penn State Cooperative Extension office, or visit the Pennsylvania 4-H Horse Program web site at www.das.psu.edu – go to 4-H programs, then horses.