In Lawrence County there has been a growing interest in equine related programs for youth. Interaction between horses and children have been shown to have physical, emotional, as well as social benefits in children. Providing programs involving horses could have a positive impact in the general well-being of youth in the county.

Lawrence County Agent for 4-H Youth Development organized a horse workshop in October for new 4-H Horse Club members as well as non-club members that were interested in horses in the county. Throughout the workshop youth learned hands-on handling skills, horsemanship skills, and explored different disciplines within the equestrian world. Youth rotated through three different stations at the beginning of the workshop. Throughout these stations youth got hands-on grooming and bathing experience, horse handling and safety knowledge, and were taught the different parts of tack and how to properly tack up a horse. At the end of the workshop youth got to learn and observe three different equestrian disciplines including barrel racing, jumping, and western pleasure riding.

The workshop significantly increased membership in the Lawrence County 4-H Horse Club. After getting hands-on experience with horses, youth became more interested and excited for club activities. More than 30% of non-club members that attended the workshop went on to join 4-H Horse Club. These workshops are important because they give non-traditional horse club members hands-on experience that they may not get anywhere else. It also provides traditional horse club members with knowledge and skills that they may not already have as well as leadership opportunities.