There are necessary skills that all individuals need in order to be successful productive members of society.  These skills include responsibility, punctuality, determination, and a good work ethic.  With an unemployment rate of 8.1% (homefacts.com) in Greenup County it is important to teach our youth the basic life skills they need in order to be competitive in the work force.  That is why the Greenup County Extension Council has identified enhancing life skills of our youth as a priority for the Extension Service.  

Showing horses requires an immense amount of patience and determination.  It teaches our youth to be responsible, and allows them to experience the difficulties that occur often in life.  Over the past few years the Greenup County 4-H Horse program has experienced turn over in leadership and falling participant numbers.  I am very pleased to report that the 4-H Horse club, Blazing Bridles, has not only grown in membership but also became very productive in helping develop the riding skills of its members.  These 4-Her’s are taking the time to work with their horses and be competitive at the state level.  They have striven to be excellent riders and in doing so have learned the skills mentioned above.  At the State 4-H Horse Show this year Greenup sent four riders and they all did exceptionally well.  However two 4-Her’s, who in past years had finished in the bottom of the class, finished in first place.  They were over joyed by their achievement.  This was the first time in over ten years that Greenup had anyone finish first in their class at the State Horse Show.  

 This success was possible because of great volunteer leaders instructing our children, and all the hard work that our youth have demonstrated.  It is proof that our program in Greenup County is doing something right.  These young people could not have achieved what they did if they did not work hard with their horses and had the determination to win!