Author: Janet Turley
Planning Unit: Warren County CES
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Plan of Work: Youth in Agriculture
Outcome: Initial Outcome
Farriers, veterinarians, trainers….these are the familiar trades of the equine industry. But, how many 4-H members know about other careers in the equine industry such as community and public relations director, consulting firms, directors of therapeutic centers or careers in the racing industry? Nearly 120 4-H members, club leaders and parents from across the state had the unique opportunity to learn about equine careers at the 4-H Hippology Event hosted by the District 6 4-H Horse Management Team and held at the Warren County Extension Office on February 1. This reporting agent worked with district volunteers to host and coordinate this event. Participants learned specific career information about six different professionals in the equine industry including what their jobs are like on a daily basis, what they do, what types of education is required for their job, where they can go to get the required education and how they interact with their clientele. Participants also learned about the North American Racing Academy and what types of degrees are offered. In addition to learning about careers, 4-H members received hands-on instruction on giving horses oral medications and how to give intramuscular injections (an activity in the Kentucky 4-H Horse Academy Workbook). The participants practiced giving shots by using a needle and syringe and giving injections to an orange. This was a highlight of the day! Participants also learned about lower leg anatomy and learned how to tie four different knots used in the equine industry. One adult participant commented “I never knew why I gave injections like I did, I learned it from my father, but I never knew why I did it that way until today. I really learned a lot”. Horse Club members from Warren County were able to take what they learned in the knot tying class and successfully teach all four knots (quick release, square knot, bowline knot, and the Honda knot) at their next horse club meeting. A total of 13 equine professionals contributed to the educational content of the day and 10 committee members plus advising extension agent worked the event. The committee was pleased with the turnout and has plans to do another equine educational roundup in the future.
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