39th Annual Summer Horsemanship School Program
The summer of 2011 marked the 39th consecutive year for the Texas AgriLife Extension Summer Horsemanship School Program. In January, training began for the 31 college-aged students desiring the chance to become an instructor in the program. By May, a decision was made to hire 10 of the students, resulting in five, strong teams of instructors. A total of 25 schools were taught in 25 different counties, reaching 381 youth riders and 65 adult riders, with approximately 240 adults watching. Participants at 24 of the 25 schools were given a questionnaire to complete. A total of 354 evaluations resulted in the following:
- 81% “Definitely” could do one or more advanced maneuvers that they were previously unable to do
- 79% “Definitely” enjoyed their horse more
- 75% “Definitely” could solve a problem they were having before the clinic
- 75% “Definitely” felt more competent in working their horse
- 73% “Definitely” could make more informed decisions on when/how to ask their horse to perform a task
- 72% “Definitely” could ride with more confidence
The 2011 program costs were supplemented by sponsorships from Anderson Bean Boot Company and Purina Mills. Anderson Bean provided the instructors with boots and split the cost of the shirts and caps given to instructors with Purina Mills. In addition, monetary support was given by Anderson Bean to supplement the program, and Purina Mills supplied feed vouchers for the instructors’ horses. This support is greatly appreciated.
Over the past 39 years, a total of 1,327 schools have been conducted. Collectively, the program has reached 46,560 youth, parents, and volunteer leaders, and it represents 3,790 teaching days, for a total of 30,320 teaching hours. There have been 230 different college students (179 female, 51 male) who have served as instructors in the program.
Educational Value of Horsemanship Clinics to Youth and Adult Riders
Right from the Start: Safety Awareness for the Next Generation of Livestock Producers
