I wonder, how many parents have heard the plea for a pony or a pet - a quarter horse or a kitten? Leaving behind carefree summer holidays, the clubs, lessons and activity group registrations call to the young and young at heart to become involved.
While the enthusiasm for a pet or new activity is real, there is also a real danger of over-committing. You cannot enter a child into activities, whether football or pony club or music lessons, and take your hands off the process. The most happy and successful involvement for the child will include the adults (parent and/or grandparent) in their lives.
A story this week features Manitoba Ranch Rodeo finals ran at Hamiota where men, women and youths participate in roping and simulated branding events and the like.
Area youth have travelled to the USA for the National High School Rodeo Association – the biggest rodeo ever. Others participate regularly in High School rodeo.
When a young person wants to become involved with cattle showing or horse sports, in particular, the general rule seems to require family involvement to produce the stick-to-itiveness necessary for youth to enjoy taking part.
An upcoming story in the weeks to come will feature a young woman from the Kola-Elkhorn area who has just competed in Calgary, Alberta in a number of hunter-jumper events, doing very well. Again, Jessica Humphries is making news with her English riding, following her mother Jill Humphries footsteps.
Getting into horse sports is thrilling. The necks of horses and ponies have absorbed many a young person’s hugs and tears. However, the commitment, in time, and finances are significant, not to mention the knowledge you need to have. So, be prepared to make it a family focus, if you decide to indulge in a pony for your child or grandchild; or if you decide to enter a 4-H horse program.
There are some tremendous 4-H programs available to help horse-loving youth and a possibility of training in English riding starting up in the area.
There are horse facilities nearby, such as Kings Crossing, that hold training and practice events.
If harness and driving stirs you blood, there are a couple of yearly driving clinics put on by Manitoba Driving Society, as well as a number of heavy horse owners in the area.
Too many ponies are advertised with the information that they were purchased for a child who lost interest in the pony. A sad little equine becomes neglected. Adults have to become involved and help children continue their experience with the pony (or horse). Involvement equals interest.
As a young child of three-years-old I was fascinated with the chore horses in our barn. Old King was a steady-going bay Clydesdale and Beauty, a lively percheron. The thrill of my day was to be seated on top of King as he stood, harnessed in his stall. This is not considered a ‘safe’ activity, but I loved it. One day I was led down the lane, perched like a peanut on the bare back of the big gentle Clyde.
There is no thrill like that of partnering with a horse. However, anyone getting a horse or pony should realize the time and money required for feed, shelter, hoof care and vaccines.
Are you scared to death of horses? But, your child wants one. Bite the bullet, go and see some horse people and seek their advice; or attempt to steer your child to a small-engine 4-H club; or a more likely re-direct would be to adopt a dog or kitten.
