by Meghan Brino, Tipton County 4-H
Back in the day, I was that girl–the one who wished for a pony every Christmas but never really believed she’d get one. To my surprise, the years and years of subtle (and not so subtle) cues lent my parents a true change of heart. Now, seven years later, I can honestly say horses have impacted my life in ways I never could have foreseen. For one thing, horses introduced me to 4-H – and it’s been a wonderful ride ever since.
Over the years, 4-H has taught me everything I ever wanted to know about horses – in addition to a few details I probably could’ve lived without. At the annual Horse Bowl and Hippology competitions, which together consist of written exams, live horse judging, and Jeopardy style trivia, I did my best to channel the infinite facts, steadily improving my scores and my placings. Eventually, I graduated from the junior level to become a senior member of the Tipton County team. After studying for months, my fellow teammates and I advanced to state in both events–and, during my last year in competition, I was recognized as the ninth highest scorer in all of Tennessee, a goal I could not have achieved without the time, effort, and dedication I put into and received from 4-H.
However, the club is much more than a yearly knowledge competition. Countless clinics and mock shows, allowing me to practice anything from judging to horsemanship patterns, have molded me into the rider I am today. Representing Tipton County at the annual district 4-H show, I have honed my skills both in and out of the arena. Without fail, my teammates and I returned with top ten placings in dozens of events every year. From the basics of grooming to the nuances of western pleasure and showmanship, both the leaders and members of 4-H have always given me hands-on instruction and constant support, serving as patient and insightful mentors whenever I need them. Together, with the help of 4-H, my fellow members and I have grown exponentially closer, more confident, and more capable over the years.
Nowadays, as a senior in high school, I am subject to the rigors of coursework and the ongoing stress of college prep. I no longer compete in horse shows, and I have not served on the Horse Bowl and Hippology team for several years. However, when it comes to the true love of horses, I know I can depend on my 4-H group to keep me enthusiastic and engaged. While my time has dwindled to Sunday trail rides and Christmas parades, the wonderful friends, parents, and mentors I have met through 4-H still make my experience in the club worthwhile. The years I have spent with the group have truly enriched my life, exposing me to people, events, and, of course, horses that I will never forget. Ultimately, I am indebted to 4-H, for infinitely more reasons than one–and I will be thankful for its place in my life long after my time with it ends.
Anyone from 4th through 12th grade interested in joining 4-H (a horse is not required!) should message the group on Facebook: Tipton County Horse club. Additionally, you may contact either of the club’s leaders, Jo Kirchoff and Matt Adams.
Back in the day, I was that girl–the one who wished for a pony every Christmas but never really believed she’d get one. To my surprise, the years and years of subtle (and not so subtle) cues lent my parents a true change of heart. Now, seven years later, I can honestly say horses have impacted my life in ways I never could have foreseen. For one thing, horses introduced me to 4-H – and it’s been a wonderful ride ever since.
Over the years, 4-H has taught me everything I ever wanted to know about horses – in addition to a few details I probably could’ve lived without. At the annual Horse Bowl and Hippology competitions, which together consist of written exams, live horse judging, and Jeopardy style trivia, I did my best to channel the infinite facts, steadily improving my scores and my placings. Eventually, I graduated from the junior level to become a senior member of the Tipton County team. After studying for months, my fellow teammates and I advanced to state in both events–and, during my last year in competition, I was recognized as the ninth highest scorer in all of Tennessee, a goal I could not have achieved without the time, effort, and dedication I put into and received from 4-H.
However, the club is much more than a yearly knowledge competition. Countless clinics and mock shows, allowing me to practice anything from judging to horsemanship patterns, have molded me into the rider I am today. Representing Tipton County at the annual district 4-H show, I have honed my skills both in and out of the arena. Without fail, my teammates and I returned with top ten placings in dozens of events every year. From the basics of grooming to the nuances of western pleasure and showmanship, both the leaders and members of 4-H have always given me hands-on instruction and constant support, serving as patient and insightful mentors whenever I need them. Together, with the help of 4-H, my fellow members and I have grown exponentially closer, more confident, and more capable over the years.
Nowadays, as a senior in high school, I am subject to the rigors of coursework and the ongoing stress of college prep. I no longer compete in horse shows, and I have not served on the Horse Bowl and Hippology team for several years. However, when it comes to the true love of horses, I know I can depend on my 4-H group to keep me enthusiastic and engaged. While my time has dwindled to Sunday trail rides and Christmas parades, the wonderful friends, parents, and mentors I have met through 4-H still make my experience in the club worthwhile. The years I have spent with the group have truly enriched my life, exposing me to people, events, and, of course, horses that I will never forget. Ultimately, I am indebted to 4-H, for infinitely more reasons than one–and I will be thankful for its place in my life long after my time with it ends.
Anyone from 4th through 12th grade interested in joining 4-H (a horse is not required!) should message the group on Facebook: Tipton County Horse club. Additionally, you may contact either of the club’s leaders, Jo Kirchoff and Matt Adams.
