On July 18, 12 Wellington County 4-H members attended their monthly Horse Club meeting at Joanne Milton’s farm in Hillsburgh.
They learned three different skills: reining, sidesaddle and trail obstacles. The teachers demonstrated each topic and explained the process.
First, the club members learned about sidesaddle riding, which is a form of equestrianism. It uses a type of saddle that allows the rider to ride with both feet on the same side of the horse.
Next, they learned about reining which is a western riding competition where the rider guides the horse through different patterns, circles and spins. All the work is done at a canter.
Lastly, they learned about trail obstacles. Trail obstacle courses are when a horse and a rider navigate a series of different obstacles.
The faster a team is, the better they score. The horse usually has to be trusting of the rider because they can be easily spooked.
These lessons were taught as an educational portion of the Wellington County 4-H Horse Club. The next 4-H meeting was on Aug.15.
by Julia Farrell
