The Logan County Horse Club in Guthrie is giving young people an opportunity to learn about horses, participate in educational activities and explore 4-H horse competitions, regardless of whether they own a horse. Lizzie Chapa, a Logan County OSU Extension educator, said the club is being restarted to give local youth more opportunities to learn about the equine industry and develop their skills.
Bringing Back the Logan County Horse Club
Chapa said Logan County previously had a horse club, but the program eventually faded away. Since starting her position two years ago, she has wanted to bring the club back to the community. “Logan County had a horse club a long time ago, and it kind of just fizzled out,” Chapa said. “And ever since I started two years ago, I wanted to get it back going.”
The club will focus on helping young people learn about horses while preparing interested members for opportunities through Oklahoma 4-H. “What we’re hoping to get out of this is to take some kids to the district and state horse show that 4-H has to offer, but also have judging teams and quiz bowl teams,” Chapa said.
These activities will give members opportunities to build their knowledge, work as a team and potentially compete in 4-H events.
No Previous Horse Experience Required
One of the goals of the Logan County Horse Club is to make horse education accessible to young people, including those who are new to the subject.
Chapa said members will participate in educational classes covering basic horse knowledge, along with activities designed to help them become more familiar with horses. “We’re going to have some educational classes just talking about basic horse knowledge, and then we’ll go into quiz bowl questions and work on that,” she said.
Members will also have opportunities for hands-on learning. “We’ll do some hands-on stuff, learning the anatomy of a horse on a physical horse, and just a bunch of stuff like that,” Chapa said.
The club does not require members to have previous horse experience, making it an opportunity for beginners to learn alongside other youth interested in the subject.
Youth Can Join Without Owning a Horse
Families interested in the club do not need to own a horse for their children to participate. Chapa said members can take part in educational activities, horse judging and quiz bowl even if they do not have an animal to show. “Absolutely. You don’t need to have a horse to participate in this,” Chapa said. Some horseback activities will be on the schedule.
She emphasized that the club’s educational and competitive opportunities are open to youth who may not have access to their own horses. “But if you don’t necessarily have a horse to show, no big deal. Still come out and join us,” she said.
The club hopes to introduce more young people to horses and give them a way to explore their interests through 4-H.
Membership Open to Children Ages 5 to 18
The Logan County Horse Club is open to a range of ages, including younger children who participate as Cloverbuds and older youth involved in traditional 4-H programs.
Chapa said the club can reach Cloverbud-age children, generally ages 5 to 7, as well as regular 4-H members ages 8 to 18. For families considering joining, Chapa said the initial commitment is simple. “All you need to do is bring yourself,” she said.
Families can get their children signed up for 4-H after attending the first meeting if they decide the club is a good fit. The annual 4-H membership fee is $20, although additional fees may apply for certain contests and activities.
First Meeting Scheduled for October 20
The Logan County Horse Club’s first meeting is scheduled for October 20 in Guthrie. Chapa said the initial gathering will give organizers an opportunity to meet families, introduce some basic horse information and learn what participants hope to gain from the club. “The first meeting, we’re kind of just getting a feel for everybody,” she said.
Organizers also plan to talk with parents and children about meeting schedules and how frequently the group should gather. “Really, just kind of talk with the parents and the kids, see what they want to get out of this,” Chapa said. “This is really just kind of a feeler meeting.”
Families who cannot attend the October 20 meeting can still express interest and learn more about joining. “And if you can’t make it, no big deal,” Chapa said. “Give me a phone call at the office, send me an email. I will gladly talk with you.”
