We kicked off the month with our annual TAMU Horsemanship Clinic on June 5 and 6 at the Blanco County Fairgrounds Arena. Instructors Amy and Alyssa came to help us out with our horsemanship skills and we had a blast doing it. A total of 22 riders participated.

The first day focused on side passing, two tracking, and roll backs. The second day focused on lead changes and techniques for speed events. One of the favorite games we played was “Aggie Says” and the long trot game, where you try to keep from being passed. Amara Yachimski and her new horse, Pie, excelled at “Aggie Says,” while Kendra Smith and Paint were the toughest to pass. When we weren’t mounted, we learned more about bits and bridles, horse safety, and theft prevention. Overall, we had a fantastic time both on and off our horses. We appreciate the many supporters that donated our meal items and the folks that kept things running smoothly.

On June 16 and 17, we headed to Gonzales for the District 10 4-H Horse Show. Speed events were held on the first day. Kendra Smith, Lydia Yachimski, Rilee Whittington-Moser, PJ Pickett, and Elizabeth O’Day participated in the speed events. PJ made it to the top 10 on barrels as did Busy on poles. Halter, showmanship, horsemanship, and pleasure classes were held on the second day with Amara Yachimski, Avery Klepac, Leighton Klepac, and Rilee Whittington-Moster participating. Rilee came in 4th in Grade Geldings; Avery was 3rd in Western Horsemanship; and Leighton came in 2nd in both Yearling Halter Filly and Yearling Longe Line Futurity. Congratulations to all participants!

Then we were off to the District 10 4-H Leadership Lab hosted in Brownwood on June 22-24. A total of eight HCS members attended for some “extreme fun”. The first day, we were challenged with the Power Pole, the Swing, and Zip-lining. When it came to dinner, we were challenged again with Extreme 4-H Dining, which made for an interesting experience and a lot of fun.

Next, we attended a dance that lasted until 12 midnight. With no rest for the weary, we were up and at ‘em again early the next day for Crab Soccer, Human Foosball, Leaky Pole, and Water and Land Relay Races. We then attended a banquet held for the incoming District 10 officers. But the day wasn’t over; we competed in 4-H Idol and then enjoyed another dance. The next morning, we reluctantly packed our things and headed for home, wondering what exciting things would be offered next year! If you missed it this time, you definitely want to be there next year. It was not only a lot of fun, but we got a chance to challenge ourselves and work on our team building skills. We all came back knowing more about ourselves and each other.

We finished off the month by heading to Fort Worth for the AjPHA Horse Judging competition. Our team consisted of Kendra Smith, Amara Yachimski, Lydia Yachimski, and Avery Klepac. We left early, early in the morning, but the lack of sleep and long drive were well worth it. While our team did not bring home any trophies or ribbons this time, we had an experience of a lifetime. We did place within the top ten in 7th place in the Junior Division. A total of 59 teams participated. Congratulations to Kendra Smith for her impressive 9th place overall position individually in the Junior Division! We had a fantastic trip and hope to go back again next year.

Lastly, congratulations to Kendra Smith and Paint, who attended AjPHA to compete in the speed events. They are your 2009 Stake Race Reserve Champions. But we’ll let her proud momma tell you more about that.

Stay tuned for more news! July is another busy month for us and we’ll report back on those activities soon.

If you are interested in learning more or joining the Hill Country Spurs 4-H Club, please contact our incredible club leaders Traci Smith (512-626-0098) and April Klepac (830-833-4638 or 830-385-1404). You may also visit our website at www.HillCountry Spurs.org. We have many updates pending, so check back often to see what’s happening!