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We
may each interpret events differently, but there are important lessons
in the histories of Richard Nixon, the Gulf of Tonkin Incident or the
Cuban Missile Crisis. To wander a little further afield, current world
events cannot be fully interpreted without some awareness of the history
of Islam or the post-war creation of the country of Israel.
There’s
an old joke that we want smart kids because they will be selecting our
nursing homes for us. But we should also be concerned about a person who
thinks the Civil War was fought in the 1920s has a vote just like you
and me.
So,
what can we do? There are political considerations; of course, we can
gnash our teeth over a culture where more attention is paid to Brittany
Spears than to economic issues. But I think we can have our greatest
impact in our homes. I have suggested before parents and grandparents
who demonstrate a love of learning will have children who follow that
model. Those parents who mock education or make fun of those who are
educated will have children who do the same.
There
are many very simple things parents and families can do: turn off the
television, review your child’s homework and grades with them, have
books and magazines in your home and read to your child from an early
age. If you want to really challenge your child to learn, make sure they
are exposed to an array of experiences through travel and through
meeting people who see the world differently from them. Dare your child
to dream great dreams, and give them the tools to achieve those dreams.
Take
a look at some of the things going on with 4-H and horses. The Alabama
4-H Horse Program has continued to grow the last few years. Today, there
are more opportunities for 4-H horse enthusiasts to participate in
across the state. The goal of the 4-H horse program is make resources
available for both youth and adults by utilizing equines and the equine
industry. This program is designed to provide youth with hands-on
learning experiences to promote a sense of belonging and mastery. 4-H
volunteers are in high demand to serve as mentors in supporting youth
and adult partnerships. This is a chance for individuals of different
ages and experiences to come together to learn from one another. Over
the last 3 years, three events have been added to the Alabama 4-H Horse
program: Alabama 4-H Master Horseman’s Clinic, 4-H Horse-N-Around Show
& Educational Clinic and the Alabama 4-H Horse Judging Camp.
The
Alabama 4-H Master Horseman’s Clinic is important in promoting equine
education and safety. On December 8, 2007, 49 youth and adults attended
a variety of workshops to further their equine knowledge. Workshop
topics included nutrition, reproduction, analyzing equine gaits
(biomechanics) and preventative horse care. A tour of the Auburn
University (AU) College of Veterinary Medicine was the" kick
off" to the day and all the educational workshops were conducted at
the Veterinary College.
In
conjunction with the workshops, riding lessons for 4-H youth were
conducted at the Auburn University Horse Unit with the Equestrian Team
coaching staff. Riders from beginner to advanced levels were able to
further their horsemanship skills working with horses hands-on. The AU
Horseman’s Club hosted an Equine Jeopardy game as a fun way to wrap up
the day to focus on what took place in the educational workshops.
The
2008 4-H Horse-N-Around Show & Educational Clinic introduces young
equestrians and horse lovers to the 4-H Horse Project and allows them to
prepare for participation in the "4-H State Horse Show" while
having fun in the process. This event takes place in Fayette at the new
Fayette County Multi-Purpose Complex. Planned events will cover a wide
range from educational events (non-riding) to Western and English riding
and includes clinics for horse judging, horse quiz bowl and natural
horsemanship techniques. A very unique feature of this show will be the
format of the judging. The judge offers critique and coaching as in a
clinic format in order to enhance the learning experience of both the
riders and the spectators.
The
Alabama 4-H Horse Judging Camp will be held on June 12th-14th at the AU
College of Veterinary Medicine and AU Horse Unit. The focus of this camp
will be to educate youth and adults on how to evaluate horses in a
variety of performance disciplines. Youth and adults will be divided
into beginner and intermediate/advanced levels. This is a neat way to
teach youth about decision making, organization, public speaking and
other life-building skills by using the horse as the educational tool.
For
more information please contact Kirsten Holt, 4-H Regional Extension
Agent, at the Lee County Extension Office 334-749-3353.
James Shropshire is
the Alabama 4-H Regional Extension Agent for the Central Alabama Region.
E-mail him at
shropja@aces.edu.
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