On December 7th the UConn Extension State 4-H Horse program hosted the Horsin’ In Stride workshop at the Storrs Campus for 4-H members and adults. This is the eighth year the event has taken place. Dr. Jenifer Nadeau and Emily McCabe Alger worked with the State 4-H Horse Advisory Committee to plan and implement the event. Workshop teachers included undergraduate students from UConn’s Equine Science program, UConn’s Animal Science faculty, and 4-H staff.
Kristen Greenwood presented a workshop that keyed in on visual identification of horses through observation of colors and markings. Participants learned color and marking terminology as well as how to communicate visual identification to another person. Sarah Heitzman presented a critically valuable program teaching form-to-function evaluation when selecting an equine for purchase. She also reviewed important information and questions to ask as a prospective buyer. Stephanie Watko presented a workout video designed to teach riders how to increase their balance and fitness level with a concentration on the core muscle groups. A disease workshop was presented by Jen Solter, and taught participants about the signs and symptoms of equine diseases and treatment. Breed Bingo was a fun, family friendly, and inventive workshop presented by Rachel Perkins. The game tested participants’ breed knowledge and taught them fun facts about various breeds of horses. Jessica Barry did a session on horse judging, covering what judges are looking for in the show pen. She also gave participants tips on how to better critically evaluate your own horse and rider performance. Emily and Dr. Nadeau orchestrated the holiday ornament session, where participants learned to engineer a horse ornament that will withstand the test of multiple holidays. Participants also interacted with Dr. Nadeau who happily answered many questions about the UConn Equine Science program.
Participants from New London, Tolland, Hartford, Litchfield, Middlesex and New Haven Counties attended Horsin’ In Stride, and workshops were given in four time slots. Thanks to all of those who attended and we commend the great job done by the undergraduate presenters. Bravo.
Emily McCabe Alger
4-H Program Coordinator