Sean MooreSean Moore

Colfax County Extension 4-H AgentColfax County Extension 4-H Agent

Youth – Fun, Exciting, Love of Horses, Friends,

Competition, Family

“Kids participate because of fun….and stop participating when it stops being fun. (Weiss, 2004)”

Parents/Leaders – Fun, Exciting, Love of Horses, Friends, Competition, Family, Have Success, Learn to Learn, Have a Passion, Life Long Sport

Why

Learn Life Skills –

Ultimately Why

Horse Project is Continuous or Year Round

As a result we have the challenge of trying to prevent burn-out with child and animal

Unique Challenge

First Step

Evaluate where Horse & Rider are at as a Team

SMART = Specific, Measureable, Attainable,

Realistic and Relevant to child, Time Sensitive Set goals that focus on something other than

winning and losing Communication (Rider & Trainer) Organizing/Planning Decision Making

Goal Setting -

Concern for something besides themselves Respect for their partner

Are they in shape for what they are asking? Are they suited for the event they are choosing?

Care, feed, exercise, grooming Nurturing through injury/illnessIN GROUPS Sharing, mentoring, leadership, conflict

resolution

Caring – Giving - Nurturing

A positive relationship with a caring adult An inclusive environment Communication (Horse, Trainer, Family, Riding

Partners) A safe environment Adult role model Social Skills Cooperation

Relating - Belonging

“Teach youth to be internally rather than

externally motivated (Waite, 2008)” Self-responsibility Help young people learn to accept success &

FAILURE “Encourage riders to seek out and be

energized by Challenges (Waite, 2008)” Courage Sportsmanship

Character - Integrity

Opportunity for Mastery With Hard Work can attain goals Teamwork with Trainer, Horse, Riding Group Hopefully kids learn not to quit (resiliency) Self Motivation Marketable Skills Self Discipline Pride

Work Ethic – Hard work

Problem Solving Critical Thinking Decision Making “Recognize and appreciate that everyone

learns differently…horses too! (Waite, 2008)” Audio Visual Kenisthetic

Learning to Learn

Success by reaching attainable goals Opportunity for Mastery-even if small or baby

steps Independence

Working on skills at home Opportunity for self determination

“Deliver positive, specific, contingent feedback to youth and horses (Waite, 2008)”

Find or make more opportunities

Confidence – Self-Esteem

If Parent & Coach (not always ideal) be Parent

first Children need unconditional support from at

least one adult Recognize and talk up efforts of youth rather

than wins and losses, placings, or ribbons

Confidence – Self-Esteem Continued

The backbone of why kids choose horse

project Make sure time to play and socialize Stress Management Do something different for horse & rider Managing Feelings Keep a perspective

Having Fun

www.myhorseuniversity.com

Click on Resources, then webcasts, then archived webcasts

Edgette, Janet S., “Heads Up!”, 1996 Breed Associations NMSU “Brand News” contact

jlturner@nmsu.edu Other Universities

References/Resources