The Graysville 4-H Light Horse and Pony Club celebrate 50 years of equine love in 2024.
In 1974, community members created the local club to offer the local youth another way to grow through hands-on learning. 4-H offers numerous programs for young people to participate in, each helping them grow in leadership, responsibility, community, and practical skills related to the nature of their program.
In this case, the Graysville 4-H Light Horse and Pony Club’s members learn about horses and how to properly care for them, along with life skills through activities like grooming, riding, showing, and more. Group leader Lindsay Hoffman said the 4-H motto ‘Learn to do by doing’ reflects the club’s focus on “experiential learning”.
“4-H also has an emphasis on community on community and teamwork among members, encouraging them to participate in community service projects,” she said. “This helps build confidence and develop lifelong skills. 4-H is known for its focus on leadership development, encouraging members to take on roles that require them learn new skills, to lead projects and mentor younger members.”
4-H members also have to participate in a mandatory communications element that allows them to build on their public speaking and communication skills, something Hoffman deems essential for “building leaders who can effectively share their ideas and inspire others.”
Though there aren’t many, if any, documents dating back to the original Light Horse and Pony Club, Hoffman said it’s varied in registration numbers over the years. This year, the club has 13 members; in some years, it has reached more than 30 members. In the 50 years of the club’s history, members have participated in things like workshops, trail rides, competitions, and most memorably, the annual musical ride. Practiced during the club’s regular lessons and meetings, they performed the musical ride at fairs and on Achievement Day.
“Many past members fondly recall the event and the coordinated uniforms that were worn for the performances,” said Hoffman.
She said Several Graysville 4-H Light Horse and Pony Club members have gone on to participate in and excel in rodeos after leaving the club.
The current club meets once a month from fall to spring. At the monthly meetings, members learn how to host a meeting with motions and voting and are responsible for electing and acting as a governing body. Throughout the year, they also participate in educational clinics and tours. In May and June, the club has weekly riding lessons, and in July, they participate in the Open 4-H Horse Show at the Carman Country Fair and then have their annual three-day horse camp.
At the camp, club members ride, learn, and have fun together, then wrap up the season with Achievement Day, which is on Aug. 2 at 1 p.m. this year. All are invited and encouraged to attend the club’s achievements to see the skills riders have learned throughout the year.
“One of the most special things about our club is how it’s become such a big part of our community,” said Hoffman. “Many of today’s members are the children and grandchildren of the original members, which is just amazing. It shows the lasting impact of the club and the strong bonds we’ve built over the years.”
She added that the club is incredibly proud of its 50-year history and excited about its future. Hoffman thanks everyone involved with the club, past and present, pinning their commitment as the driving force behind its success.
Membership in the club is open to anyone. Registration happens every September, and those new to horses and eager to learn more about them are encouraged to join. Hoffman said the Graysville 4-H Light Horse and Pony Club has several members without their own horses, too, and members of all skill levels are welcome.
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