Since March, South Carolina 4-H Agents and State Staff have shifted programs and events virtually. In July, SC 4-H hosted their first virtual horse camp for K-5 youth and there were sixty-four participants. An additional camp session will be offered July 27-31 for youth in sixth through twelfth grade.
The participants met daily from 1- 2 p.m. to learn about horses via zoom. Youth learned how to properly halter, groom, and wrap horses’ legs. Along with that, they learned how to clean tack and make homemade horse treats. They enjoyed playing virtual games, which encouraged interaction with other youth. Following their lesson, they received a fun homework assignment to support the lesson and new skills they learned. An example of homework included wrapping a horse’s leg or a table leg to practice the knowledge they gained in the leg wrapping lesson.
They also had the option to create exciting arts and crafts. These activities included making paracord reins, walking paper horses, painting horse brushes, tie-dying leg wraps, along with the fun horse treat recipes. Finally, youth had the option to complete riding assignments with parental permission and supervision to help improve their riding skills. These assignments promote balance, control, strength, and communication between horse and rider.
An additional camp session will be offered July 27-31 for youth in grades 6-12. The deadline to register for this second session is July 22 and youth can be registered by visiting: Horse Camp Registration
Submitted by: Katie Shaw, 4-H Youth Development Specialist
