COLUMBIA, Mo. –Forty youths from across Missouri traveled to Nebraska, Wyoming and Colorado to learn more about equine careers May 20-26 on the University of Missouri Extension 4-H Equine Tour, said Maria Calvert, MU Extension state 4-H agriculture educator.

Stops included the Pony Express Museum in St. Joseph, Bureau of Land Management Wild Horse Facility and the Haythorn Ranch in Elm Creek, Nebraska, and Cheyenne Frontier Days in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Youths had the opportunity learn about equine opportunities at the University of Wyoming in Laramie. The group also visit Vee Bar Ranch in Laramie, Colorado State University and Ryan Rushing Performance Horses in Fort Collins and Schwartzenberger Performance Horses in Longmont. One morning of the trip, the group set out on a trail ride through the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Estes Park, Colorado. To wrap up the trip, the tour visited Remount Veterans Equine Therapy, Mark Reynor Therapeutic Riding Stables in Colorado Springs, Westernaires in Golden and the Colorado Horse Park for the spring Hunter/Jumper Show.

As a result of this trip, most of the youths responded they have more knowledge of careers in the equine industry and want to further their educational opportunities in the equine industry, Calvert said. Participants also shared they are seeking to learn more about agriculture, feel they are educated consumers of agricultural products, are comfortable sharing their knowledge of agriculture with others, feel they are an advocate for the agriculture industry and are seeking a career in agriculture. Likewise, they feel the program gives them the opportunity to explore something they really care about and are passionate about and motivates them to learn more about the topic. One youth elaborated, saying, “With a better understanding of the opportunities within the equine industry, I hope to take back the knowledge for a greater advocacy for our sport.”

Programs offered by Missouri 4-H would not be possible without support from our partners. Major support for Missouri 4-H agriculture programs is provided by the Missouri 4-H Foundation in partnership with Ballenger Propane, Corteva Agriscience, FCS Financial, MFA Foundation, Missouri Association of Meat Processors, Missouri Farm Bureau Federation, Missouri Holstein Association, Missouri Soybean Association, National 4-H Council, Safety National, Eunice Campbell and Dr. Robert E. “Bud” Hertzog.

About Missouri 4-H

Missouri 4-H grows today’s youth and prepares tomorrow’s leaders. With a blend of time-tested traditions and innovative hands-on learning, Missouri youth explore and find their spark in programs ranging from agriculture and conservation to aerospace and career development. Through clubs, programs, camps, in-school and after-school experiences, University of Missouri Extension faculty, staff and thousands of volunteers guide youth in developing essential skills, building confidence and fostering connections. Together, they inspire young people to make a real difference in their communities, their country and the world. To learn more about Missouri 4-H, visit 4h.missouri.edu.

Photo

https://extension.missouri.edu/sites/default/files/legacy_media/wysiwyg/News/photos/20240621-equine-1.jpg

The 2024 Missouri 4-H Equine Tour group in Estes Park, Colo.