| Wednesday, 03 September 2008 11:59 | ||||
I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better living for my club, my community, my country, and my world.
Welcome to the online home of the Essex County Seahorses! The vision for this group is to offer horse crazy children the ability to learn, grow and experience horsemanship in a FUN, positive, wholesome and educational way. Mission - To take pride in volunteering our resources to the community in a way that positively impacts things we care about. To learn all we can about the horses we love so much. To help develop confident children that embrace horsemanship, leadership and friendship through a colorful journey with the Essex County Seahorses.
About the Essex County Seahorses Our club formed in April 2008 as "Essex County Seahorses" - a horse 4-H club. Years ago in Marblehead, MA - the "Essex County Seahorses" existed as a very successful 4-H horse club - which Salina was part of for years. We decided to bring the name back and form a club that makes as many wonderful memories as it did for her. We have over 30 kids (yes, big group! This requires us to run meetings a bit differently) ranging in age from 5-16. Our club lives in Wilmington, Wakefield, Melrose, Topsfield, Ipswich, Georgetown, Boxford -all the way up to Southern New Hampshire. We feel very fortunate to have such a talented, well-rounded and FUN group of kids.
About our leaders Co-LEADER: Tina O’Connell, Wilmington, MA – Tina grew up riding horses in Sturbridge. She recently got back into horses through her oldest daughter Callie’s passion for riding. Tina and her husband, Tim enjoy raising their 3 girls -Callie (age 10), Tess (age 6) and Elly( age 3) and their horse, Jiminy Cricket. Both Callie and Tess are Seahorse members. Co-LEADER & COACH: Stevie Manos, Horse trainer, Flying Colour Farm based in Kennsington, NH. (flyingcolourfarm.com) Stevie has been involved in horses for over 30 years since her first riding lesson at the age of five. She showed extensively in Florida, until she went off to college, where she received a B.S. in Veterinary Science. She specializes in training and developing young horses and riders for dressage and jumping. Her farm is home to over 30 horses, 2 goats, and many Jack Russell dogs.
Some of the things we have done to date: - Sewing - Cheryl from Unique Equine came and taught the kids to sew custom halter wraps - Dan Kranier, Farrier did a hands-on workshop on the horses foot - Made organic non-bake horse treats - Stevie taught a "Bones of a horse" clinic - Prof Groom (Suzanne Oblom) taught us about this profession (hands-on) - Hobby Night (kids demonstrated one of their many hobbies for 10/15 minutes each) - Cookout/games - Made leather conditioning balm out of beeswax - Topsfield Fair participation/entries/volunteer work/parade - Banner making crafts - Tshirts - Dressage Clinic - Color and Breed Clinic - Visual presentations - 4-H records - Field trip to South Shore Horse Hospital - Equine Affaire - Jumping symposium - Horse gear swap - Vet clinic - Rollerskating party - myopia polo
Horse Project - Learn about horses and related subjects at a level appropriate for your age and experience. List your goals, experiences, activities and accomplishments in a Horse Project Record book. Each year turn in your record book and review the previous year's work. Complete the three record book levels in one to several years. Cumulative Records - Summarize your 4-H activities and experiences over a period of several years in a cumulative record. Competitions are held at the district, state and national levels. Scholarships are awarded to National winners. Horse Bowl - Test your knowledge of horses and related subject matter. Compete in a four-member team against other teams in a friendly atmosphere. Competition is open to everyone! Teams are divided, by age, into Junior, Mixed (Junior and Senior), and Senior Divisions. State winners travel to National competition. Hippology-. This Equine Knowledge Contest tests your knowledge and skills in horse judging, bowls, public speaking, presentations/demonstrations and showing. Competition is open to individuals and four-member teams. The top contest individuals participate in National competition. Community Service Projects – Offer you an opportunity to volunteer in handicapped riding programs or sharing your horse experience with rest home patients /shut-ins. You might participate in Ride-a-Thons as fund raising to help others. Develop your leadership skills by helping to plan and conduct community service projects. Horse Public Speaking - Share your knowledge with others by participating in local, district and state horse public speaking contests. Horse Presentations - Teach others how to do something related to horses by giving an illustrated talk or demonstration. Compete as a team or individual. What interests you? Please be sure to tell us so we can learn together! Essex County T-shirts: We will be placing a new order soon. They are $14/each.
Joining is easy Contact Salina at poniesrus1890@yahoo.com for an intro package. Please note we have had a tremendous response to our club and currently have over 30 members. We are currently holding on new enrollment. Meetings Meetings will be help at the 4-H building at the Topsfield Fair Ground or at Salina's barn. We plan to meet once or twice per month on Monday evenings at 6:00 (and a possible weekend day during winter).
FAQS: How old do you have to be to join? You must be 5 to be recognized as a clover bud. To compete in 4-H horse show events, you must be 8. Can parents stay at meetings? Of course. Can we bring siblings? Yes, we welcome families and will try to offer some sort of craft or activity. Do I have to attend every meeting? No, but we expect you to be at most and remain as a member in good standing. Do I need my own horse? No, our program is not built around you owning your own horse (but we have lots to share). Cost? $50 annual 4-H state fee
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