At the state 4-H Horse School were (l-r) "Chip" and Ellie Lindsey; Debbie Merkert, horse club leader; Carly Cosby and "Cody." Carly Cosby and Elli Lindsey, Wilkes County 4-H Horse Club members, attended the recent Horse School camp June 18-22 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry, Georgia. There were over 100 young people involved as participants or youth leaders from all over the state. Wilkes County UGA Cooperative Extension Agent Rick Smith was involved as a group leader and horse club head Debbie Merkert participated as an adult volunteer.

Elli and Chip, a quarter horse; along with Carly and Cody, a paint horse; were the Wilkes County youth involved.

The horse school program is sponsored annually by the UGA Animal Science and Cooperative Extension departments. Included in the program are the equestrian disciplines of Hunter Under Saddle, Contest Events, Western Pleasure, Saddle Seat, Reining, and Jumping. Participants ride twice daily with professional instructors and UGA equine specialists conduct morning and afternoon seminars on horse care, horse shoeing, training, history, tack, and grooming. The culmination of the week is a demonstration program of the riding skills the youth have learned which is performed for parents and visitors.

The campers were housed at the Holiday Inn in Perry, had all their meals served at the fairgrounds, and attended a swimming party at the hotel. They are responsible for the care of their horse partners during the event and learn to function as team with the other participants. There is usually a waiting list to attend the horse school and so it is an honor to be chosen to participate. The application is extensive and students must have recommendations to be considered.

Carly and Elli and their horse partners were chosen over many applicants and were excellent representatives of Wilkes County. They report that they enjoyed their time at Horse School immensely.