Hello Horse Project Families.
We are aware that you have been patiently awaiting being paired with a buddy. Horseless Horse Buddy roles are 100% volunteered based. We recruit from within the project and to the surrounding communities. We do what we can. Sometimes we are successful and can pair everyone and sometimes we cannot.
If you are receiving this email we currently have not had the ability to pair you with someone at this time. Please note you are not the only one. There were a total of 12 members that needed to be paired this year.
Yes, we do have volunteers however, based on the criteria and information members have provided to us there is not a match at this time. There are a number of factors that come into play such as distance which tends to be the leading factor in addition to discipline and desire to show at the fair.
Please note that like any sport a fair amount of time is required to become knowledgeable and skilled. In addition, throw in a living and breathing animal into the mix who has their own brain. Therefore this requires a relationship to develop between horse and rider in order to be able to compete. A horse never lies and will always tell on a rider.
With that said, the pool of buddies that I do have does not meet the three criterias above listed by members. If you are currently in a relationship and are working with someone with horses I highly recommend striking up a conversation with them. Explaining you are in 4-H have a desire to compete at the fair and would like to know if there is an opportunity with them to help your child meet their 4-H Horse Project goals. It is far easier to work with someone you already have a relationship with versus us trying to find a buddy.
Yes, we know the May 1 deadline is fast approaching for turning in your horse id sheets for the fair. If you are a first year member in the project, my two cents is don't sweat it. Get your feet wet first and get comfortable. We also have a pre-fair which your youth can participate in as well. Pre-Fair is the dress rehearsal for the fair that happens at the end of July. It is far more laid back and not as many deadlines. In addition, we have our open horse show too.
The following are the pool of buddies that I have available. If you are willing to be paired with any of them please let me know. Some are open to more than one individual. Most will only take on one member.
ANTIOCH, IL
Riding Discipline: English and Western - English is her forte
Show Experience: Yes
Exhibit at Fair: Not this year, possibly next year
Comments: I have older horses that could use some extra TLC from 4H kids and where they can learn about taking care of an older horse. Next year I will have horses available to show at the fair. I was in 4H myself and absolutely loved it so I want to do what I can to help spread the joy of being in 4H. I currently have a family run horse farm business.
KANSASVILLE, WI
Riding Discipline: Western, trail riding and some show
Show Experience: Yes
Exhibit at Fair: Maybe
WADSWORTH, IL
Riding Discipline: Western and English Show Experience: Yes Exhibit at Fair: Yes
CAPRON, IL
Riding Discipline: English, hunter/jumper Show Experience: Yes Exhibit at Fair: Yes
BRIGHTON, WI
Riding Discipline: English, dressage Show Experience: Yes Exhibit at Fair: Yes
Thank you for your patience and I hope this email has brought a greater understanding on how this process works. It is not a numbered waiting list. It is all based on criteria and logistics. Warm Regards, JoDee