The Utah State University English Equestrian Team took the opportunity to get involved in the community by volunteering at the Utah 4-H State Horse Judging Clinics in early November. This event invited 4-H members, adults involved in the organization and judges to come learn about judging and riding techniques. 

USU English Equestrian Team coach, Kelli Munns, presented to this group about the English discipline. Team member Libbie Anderson said, “A lot of [the attendees] were western riders, so there were a lot of questions. It was a huge educational experience.”

Anderson demonstrated proper and improper riding techniques as Munns pointed out important differences. She explained that because English riding is less common in the Cache Valley and surrounding areas, the team is working to expand the equestrian community and to educate about the discipline.

One primary purpose of the clinic was to certify judges for Utah 4-H riding competitions.  In explaining this certification, Anderson said, “Not only is it about how [judges] place people, but it’s to make sure that the kids who come to ride are riding safely and taking care of their horses.”

Aurora Quinn, a member of both the USU English and Western Equestrian teams, was able to receive her judging certification at this event. Quinn is a product of the 4-H organization, having been heavily involved in different aspects of it throughout her youth. “This is kind of my way of giving back to the program, by being a judge,” she said.

Quinn explained that part of the English Equestrian Team’s rules of conduct state that the team should be actively involved in the community. It has been effective for the English Team to work closely with Utah 4-H, as it’s partnered with USU Extension and many of the team’s riders were involved with the organization in their youth. Quinn concluded, “We get to represent USU, which is a good thing.”

Writer:Alyssa Stastny, Email: alyssa.stastny@usu.edu

Contact:Alyssa Stastny, Email: alyssa.stastny@usu.edu