UK 4-H horse program to host day-with-a-trainer clinic

The University of Kentucky's 4-H horse program will host its first "Kicking and Screaming: A Day with a Trainer" clinic 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 20 at the L.D. Brown Exposition Center in Bowling Green.

In what is expected to be an annual event, attendees will be taught techniques to improve respect, behavior and other common training problems many horse owners face. The featured speaker will be well-known clinician Richie Wingfield. Originally from Brownsville, Wingfield has been training horses since the age of 16. He is a John and Josh Lyons certified horse trainer and has experience in a wide variety of riding disciplines.

"We want Wingfield to help people understand the foundations that are necessary for training and working with horses, even from the most basic levels," said Fernanda Camargo-Stutzman, UK extension horse specialist.

The program will offer a chance for senior 4-H'ers who have a horse with a behavior or training problem to get hands-on instruction for dealing with that problem. Senior 4-H'ers will be given the opportunity to submit a short essay describing the behavior or maneuver problem they are concerned about. Five applicants will be chosen from the essays and allowed to bring their horse for one-on-one training as a demonstration with Wingfield during the afternoon portion of the clinic. Each of the chosen applicants and their families will also receive up to four free tickets to attend the event.

"Since this is the first year, we're anticipating a turnout of around 200 people," said Camargo-Stutzman. "We really want to encourage people involved in all disciplines to attend. It's not just for 4-H members."

     The event is open to all adults and youth in and around the state of Kentucky. However, only 4-H members can apply to bring their horses. The cost for the event is $10. Advance registration is not required. There will be a concession stand open for the convenience of attendees. Major sponsors for this event include the Kentucky Equine Education Project and the Kentucky Horse Council.

For more information on the clinic, visit www.uky.edu/Ag/4hhorse/ or contact Fernanda Camargo-Stutzman at fernanda.camargo@uky.edu or 859-257-7525. 4-H members interested in submitting an essay can send it to: Dr. Fernanda Camargo-Stutzman, 610 W.P. Garrigus Building, University of Kentucky Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Lexington, KY 40546-0215.

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