mmccolm@valleypublishinginc.com 

MONTE VISTA - For approximately 12 youth gathered at the Ski-Hi Stampede Grounds, on Saturday June 13 beginning at 1 p.m., a day spent learning about horses became much more than a riding lesson. For some, it was their first experience with horses. For one young boy, it meant overcoming fear and finding the confidence to climb into the saddle for the very first time. 

The horse clinic was made possible through a partnership between the Colorado State University San Luis Valley Area Extension Office, La Pasadera: A Fresh Direct of America Program and the Gonzales Family Ranch. 

Leading the event were CSU Extension 4-H Juntos Youth Specialist Carol Gurule and CSU Extension 4-H Youth Specialist Mollie Wells, who worked alongside Mayra McKibbon of La Pasadera and Gonzales Family Ranch with owners Kassie and Fernando Gonzales to provide youth with a hands-on learning experience centered around horsemanship, and agricultural education. 

Throughout the day, participants learned essential horse care and handling skills while working directly with horses under the supervision of experienced instructors. Each youth was paired with a horse that matched their size and experience level, creating a safe and comfortable learning environment. 

One of the highlights of the clinic was watching participants work directly with the horses under the guidance of Kassie and Fernando Gonzales. Youth learned how to properly groom horses, safely handle lead ropes, gently lift and clean hooves and guide horses through a variety of exercises. 

As participants practiced leading their horses, Kassie Gonzales emphasized the importance of proper positioning and handling techniques. 

"We're always going to lead from our left side," Gonzales instructed participants. "We're going to lead from our left side, we're going to stop from our left side, and we're going to go from our left side." 

She demonstrated how handlers should remain beside their horses rather than directly in front of them and encouraged youth to confidently guide the animals. 

"So, we're going to look wherever we want to go, and they're going to follow you," Gonzales told participants as they practiced leading their horses around the arena. 

Kassie also reminded participants to remain along the fence line while practicing and encouraged them to speak up whenever they needed assistance. 

Throughout the exercises, youth learned how to safely stop, turn and guide their horses while maintaining control of the lead rope. They were also taught how to keep proper spacing between horses, an important safety skill when working in groups. 

Fernando Gonzales reinforced safety practices throughout the clinic, encouraging participants to ask questions and seek help whenever needed. 

He reminded youth to remain calm and confident around horses, explaining that horses are highly aware of human emotions and body language and can often sense fear or panic. 

As the clinic progressed, many of the youth became noticeably more comfortable around the animals. What may have seemed intimidating at the beginning of the day gradually transformed into confidence as participants learned to communicate with and guide the horses through a variety of exercises. 

One young boy who initially appeared nervous around the horses experienced one of the day's most memorable moments. With encouragement from instructors and volunteers, he eventually overcame his fears and successfully rode a horse for the first time. 

Participants learned that horsemanship involves much more than riding. Instructors emphasized responsibility, patience and proper animal care, teaching youth how to groom horses correctly, care for their hooves and safely guide them from place to place. 

Another highlight of the clinic was watching experienced youth help encourage beginners. Among the participants was Mollie Wells' daughter Toni, who confidently led her horse through the various exercises and served as a positive role model throughout the day. 

As some participants worked to overcome their nervousness, Toni demonstrated many of the skills being taught and helped show younger riders what could be accomplished through practice and confidence. 

In addition to the hands-on instruction, each participant received a horse-themed educational bag funded through a grant secured by the CSU Extension Office. 

The bags contained a variety of educational materials designed to reinforce what youth learned during the clinic, including a book focused on horse care, handling and riding, a horse-themed coloring book, colored pencils, a horse-themed planner, horse-themed bracelets and a horse keychain. 

The take-home materials provided youth with resources to continue learning long after the clinic concluded while also serving as keepsakes from the experience. 

Throughout the day, food and drinks were provided for participants and their families. 

By partnering with organizations such as La Pasadera and local ranching families like the Gonzales Family Ranch, The CSU Extension continues to provide meaningful educational opportunities that help youth learn, and gain confidence through hands-on experiences. 

For more information on the CSU Extension Office you may visit their website at extension.colostate.edu