4-H trained wild horse yearlings available for adoption
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BLACKFOOT, Idaho – Over the past 10 weeks, University of Idaho 4-H’ers from around eastern Idaho have worked hard to train and prepare their wild horse yearlings. This weekend, they finally get to showcase the results of their work.
On Sunday, Sept. 3, at the Eastern Idaho State Fairgrounds in Blackfoot, 4-H’ers aged 14-18 will demonstrate how skilled the young horses have become as they navigate a trail course that will include stepping over logs, backing through a narrow log path, and loading into a horse trailer.
The partnership between the University of Idaho Extension 4-H Youth Development program and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has grown in popularity since its inception in 2009. “The expansion of our partnership into eastern Idaho has been very successful these past few years," said Challis Wild Horse Specialist Kevin Lloyd. "Its benefits are truly twofold: helping to increase awareness of the BLM’s wild horse adoption program while instilling horsemanship and life skills in the 4-H youth of the Gem State.”
On Sept. 4, 4-H’ers will perform demonstrations and conduct a Q&A. Finally on Sept. 9, these trained yearlings will be available for adoption by competitive bid at the Fair beginning at 3 p.m. The adoption will be preceded by the 4-H’ers performing freestyle routines.
Seven different clubs participated in training the yearlings: Wild Bunch 4-H from Teton County, led by Chris Miller; Trail Blazers 4-H from Fremont County, led by Linda Clark; Ghost Riders 4-H from Madison County, led by Julie Kimpel; Silver Spurs 4-H from Jefferson County, led by Sue Walker; Country Kids 4-H from Bonneville County, led by Anne York; Silver Spurs 4-H from Bingham County, led by Camille Shupe; and Wrangler Riders 4-H from Bingham County, led by Katie Tomazin.
Since 2009, over 268 horses have been adopted and $22,000 raised for 4-H clubs in southwestern and eastern Idaho.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.