09/26/2021
You might just help change a life by supporting
SPRA in offering the safe experience of horsemanship to the economically challenged youth of Humboldt.šš“āØ
https://www.facebook.com/100044551504588/posts/446110906883956/?sfnsn=mo
I donāt remember a time I wasnāt addicted to horses! But the interest among todayās kids is dwindling, statistics say. Why is this?
Whether due to accessibility, sheer expense, urbanization, over-scheduling, technology and all its attractions, or just fewer willing mentors, the trend should be a concern for any one of us in the horse industry.
At a symposium I attended a few years back, directors from āthe big fourā North American breed organizations were on hand to explain this real concern. Theyāre spending a great deal of time and money, trying to figure out the widespread shrink in their youth divisions. Even at the few local shows these past summers, I was surprised to find senior classes with huge entries, while the youth classes had mere handfuls of kidsā¦
Folks, without these up ānā comers, the future of the horse world looks grim.
As far as general horsemanship goes, a lot of the allure seems to have gone out of it for kids and why, is anyoneās guess. I've got my own theories, for sure. All we can do is start with every single child we meet day to day. Making time for them, encouraging them, listening to their dreams and stories, allowing them to pet our horses, should they ask. Keeping them safe but nurturing their interestā¦
One never knows oneās influence, when it comes to mentoring a child.
