Horsin’ Around at the Claremore Expo Center

The horse show encompasses 21 counties in northeastern Oklahoma and will feature approximately 125 youth and 150 horse entries.

While getting her education at Oklahoma State University, Donna Patterson was a member of the Equestrian Club. She loves horses and kids and believes her education has allowed her to truly acquire her dream job. Currently employed by the OSU Extension in Claremore, Donna is an extension educator and organizes 4-H youth development in Rogers County. She is also helping to plan the upcoming Northeastern District 4-H Horse Show.

The horse show encompasses 21 counties in northeastern Oklahoma and will feature approximately 125 youth and 150 horse entries. Those participating will compete in various events, including breakaway roping, tie-down calf roping, barrel racing, pole banding, stakes racing, halter classes, showmanship at halter (English and Western), hunter events, Western pleasure, Western horsemanship, reining and trail. “If you like horses and you like kids, this is an enjoyable event,” says Patterson. “It will have appeal for the entire family, and admission is free.”

The top 10 finishers in each of the scheduled events will qualify to compete June 21 and 22 in the State 4-H Horse Show in Enid, Okla. Qualifiers from the State 4-H Horse Show will move on to compete August 1 through 5 in the Memphis South Regional Horse Show.

The national 4-H organization has clubs across the country that focus on developing youth into responsible, productive citizens. Programs offered by 4-H are designed to involve members in community-based clubs, school enrichment programs and group and individual projects to develop the four H’s represented by the organization: head, heart, hands and health.

Any boy or girl between the ages of nine and 19 are eligible to join a 4-H program. Youth involved in the organization have common interests and should want to learn and get involved in projects and activities with other youth. Members can choose to learn more about anything from bugs, sewing, shooting sports and bicycles to dogs, photography or livestock, including cows, pigs and horses. Members of 4-H may live in any city in the country.

“Each club meeting has an educational portion that focuses on that club’s area of interest, for example, horses,” explains Patterson. “In this case, youth members would learn basic horse care, safety, feeding, health issues and proper training techniques.”

Developing friendships with adults and other youth is one of the greatest benefits of working with a 4-H club area of interest. Club activities provide members with many happy moments, cherished memories and lifelong friendships.

Support the Northeastern District 4-H Horse Show at the Claremore Expo Center on Friday, May 11, and Saturday, May 12. The event will give any family or individual an excellent opportunity to see a 4-H club program at work.

For more inform­­ation, contact

Donna Patterson Oklahoma State University Extension

219 S. Missouri, Rm. B-115, Claremore, OK 74017

(918) 341-2736