I have had connections and a passion for our equine friends since I could walk. I got my start with horsemanship by joining 4-H when I was 9 years old. I learned about the necessities and proper care of my horses while competing in western events, English riding, and gaming.

That strong love for 4-H filled my blood, and now I get to share my knowledge with youth in Sheridan County as the NDSU Extension Ag and Natural Resource agent, where I also work with 4-H and youth. That leads me to explain what all this talk about 4-H is.

4-H is delivered by Cooperative Extension in counties all over North Dakota and other states. In 4-H we believe in providing a positive youth development opportunity and empowering our youth to thrive.

As the North Dakota 4-H website says, “4-H provides hands-on, real life experiences through projects, activities, and events. Our program is available to all youth and offered in every county in North Dakota. 4-H is the largest and the only research-based youth organization in the state and is conducted by North Dakota State University Extension.”

The four “H”s stand for head, heart, hands, and health, which are the four values 4-H members work on and are part of the 4-H Pledge. The 4-H motto stands true to my beliefs, “To Make the Best Better.”

Many people think that to be in 4-H, they must live on a farm or own an animal, which is NOT true. ANYONE can join this wonderful organization, there are areas of all interests that a youth can be part of. Next month I will be diving in a little bit deeper and explaining areas of 4-H in more detail. Until next time.