Sprouting from youth clubs in the early 1900s, 4-H adopted their familiar cloverleaf logo in 1912 before going nationwide in 1914. Their mission has always been to “develop young people who are empowered, confident, hard- working, determined, responsible, and compassionate – seeing a world beyond themselves so that they have lifelong skills to succeed in college and career.” 4-H believes in learning by doing. The four H’s stand for: Head, Heart, Hands, and Health.

Before meetings, members recite the following pledge:

I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better living, for my club, my community, my country, and my world.

In the case of the Gilpin Archwood 4-H Club, they might want to add a fifth “H” for “Horse.”

On Sunday, June 12, equestrians and equestriennes took part in the annual Cody & Shelby Memorial Horse Show/Gymkhana at Gilpin County Fairgrounds. The first of three in this year’s Buckle Series, participants of all ages competed in disciplines that included Showmanship, Trail, Western Classes, and English Classes. One of the requirements involved backing their horses through a narrow L-shaped pathway which I doubt anyone could negotiate on foot if it were used as a roadside sobriety test.

Gymkhana events were held in the afternoon starting with Poles. Riders weaved their mounts through the tightly-spaced vertical poles that demanded close communication between rider and horse. Barrels followed where three barrels were rounded by riders and steed as quickly as they were able. In Speedball, precision was important in order to bring your horse close enough to a raised traffic cone and drop a baseball into it. Keyhole involved taking your horse at full gallop to inside the keyhole, stopping the animal, making a 180-degree turn without stepping out of bounds, and racing to the finish line.

All ages Above, left; David Bonham and his very patriotic horse. Above, right; Frances and Eli Cabral with fistfuls of well-earned first and second place ribbons. Bottom, left; Kali Audet’s dad Chaz related about Kali, “She likes horses.” PHOTOS BY DAVE GIBSON[/caption]

Charlotte Sutton of Coal Creek Canyon was the youngest participant, competing in all four Gymkhana events. In the 11-13 age group, Hartley Audet and her horse Rio whipped through the barrels with a time of 00:23.72 to take first place. They also took first in Poles and Speedball. Mackimzie McDowell and her horse Zesty dominated the 14-18 class with two first place finishes, a second, and a third. And in the 19+ category, Jasmine Ocken and her horse Hydrive took home three first place ribbons. David Bonham and his horse Jacks 9 won first place in Speedball.

For more information about the Gilpin Archwood 4-H Club, email gilpinarchwood4h@gmail.com.