Acrobatic dogs, leaping horses and homegrown cattle were all showcased at the Thunderin’ Hooves 4-H Club Achievement Day May 21.
Members of the Athabasca-based club displayed the results of their months of work as part of the 4-H Club at the Iceberg Arena south of Colinton. The displays included demonstrations of dog obedience training, horse riding, cattle raising and mixed martial arts, according to club general leader Jodi Bourne.
The event is a way to showcase the achievements of members of the club over the past year, Bourne said.
“The whole idea of the day is to show off what the kids have learned all year and take pride in their work,” Bourne said. “Hopefully, a sense of pride, a sense of achievement, realizing how far they’ve come with their animals.”
Koal Giberson performed alongside his dog Maple during an agility demonstration at the achievement day, where club members would try to guide their dogs through an obstacle course.
“It was really fun,” Giberson said about the demonstration. “A bit intimidating because I didn’t know how people would react, but I think it went pretty well.”
Kimberley Burchill rode her horse Ritz in a jumping demonstration during the achievement day. She said there are many hours that go into training a horse to leap over hurdles.
“It’s a lot of hours spent with your horses, slowly training your horse, getting them used to jumps,” Burchill said.
She added it was enjoyable to get to show off to her fellow club members at the achievement day.
“It’s pretty awesome. We get the chance to show other members what’s offered in equine and different kind of activities we do,” she said.
Bourne said the club leaders take pride in the progress the kids have made over the course of the year.
“How hard they work and how well they do today,” Bourne said of why the leaders take pride in the club members. “How they cope with horses bucking and dogs being out of control and they learn. It’s just awesome to watch the progression.”
