Rough Riders 4-H Club seeks new members

"The majority of our kids don't (own horses). They just love horses and want to be around them," said leader Christi Scott when describing the Rough Riders 4-H Club, which meets on the second Monday of the month at 6 p.m. at WaterGap Stables in Christiana.

The club, which is currently seeking new members, is led by Christi and her mother, Judi Scott. The program is open to 4-H Club members ages 8 to 18, as well as those in Cloverbuds, a 4-H program for children ages 5 to 8.

Participants do not ride horses or receive riding lessons during club meetings, but they do learn how to groom and care for them. Horse-related crafts and other activities are also featured, along with guest speakers.

Each meeting begins with the reciting of the 4-H Pledge followed by the program. "We go over the parts of the horse and the (equipment) like saddles and bridles. Sometimes we do games with the horses," said Judi, noting that club members recently painted horseshoes and made dreamcatchers out of them.

Club members are also learning grooming and showmanship. "We teach them how to braid and clean the horses really well," said Judi. "They learn how to lead the horses safety and how (to make) the horses look their best."

Field trips are also offered, such as one the group took last year to Gettysburg National Park, where they had an opportunity to go horseback riding.

Judi said that the club has been meeting at the family farm for more than 30 years. "We started out with Chester County Penn State, but we joined the Cecil County, Maryland, 4-H (program)," she noted.

Those interested in joining the club may attend a meeting. The next scheduled event will be on Monday, June 12. Club members are asked to pay a membership fee to join 4-H. "They can decide if they want to join, and we will give them information to sign up through the 4-H website," Judi explained.

Christi said that the horses used in the 4-H Club are the same horses that the family uses to give riding lessons at the farm. The farm also offers equine therapy.

WaterGap Stables is located at 325 Noble Road, Christiana. Those who would like more information about the club may call 610-593-2000 or join the Facebook group "ROUGH RIDERS 4-H WaterGap Stables."