Ethan and Jonathan work with Ethan's horse, Ozzie.

Kathy Lundberg | Contributor

The Washtenaw County 4-H Protege Horse Program pairs experienced teen riders age 13-18 years old with kids interested in horses who are 7-8 years old. The pairs work on horsemanship (learning about horse behavior, care, and handling), grooming (cleaning and brushing), showmanship (handling the horse on the ground with a lead rope), equitation (effective riding skills) and patterns (guiding the horse through a specific sequence of movements).

The entire group of 14 protege pairs meets monthly, and the project culminates with a judged competition at the annual 4 H Youth Fair. The Protege Program had its first ride meet of the year at the Washtenaw County Farm Council Grounds last week. For many of the younger kids, it was the first time out in a big show arena.

Ethan Wagar-Huff, a 14 year old from Whitmore Lake, was once a Protege himself, a few short years ago. He enjoyed the experience greatly, and looked forward to the opportunity to give back to the program that helped him learn to ride and show, as a protege teacher.

Ethan is a member of the Little Britches 4-H Club, led by parents Sherri Wagar and Udo Huff. In addition to riding horses, members of Ethan’s club participate in arts and crafts, gardening, shooting sports, small animal projects and community service projects. Little Britches keep busy!

Jonathan Clark is Ethan’s young Protege student. Jonathan, who lives in Manchester, has been riding horses since he was quite small. His older brother, Alex, participated in the Protege program last year, and now shows Pinto horses.

The Clark boys are part of the On Target 4-H Club out of Manchester, led by Donna Clark. Their club also participates in projects related to lambs, rabbits, trees and many other topics.

Ethan and Jonathan are working with Jonathan’s horse, Ozzie. Ozzie is a kind 16-year-old chestnut-colored  Trakhener gelding. After showing with the Protege program, Ozzie will spend the week at the fairgrounds, competing in English and Western riding, as well as driving classes, with Ethan.

Coordinator Amy Creteau imparts words of wisdom to parents as Teen Horse Leaders instruct Protege pairs and their horses.

Kathy Lundberg | Contributor

Amy Creteau is the Protege Program coordinator, a volunteer position she has capably filled this year. The previous coordinator was Amy’s daughter, Becca Creteau. Becca competed and later volunteered with the Washtenaw County 4-H horse program until her recent graduation from Eastern Michigan University and subsequent relocation. Younger sister Kimber Creteau and friend Stephanie Vontom are 4-H teen leaders who greatly assist with organizing and instructing the Protege teachers.

Protege teachers are 4H club members with at least two years experience as a 4-H equine member and who have expressed interest in teaching a younger 4-H member. The mentor must have a horse or pony who is a suitable partner for the younger child: one who is quiet, knowledgeable and experienced.

Protege teachers and students work with their horses and ponies at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds.

Kathy Lundberg | Contributor

This year, the 4-H Youth Fair will be held July 24-30. The week-long event features the work of more than 800 youth, showing horses, dogs, llamas, rabbits, cats and other animals, as well as artwork, horticulture, crafts and food projects.

Horse Protege’s submit a notebook of their studies and compete in showmanship, equitation rail (along the edge of the arena) and pattern classes, and a fun class at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 24.

4-H is a century-old volunteer organization whose goal is to empower youth to reach their full potential. Nationally, there are more than 6 million youth and adult 4-H members.

4-H is the youth development branch of the U.S. Cooperative Extension System. The Extension is a non-credit educational network providing useful, practical, research-based information. Each State and Territory has an office at its land-grant university and a network of local and regional offices. Our local Michigan State University Extension office is located on Zeeb Road.

Kathy Lundberg is the owner of Scio Church Stables. Email her at scs@sciochurchstables.com.