Horse Trainer Toby Lapp Donates his time to the Hodge Podgers 4-H Club

This year the Hodge Podgers 4-H club had their first meeting on December the 16^th 2012, and it started off with a workshop on the ground worked needed for young horses.

 

My 4-H club had the honor of having one of Idaho’s best horse trainers Toby Lapp giving of his time and knowledge to educate our club in the basics and importance of the ground work needed to have a respectful and disciplined horse.

 

Toby Lapp worked with three horses at different stages, all of which were not very far along.

 

 

The first horse Mr. Lapp worked with was a pony that had never been touched (wild) not even to have a halter put on. By the time he was done with the pony; it was haltered, leading, obeying every command that Mr. Lapp asked of her, and as cool as a cucumber not at all the animal that had to be unloaded into the pen straight from the trailer.

the yellow flag was used to rub the horses

 

 

The second was another pony that was spoiled would not lesson could be rode but only for a short time and then as Haden but it, “it was the most stupid pony ever”. On this pony Mr. Lapp worked on desensitizing, and sensitizing. With this pony it took a while but it to came around.

 

 

The third was my horse Windy; she was halter broke, could be lead, her feet have been messed with and I had started working a little with the lunge line. Windy has a mind of her own, strong willed, and this was the first trip in the horse trailer in three years. When dad went to get her out of the trailer I was not sure what would happen Windy had never seen a horse barn or been in one. Coming through the door you could tell she was a little worried ( no wreck yet) dad lead her to the pen; Mr. Lapp ask dad what her story was and dad said she had a mind of her own, and he had little to no time to work with her. With Windy Mr. Lapp went through the first two steps that he had on the pony’s just to make sure what stage Windy was at and said that each of the steps should be done every time you work with your horse.  

 

One of the most interesting things that I learned was how to help my horse to release the feel good endorphin and that when a horse head is below their withers it is releasing those endorphins and when their head is above the withers it is stressed and not thinking very well and you do not have their attention.

Toby Lapp has trained horse for 17 years; Starting to Finish Work, Cutting, Reining, Roping to Barrel Racing and Arena to Trail horses. If you need a trainer here is Toby Lapp telephone number you will be glad you called ( 208-212-3315)

 

I love Toby Lapp training mothods they are done in a humane and respectful way with the horse; I can't believe the difference in Windy.

 

 Thank Your Mr. Lapp!  

 

 

4-H 2012 A Year In Review

2012 was a long year starting in January  with the 2011 4-H Western National Round Up In Denver Colorado.It was a non stop year, and before I new it the 2012 year came to a close. I love 4-H and it is hard to believe I am starting my 9th year; I guess time truly flies bye when you are doing something you love to do.

My goal when I started 4-H was to do the best that I could and only take projects that I was truly interested in, This year was a great year for me, I worked hard and as a result I was honored to received the following Certificates of Achievements for; Top Gaining 4-H market Beef, Outstanding 4-H Beef Project, Champion Registered Cow/Calf Pair, Outstanding 4-H Red Angus Breeding Project, the Magic Valley Cattle Association Award, 4-H Horse Cart Class Reserve Champion, Top Horse senior Record Book, Top Senior Horse Showmanship, Grand Champion Horse Showmanship, Top overall 4-H Horse project, Best County Horse Oral Presentation, Top District Horse Presentation, Top District Public Speaking Presentation, Second Overall District Senior  Presentation, Best Livestock Judging Project, Top Senior Livestock Judging team ( Lincoln County), First Place Overall Judging team FCS skills Contest, FCS Skills Contest Highest Senior Judge, Best Modeling Project, Top Modeling Project Model, Advanced Quilting, Advanced Consumer & Family Science , Citizenship, Leadership & Personal Development, and Best Overall Senior Non Animal Project. 

As I find myself closer to the end of my time in 4-H I want to state that my Heart belongs to the Beef and Agriculture Industry. These last few years I will work to pass the love and knowledge of Beef  and Agriculture Industry to the younger 4-H members, before heading off to College to pursue my dream of being an active member of the Beef Industry.

My 2012 Trip To The Western National Roundup

First I would like to thank all my sponsors; without your support my trip would not have been possible, THANK YOU.
I would now like to say Congratulations to all the Winners in each of the competitions you all did an out standing job; and it was my pleasure to meet all of you.
To all of you who worked so hard to make the Leadership Across America Western National Roundup  possible THANK YOU. I had a great time,  learned a lot and I hope to make it back next year.
To all my Family and Friends thank you for being there for me.
To all my reader I would like to say if you ever get the chance to go to a National competition Go! The experience will make you stronger and more self confident in every part of your life.
There were 962 of the best, brightest, most determined and dedicated 4-H and FFA members from 35 States and Canada at this year Western National Roundup.
 Needless to say I did have a great time; the workshops put on by Brand Lee White were outstanding, the food was great and the competition was extremely tough. I competed in the National Original Speech contest and place 4th and in the National Fashion Revue and placed 5th I received a ribbon for both. I can not wait to compete at this level again.
Now about the FUN during this event there was a pin swap, a dance, dinners, and workshops, as well as you had free time to enjoy National Western Stock Show and all that Denver has to offer.

State Photo

National Speech 4th place and National Fashion Revue 5th

My sponsors

This was the best I loved seeing all the action

Had a great time at the National Western Stock show

Style Revue

Girls just want to have fun

I had a great time

Meet my 2011 Steers

 Well it is still raining here and it seems that the mud just keeps getting deeper. Just the other day we had wind, rain, snow, freezing rain and by the end of the day we had blue sky's and sunshine. Maybe that is the first sign of spring.

Weigh-in for my county has come and gone so here is a look at my 2011 Market Beef Project .

 My steer for 2011 are all different weights and frame styles this year; I am hoping that they don't all fall into the same weight class when our Fair rolls around.

As you can see all three are a little muddy; but they are healthy, happy, and they love to eat.
When the rain stops my steers will get their first bath, I am hoping it will be this weekend. So for now I just wait.

Just a reminder; with wet cold and changing weather that in a blink of an eye your animals can get sick so keep a close eye on them and watch for illness.

How is The Weather!

   Well how is your Winter going? I sure do wish Spring would get here.
    My Steers are leading now. If it would warm up  and melt all the snow and ice; I would be working on my show-ring skill and setting them up.
    I hope all of you are getting a break from the snow storms and will be getting some nice sunshine soon.
    Just six more week of winter I hope; stay warm and pray for Sunshine.

2010 District III Style Revue Contest

I had a great time at the District Style Revue this year; everyone did a great job. The Style Revue was held at the Wilson Theatre in Rupert Square, Rupert Idaho.
We were scored on; Posture and poise,well groomed appearance, Modeling of Outfit,Garment Presentation, Garment Construction,Pattern appropriate for Model, Fit of Garment, Choice of accessories, Color a Attractive on model, and effect of undergarments.

Thank You to All that work so hard to make the Style Revue A Great Contest and Give so Freely of their Time.
 

Here are a few pictures of the Contest.