Loralye Deutsch enjoys raising Pygmy goats with her family.
Submitted photo
Editor’s note: The Daily Reporter will occasionally feature stories written by 4-H members and leaders, sharing about their experiences with the organization. Here, Victoria (Tori) Deutsch of Greenfield shares about horses. Tori is 14 and is in the Cool Clovers 4-H Club.
I’ve always loved anything to do with horses and have always wanted my own horse. When I was 5 years old, I started taking lessons at a local stable. I learned a lot during my two years of riding there; how to brush horses, lead horses, and some basic riding skills. A gentle quarter horse named Tommy helped begin my horseback riding career.
When I was in third grade, I signed up for the 4-H Horse and Pony project, without owning a horse or knowing anyone who would let me lease theirs. My dad and I went to the first club meeting, and the leaders had a horse that I could lease named Blue. My first year showing horses taught me how to care for horses. I did lessons once a week and went to horse practice too. I met some great leaders and made some friends. They taught me most of what I know about horses and always encouraged me. I was also able to ride Blue and carry the American flag in the parade at the fair. I showed Blue in the western classes at the fair, and loped for the first time with him.
When I was in fourth grade, I rode an Appaloosa Gelding named Ollie. I leased Ollie from the family who owned Blue. Ollie taught me many showmanship skills. I also tried the 4-H Mounted Color Guard. I loved carrying a flag and trotting in a pattern. I showed Ollie in the western classes at the fair.
Later that year, I began taking lessons at the same stable where I had originally ridden. I started riding a quarter horse gelding named Moe. I learned how to ride English, bareback, and I also tried reining (which is kind of like herding, without the cows). One time while riding Moe, I fell off. I wasn’t hurt, but it took a while to regain my confidence. Falling off taught me how to overcome fear.
My dream of owning a horse finally came true in February of 2021! After looking at a few horses, I found the perfect one. She’s named Charming Charlie, and she is a Morgan/Arabian mix. Unlike the horses that I had ridden previously, Charlie loves to run. I showed Charlie in the Western and English classes at first, but last year I tried contesting. Contesting includes speed events, like barrel racing and pole bending. I enjoyed it, but it’s not my thing. When I first got Charlie, it took us a while to bond, but we were besties by show day. I soon learned how much work it is to own a horse. There are lots of chores, time, patience, and perseverance involved. I also discovered life lessons through horse ownership, like responsibility, setting goals, and I learned how to give grace to Charlie when she doesn’t listen. Riding Charlie has helped me to relax, focus, and grow closer to God. My favorite things to do with Charlie are riding bareback, riding in the parade, showing her, hugging her, trail riding, and riding in color guard. I’m planning to show Charlie this year and I’m hoping to show at the state fair.
I want to thank my family, friends, and all my spectacular 4-H leaders and mentors. Thank you, mom and dad, for helping me follow my dream. Most importantly I want to thank God for making all this possible, and for always protecting me! Showing horses in 4-H has helped me develop life skills that I’m sure I will need later. I’m so thankful that I can show horses!
