Welcome to the Youth Page

Many people ask me what does the youth program entail. This is what I say. Do you love animals? Do you like to be part of a team? Can you make a commitment and stay with it? Then you could be a part of the youth group.

Ask any of the kids what it is they enjoy about halter breaking a Texas Longhorn calf and you would get a variety of answers. They would say it is the variety of colors that the longhorn comes in. Or because they are so sweet and have such a good attitude. The kids would also say it is because they like going to the shows and Fairs. Also the sense of accomplishment they get when the calf is halter broke and doing well in the show ring.

The youth learn so much when they are in the program. They learn the history of the breed. They are taught to respect the animals that they work with and the people around them. We teach how to halter break the calf of their choosing, how to make them walk with them, how to gentle the calf to the human touch, how to groom them and bath them. We teach what to look for when picking out the calf, this is called the conformation of a calf. Then there is the showmanship aspect. This is when we teach the youth to dress for the show ring, How to stand and walk your animal for the judge and how to use the show stick.

The youth have established a board of Directors who make decisions as to what direction their program will go. They decide what fundraisers they would like to do. The money they raise can be used to help send a youth to the world show or to help buy prizes for their projects.

Come see us at one of shows or the California State Fair. The kids would love to see you and tell you all about the calves they are showing and answer any question you might have.

Ruth Anne Boyle,
Youth Advisor

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The pen and ink drawing, "Movin Out" featured above and other images which
appear throughout this web site are used with permission of the artist, Vel Miller.
Copyright © 1999 Vel Miller