DIDSBURY - A couple of horse enthusiasts are in the process of forming a new 4-H club in the Didsbury area.
Co-organizer Kerry Johnston said the club they belonged to previously had changed direction.
"A couple of the kids didn't want to go in that direction," said Johnston. "The kids weren't interested in the gymkhana or rodeo stuff, which is what the club they were with before had changed to. After talking to those kids and their parents we thought, ëyou know, we need to find another club for these clubs'."
Johnston said the small group looked around but the closest club that fit their criteria and were accepting news members was an hour away.
"We thought that was ridiculous," she said. "Especially since in Alberta, 4-H is such a big thing for the kids and yet there is no club for them."
The club met for the first time on Oct. 30 for an information and registration night.
"We thought ëhey there must be a need for it'," said Johnston, who is co-organizing the club with Trish Jackson.
"Trish and I have both been leaders before for about 27 years both in B.C. and here in Alberta. We thought we have to keep this going so these kids have a place to go. So that's how it started."
Johnston said they've had a great response so far.
"We're hoping to be able to continue and offer a fun and safe club for the kids to participate in and let the kids run the show," she said.
"For now we're strictly a horse project club due to the fact that we've got just two leaders here. We didn't want to get too far ahead until we know what kind of help we have and how many members."
Johnston said the kids will be learning about horses and caring for them as well as riding them. She said they are planning to offer different clinics and visit equine-related facilities such as a veterinarian clinic or horse massage therapist.
The club is having its official registration meeting and event planning on Nov. 12. Call Johnston at 403-586-4462 or Jackson at 403-993-1446 for more information.
