For nearly 60 years the 4-H Horsemasters have had a hand in shaping the young leaders of Indian River County, teaching valuable life lessons to multiple generations, and instilling in them a commitment to their community.
The annual Valentine Open Horse Show at the Indian River Riding Club Arena holds a special place in the hearts of many longtime Vero residents, and while the faces and steeds may have changed, many of the names at this year’s 46th annual show remained the same. Several of the founding families now have great-grandchildren carrying on the organization’s mission to develop young leaders in four personal areas of development: head, heart, hands and health.
Riders from 8 years of age and up, from beginners to advanced, competed in nearly 40 categories of Western and English Pleasure and Showmanship classes.
Proceeds from the annual Valentine Show enable 4-H members to participate in horse judging and demonstration contests, record book and Hippology (equine knowledge) competitions, and horse shows on a local, area, state and national level.
Carol Gollnick, who served as president at the first Valentine show, still devotes her time to the club.
“I joined 4-H when my girls were 10 years old. It teaches the kids responsibility, leadership and how to be an all-around horseman. They learn to care for the horses, responsibility, record keeping and public speaking,” shared Gollnick. “The members that come back say they learned poise, confidence and the ability to speak in front of people.”
Becky Seton’s parents were part of that first Valentine Show also, with Seton recalling, “They were here when the show started. I rode and showed and so did my daughter. I’ve seen what it’s done for her. I’m still involved after all these years for the kids. It’s a great club.”
The Indian River County 4-H currently has around 250 members ranging in age from 5 to 18; Horsemasters is the oldest of the 4-H Club groups.
County 4-H Extension Agent Darren Cole works with the various clubs on youth development.
“I train volunteers to teach life skills through projects involving horses, livestock, cooking and speaking,” explained Cole. “The kids will raise animals for the fair, and while raising the animals, they are learning valuable life skills. We’re working to grow the program and introduce more science-based activities, like the Horticulture Club at the Gifford Youth Achievement Center.”
“Some things never change,” said Barbara Ellison, an 81-year-old former newspaper reporter. “I was a stringer and wrote ‘News and Views of the Horsey Scene.’ I even judged this show. It’s nice to come back and see that the 4-H is still such a big part of the community.”
The club’s culminating event is the 4-H Fair Show and Auction, held in conjunction with the Indian River County Firefighters’ Fair at the Indian River County Fairgrounds, where participants will exhibit their projects March 10-19. For show schedule, visit FirefightersFair.org.
