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In this exclusive “Reflecting on Kindness” series, Ponysitters Club members reflect on moments from episodes that allowed them to express different forms of kindness.

In this week’s journal entry, Olivia demonstrates kindness through the themes of responsibility, vulnerability, empathy, nurturing, parenthood. She shares how these themes allowed her to express kindness by accepting responsibility and treating animals with love and care.

In “Springtime Foal” (S02E010), Olivia is enjoying taking care of a group of baby ducks with Trish and Ethan when it becomes clear that they’ve “imprinted” on her — they think she’s their mother! Now, this accidental mama duck has to teach her babies everything she knows (and lots she doesn’t know) about how to be a good duck. It’s a valuable confidence and empathy building experience for Olivia, who doesn’t come by her animal whisperer skills as naturally as some of the other Ponysitters. Plus, they’re super cute (obviously).

Dear diary,

I never thought I’d be saying this, not for a looong time anyway, but being a parent is hard work! I mean, I’ve only been raising ducks for one day and I’m exhausted — how does anyone have the energy to raise human children? Okay, let me back up. We recently took in some new ducklings from a lake not too far from Rescue Ranch. I guess their mother got into a boating accident, but the boat owner was kind enough to notice that she had eggs that were about to hatch, so he gathered them up and brought them to us right away so they didn’t freeze or hatch with no one around.

After they hatched, Trish and Ethan helped set up a little pen for them and I got a hot water bottle to stand in as a mother until we could talk to Skye and Grandpa and see how they thought we could help them. They didn’t seem to take to their water bottle mama at first, so I hopped in the pen with them and tried to show them that it was okay. They still didn’t care about the hot water bottle, but they sure took to me! They huddled around my feet and gave me little nips with their little beaks and followed me all around the pen. I had become their new mother duck!

Diary, I don’t think I have to tell you that I don’t know the first thing about being a duck, let alone a mother duck. Billy told me that the ducklings had “imprinted” on me — apparently, when ducklings are born, they latch onto the first moving thing they see and follow it around. It’s supposed to be their mother, but it can be just about anything, from a dog to a model train to a human girl apparently!

I didn’t ask for it, but I knew I had a responsibility to these poor confused ducklings to be the best fake mama duck I could be. I got them to practice walking in a line, hopping over some small logs, and Grandpa brought in a kiddie pool for us to splash around in. Those little duckies have SO much energy — you’d think after fighting your way out of an egg you’d want a bit of a break! Billy helped blend up some food for them as well — I may be a pretty good duck mom but I am NOT qualified to chew their food for them.

I really came to love my new little friends in a hurry and it made all the hard work keeping them active and busy feel like just playing and having fun. When it was their bedtime I reintroduced them to the hot water bottle, and this time they all huddled around it and went straight to sleep! I guess they just needed someone they trusted to show them it was okay. It made me feel amazing to have other creatures that trust me and rely on me to keep them safe and happy — I was nervous at first that they wouldn’t like me or I’d teach them the wrong things, but they seem to be shaping up to be first-rate ducks to me! I just hope once we can finally release them back into the wild that they won’t forget to visit their dear old mom once in a while! Later, diary ?

Did you know that kids can become a real member of the Ponysitters Club? Learn how to join and be sure to inspire your kids to be doers by downloading the 4‑H Inspire Kids to Do Activity Guide!

 

For many kids, it is eye-opening for them to realize that not everyone is exactly like them or as fortunate to have the same things they do, and it’s important to teach kids the importance of helping those in need. That’s why a goal for many parents is to teach their kids gratitude. Doing so not only helps them appreciate what they have, but it also broadens their perspectives and makes them more caring.

To celebrate National Volunteer Month and provide ideas for your True Leaders in Service project, here are ways you can encourage your kid to be grateful and to give back to their community.

Volunteer as a Family

There are many ways families can volunteer together. Some opportunities include serving lunch at a local soup kitchen, taking part in community clean-up projects, or dog-walking at a local animal shelter. Volunteering helps kids recognize the things they have, which in turn will teach them to be grateful and appreciative of those things, along with their ability to help others.

Collect Change for Charity

Encourage your family members to start putting extra change in a jar every night when they come home. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it adds up. At the end of the month, or on a particular date, research and select a charity you’d like to donate the money that was collected. This is a great way for kids to learn about different charities and non-profit groups.

Get Moving for a 5K Run/Walk

A 5K Run/Walk is a great way to not only spend time together as a family for a cause, but you are also able to reap the health benefits. Also, paying the race fee and learning about the cause and organization behind the 5K provides a ready-made way to give back.

Visit HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® for more ideas to inspire your kids and family to give back to the community. Once you’ve picked your family’s service project, be sure to register at 4‑H.org/TrueLeadersinService as part of this month’s True Leaders in Service initiative.

 

In this exclusive “Reflecting on Kindness” series, Ponysitters Club members reflect on moments from episodes that allowed them to express different forms of kindness.

In this week’s journal entry, Shelby demonstrates kindness through the themes of trying new things, fitting in, being disappointed, understanding the difference between superficial and real friendships. She shares how these themes allowed her to express authenticity, being honest with yourself, and admitting when you were wrong.

Shelby and Apollo have just been accepted to the prestigious Haversham riding academy, and Shelby (and her mother) couldn’t be more excited. They will finally get to be around the upper-crust society they identify with, and Shelby will have world-class riding instructors to boot. However, when she actually starts her lessons in “Riding School” (S01E08), she finds the students and teachers at Haversham aren’t nearly as friendly or kind as her Ponysitter pals back at Rescue Ranch. She slowly realizes that as nice as it is to have fancy things, friendship matters more.

Dear diary,

To be honest, these last few days have been pretty hard. I never thought that getting into the riding school of my dreams would turn out to be a bad thing, but here we are. I’ve been thinking a lot and I’ve decided that maybe the fanciest things aren’t always the best things. Let me explain.

So a few days ago, a letter came from Haversham Riding Stables saying that Apollo and I had been accepted into their riding academy. I just HAD to tell the Ponysitters — they’re my best friends, and I thought they would all be happy that I was going to be living my dream of boarding Apollo at the most prestigious, high-class, and most expensive stables in the country. They were sort of happy, but Olivia seemed especially bothered. I didn’t know why at first — it was such a great opportunity for Apollo to get better care and for me to be trained by world famous riding instructors. It took me a while to understand what was really going on with Olivia.

I was allowed to invite two people to my orientation, so I brought Skye and Olivia. I wanted to show the other Ponysitters what a great opportunity this was for me. I know Skye wants to be a veterinarian and they have classes for that at Haversham — I thought maybe she could talk to one of the instructors and maybe join me someday! That’s about when I started to realize something: I couldn’t really picture riding and taking care of Apollo without the other Ponysitters.

When I was showing them around the stables, all I could think about was that this would be the last time we’d be sharing a stable for quite a while. And with the two of them there, I started to notice how intense things were at Haversham — everyone was so focused on winning ribbons and making it to the Olympics that no one really seemed to be friends. No one talked to one another, no one ever laughed — I guess I had always taken for granted how much fun it was boarding Apollo at Rescue Ranch. It never occurred to me that other stables wouldn’t be the same.

I guess that’s what Olivia was feeling when she heard my news: she knew what a magical place Rescue Ranch was and she didn’t want any part of it to change. After my orientation, I told my mom that I was feeling the same way and that no matter how prestigious Haversham was, it still had nothing on Rescue Ranch. You know my mom — she wasn’t exactly happy that she wouldn’t get to hang around high-class society like SHE’S always dreamed, but deep down I know she’d miss Billy and Grandpa and Rescue Ranch too.

Did you know that kids can become a real member of the Ponysitters Club? Learn how to join and be sure to inspire your kids to be doers by downloading the 4‑H Inspire Kids to Do Activity Guide!

 

Working together as a family is a way to teach kids how to take on more responsibility and participating in a group project is a great opportunity for your child to take charge and become the true leader that they are. At 4‑H, service to the community is an important pillar of our organization and something we strive to engrain in all our members. Not only do kids learn the importance of their role in the community, but community service harnesses their time and energy into doing good. Not to mention, it’s fun!

Brandi Riley, author of the Mama Knows It All Blog, decided to start a family service project with her 9-year-old daughter Ayva and learned a few things in the process. Here’s what Brandi thinks you should consider when starting a family service project:

Find out what the people you are helping really need.

Brandi knows how eager kids can get to help out others. The thing is, it’s important to ask the people you’re helping what they really need. Brandi and her daughter made a quick call to a shelter for women and children to help shape their project. In talking to and learning about the shelter, they found out it was most in need of clothes for babies and toddlers. Brandi and Avya were planning on gathering soaps and toiletries, but when they found out what the shelter really needed, they changed their plan.

Make a plan before you begin.

Speaking of planning, before starting talk with your family and decide what exactly you’re going to do. What do you want to accomplish? Do you need any materials to complete the project? Talk together and figure out a game plan, then go from there.

Let your child/children take the lead.

As Brandi said it, “This tip is for the mamas.” If your child has an idea of a project they want to do, let them be in charge of it. We all want our kids to succeed, but they won’t have the satisfaction of knowing that they did something amazing if you do it all for them. Instead of trying to be the lead, take a step back and encourage your kid to let you know what they need. Be there to support them, but let them be the boss (to a certain extent of course!)

Take a look at our Inspire Kids To Do activities for more ideas to do good with your kids!

March 19, 2019, marked the 46th annual National Ag Day, a day that recognizes and celebrates the contribution of agriculture in our everyday lives.

Ten 4‑H alumni, ages 18-22, from land grant universities across the U.S., had the unique opportunity to attend a customized day of programming focused on food and agriculture thanks to Bayer’s Science Matters partnership with 4‑H.

Bayer’s generous sponsorship allowed the 4‑H students to arrive in Washington, D.C. a few days before National Ag Day for an exclusive Bayer Prelude event that provided a day of leadership training covering topics ranging from government affairs and policy to shaping public opinions through social media. All the sessions were designed to provide 4‑H youth leaders with the tools to become skilled advocates for today’s agriculture. Following the Bayer Prelude Event, the 4‑Hers joined 90 other students for an Ag Day Student training and visits to the Hill to discuss issues relevant to today’s agriculture.

Grace Baxter, a sophomore at Blinn College in Brenham, Texas commented that it was one thing to come to Washington D.C. for National Ag Day, but it was a whole other journey to be a part of the 4‑H Bayer Prelude event. “Over the two-day period of the Bayer Prelude, I learned so much more than I could have ever imagined. I learned how to effectively communicate with legislative entities, how to better share my agriculture stories and how to build and maintain professional relationships.”

Another attendee, Samantha Maybury, a sophomore attending the University of Florida, walked away from the experience understanding that every voice matters. “I felt so small walking up the steps to the U.S. Capitol. I thought to myself, ‘I’m just one of thousands of people these legislators meet with. Does my voice even matter?’ Ag Day taught me that my voice does matter. Every meeting with a legislator or their staff is a chance for them to put a face to agriculture. A bunch of small voices put together equals a powerful voice.”

Not only did attendees have the opportunity to learn from leaders in government, agriculture and communications but they also had the chance to build relationships with other aspiring agriculture leaders.

“I found the nine other 4‑H delegates to be inspiring with their upbeat attitudes, and due diligence advocating for agriculture,” said Gabriel Doherty, a junior at New Mexico State University.

In this exclusive “Reflecting on Kindness” series, Ponysitters Club members reflect on moments from episodes that allowed them to express different forms of kindness.

In this week’s journal entry, Isabella demonstrates kindness through the themes of conflict resolution meeting new people, making new friends, and taking responsibility. She shares how these themes allowed her to express kindness by being honest (even when it’s difficult), overcoming friendship difficulties, learning from mistakes, and doing better next time.

Being the new kid is hard, especially when you’re in a whole new country that doesn’t yet feel like home. When Isabella starts hanging out with the Ponysitters Club, she sees her chance to have a group of built-in BFFs who share her love of animals, but she’s scared that she might get voted out of the group because she isn’t as close to the others. In “BFFs” (S01E04), she decides to make sure that doesn’t happen by dividing the Ponysitters from each other and bonding with Skye, but she quickly learns that friendship only works when everyone is on the same team.

Dear diary,

I had a hard day today, but now that it’s over, I’m glad that I did. I feel a lot less nervous than I did before — instead of worrying about seeing the other Ponysitters, I’m looking forward to it!

I guess I’ve been a little rude to Trish and Olivia lately. I didn’t mean to be, but now that I look back on it, it’s definitely true. When I offered Skye my extra manicure coupon, I thought it would be a fun activity to get to know each other better. But after seeing Trish, Olivia, and Skye all finishing each other’s sentences, I got jealous. I used to be able to finish my friends’ sentences too, but they’re all still in Brazil, and seeing how much fun the Ponysitters were having made me miss my old friends. I wanted to convince Skye to be best friends with me, just like she was with Trish and Olivia.

I should have just been happy for them and looked forward to getting to know them better, but I wanted Skye to be my best friend right away. When we were getting manicures we were finishing each other’s sentences and making plans to go on tour, just the two of us. But later, when I suggested Skye and I groom the new donkey together, I could tell Trish and Olivia were upset. I only wanted to spend more time with Skye, but I realized what I was really doing was hogging her to myself and keeping her from hanging out with the others. I guess I was scared that if I couldn’t make her my best friend right away that I might never make new friends.

When Trish confronted me about it, I realized that I was trying to make friends the wrong way — making friends shouldn’t make anyone feel angry or jealous or left out. They told me how I was making them feel, and I explained how I was feeling. They helped me realize what I was doing, and I apologized for hurting their feelings. It was hard to tell them that I was feeling lonely, but I guess being honest about how you’re feeling can be hard sometimes. When they forgave me and told me that I’ll always be a Ponysitter, I knew I finally had new, true friends! I’m so glad they were honest with me and gave me a chance to be honest with them — next time we disagree, I’ll feel much better about speaking my mind.

Did you know that kids can become a real member of the Ponysitters Club? Learn how to join and be sure to inspire your kids to be doers by downloading the 4‑H Inspire Kids to Do Activity Guide!

 

USA Today recently released its U.S Department of Agriculture Special Edition, shining a light on rural communities, the ag industry, and those who keep the field thriving. One article, specifically, addresses diversity.

Referencing the 2012 Census of Agriculture, conducted by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, the article states that “of the country’s 3.2 million farmers, nearly 96 percent are white, and out of all farmers, 70 percent are male.” These statistics prove that there is still work to do when it comes to drawing in more diverse workers.

Titled “A Colorful Future,” the article highlights various aspects of diversity within agriculture and the organizations that are continuing to grow and empower diverse populations in the space.

“If the U.S. agriculture industry expects to thrive and innovate to meet future demands,” states the author, “American farmers need to be as diverse as the crops they grow.”

Within the agriculture industry, there’s a need to bring innovation to the field, which means fostering a future of ag that uses today’s and tomorrow’s technology to help improve and strengthen industry practices in farming. Exploring this path means refreshing industry talent. Inspiring ag exploration and developing interests at an early age helps grow the pool of future farmers who will soon inherit land, take over local and family businesses, and hold positions within agri-business corporations.

On the importance of creating a pipeline of future farmers, National 4‑H Council President & CEO Jennifer Sirangelo said, “Increasing diversity among farmers and other agriculture professionals will play a key role in driving the innovation, creativity and determination that will be needed to increase feed production, reduce waste, and improve infrastructure in order to sustainably feed 9 billion people in 2050.”

For more than 100 years, 4‑H (through USDA) has developed programming that encourages kids and teens to explore ag topics through hands-on experiences, in-school and out-of-school learning, and curriculum. Every opportunity to perform a project, show an animal, or plant a crop is a vehicle towards growing tomorrow’s farmers and agriculture leaders.

Pick up a copy of the free 2019 edition, available on newsstands now.

Since 2009, National 4-H Council has gathered its top supporters, most passionate alumni, and inspiring youth to celebrate the life-changing experience that is 4-H. Every year, we sit in awe as current and former 4-H’ers share their stories of growth, determination and empowerment. This monumental occasion, known as the 4-H Legacy Awards, continues to remind us of the power of 4-H.

This year was no different, as 4-H celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the coveted fundraising event.

Inspiring Kids to be Doers
chairmansreception-youthperformers

Like every other year, event attendees were serenaded by youth performers who, throughout the evening, shared their musical gifts through instrument and voice.

Additionally, as it is custom for every 4-H gathering, the 4-H Pledge was recited. It’s a reminder to even the oldest, most seasoned 4-H’er in the room that the organization has a long-lasting impact.

This year, we awarded four new young people with the 4-H Youth in Action Award, honoring their work in our four pillar areas. The 2019 recipients are: Addy Battel (Agriculture – Bayer); Mason McClintock (Civic Engagement); Elisabeth Watkins (Healthy Living); and Clyde Van Dyke (STEM – HughesNet). Each uses their interest and passion in their respective pillar to positively impact their community.

As a highlight of the night, one youth recipient was named the National 4-H Youth in Action winner. That youth is STEM pillar winner Clyde Van Dyke, who used his knowledge in STEM and geospatial mapping to help locate and help low-income families and underserved populations in his Johnson City, New York, community.

The Stories of Our Alumni

The 2019 4-H Legacy master of ceremonies was no stranger to the 4-H Legacy stage, as she first attended in 2012 as an honoree. Renowned chef, TV personality and author Carla Hall, hosted the fundraising event.

“You can’t underestimate the power of 4-H and what it does to help kids go out into the world,” the Tennessee 4-H alum said as she shared her 4-H story.

carlahall-jennifernettles

We also welcomed back Jennifer Nettles, who has always played a significant role in 4‑H Legacy in the past few years. As the National Spokesperson, the Georgia 4‑H alum was honored with the 4‑H Brand Champion Award, recognizing her continued support and advocacy of 4‑H.

“4‑H connects kids to each other and connects kids to their dreams,” Nettles said as she expressed how 4‑H amplified her dreams of being a performer.

The 10th anniversary not only brought back returning honorees, but it also welcomed new honorees to the Legacy stage. This year’s Distinguished 4‑H Alumni Medallion recipients are: The Honorable Cathy McMorris Rodgers, WA U.S. Representative (Washington 4‑H); racehorse trainer and Triple-Crown winner Bob Baffert (Arizona 4‑H); U.S. Air Force Colonel; Ericka Flanigan (South Dakota 4‑H); and professional IndyCar driver Charlie Kimball (California 4‑H).

After receiving their medallions, the alumni shared their 4‑H stories and more during an alumni panel, moderated by Carla Hall.

Support and Advocacy

The 2019 Grow True Leaders Corporate Leadership Award was presented to Bayer for their support of 4-H and helping enhance STEM and agri-science education through the Science Matters program and their support of the National Youth Summit on Agr-Science. Bayer president Philip Blake accepted the award on the company’s behalf.

For more highlights from the 2019 Legacy Awards, follow #4-HLegacy on social media or visit 4-H.org/4HLegacy for photos and more.

 

2019 4-H Legacy Awards

In honor of the 10th Anniversary 4-H Legacy Awards, we are excited to share our favorite 4-H Legacy Awards moments through the years. We look forward to creating many more special memories in the years to come!

1. Jennifer Nettles and Callista Clark, 2016 Legacy Awards

At just 12 years old, Callista Clark demonstrated the skills and courage she learned in 4-H by performing a duet with Grammy Award winner, singer and songwriter (and 4-H alum) Jennifer Nettles at the 2016 Legacy Awards. Both the Georgia natives began their careers in the 4-H & Company performing arts group, which has launched the careers of many renowned performers.

2. Samantha Jo Ridley, 2010 Youth in Action Winner
SamanthJoRidley

The 2010 4-H Youth in Action Award, the first of its kind, was presented to 4-H’er Samantha Jo Ridley, a member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in North Dakota, who was the first in her tribe to attend college. Through 4-H, Ridley has helped her community in many ways, including using her involvement in archery to bring the tradition back to her tribe. Ridley went on to earn a B.S. in Biology, and is currently working towards achieving her dream of becoming a neuroscientist.

3. Jennifer Nettles and Carla Hall, 2012 Legacy Awards

Jennifer Nettles, the 2012 Distinguished Alumni Medallion winner, credits 4-H with providing her with invaluable life skills as well as performing skills, which she still uses to this day. Thanks to the depth of diversity in 4-H, as well as the vast amount of choices available to young 4-H’ers, Nettles believes that the “sky’s the limit!”

Carla Hall, a renowned chef, ‘The Chew’ co-host and author, reprises her role as emcee of the Legacy Awards this year, having made a great impression in 2012 at the 3rd Annual 4-H Legacy Awards in New York.

4. Youth in Action Award Winners

All of our previous Youth in Action award winners have made a substantial impact on their communities, whether it’s in STEM (Cassandra Ivie), Civic Engagement (Amelia Day, Elisabeth Willis, Samantha Jo Ridley), Healthy Living (Nosa Akol, Andres Parra, Morgan Billingslea-Walker) or Agriculture (Nate Seese).

These incredible young people credit 4-H with giving them the opportunity and skills to go out into their communities and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around them.

One such winner was Ru Ekanayake, who was honored as the 2016 Youth in Action Award Winner, thanks to her passion for Healthy Living.

5. Aubrey Plaza and Tino Bernadett, 2017 Distinguished Alumni Medallion Awardees

Dr. Faustino “Tino” Bernadett began his working life selling eggs door to door from his red wagon in Chico, California, before going on to become a leader in both the practice and business of medicine. In an effort to reduce disparities in access to education and health, Bernadett co-founded the Molina Foundation in 2004, which partners with 4-H and Cooperative Extension to distribute millions of free books to children around the country.

Aubrey Plaza is an award-winning actress and producer, who proudly pays forward what she learned in 4-H. As the 4-H Service Ambassador, Plaza encourages young people to get involved and give back to their communities. For her part, Plaza works with the Wilmington Drama League to promote community theater and arts programs in Delaware, and as evidenced in an interview with Stephen Colbert, she can still recite the pledge from heart!

6. Craig Melvin, 2016 Distinguished Alumni Medallion Honoree

Craig Melvin is an award-winning journalist, national correspondent and South Carolina 4-H alum, who currently co-anchors The Today Show on NBC. Melvin was involved in several 4-H public speaking programs as a middle schooler, but it was a 4-H television project in which he covered an election night that led him to his chosen career path. Melvin also credits 4-H with teaching him compassion and empathy, which he demonstrated to good effect in his Day in the Life video with John Gabalski, a 15-year old New York 4-H’er.

7. Legacy Awards Performers

From Samyra Miller’s stirring acapella rendition of the National Anthem to the 4-H and Company performance with Jennifer Nettles of her hit song, Stand Up, our talented young 4-H’ers have provided us with many inspiring moments over the years.

A New Orleans native, Samyra Miller was President of her high school 4-H club, a junior leader in her parish and President of the Louisiana 4-H State Performing Arts Board. In her spare time, Miller was also the first girl to play on her school’s varsity football team.

8. 4‑H Alumni

The Legacy Awards wouldn’t be the same without our extraordinary 4-H alumni. A select few are not only honored with Alumni Medallion Awards and inducted into the 4-H Luminaries each year, but also emcee the evening, perform, act as auctioneers and host the green carpet.

Previous Alumni Medallion Award winners have included Zippy Duvall, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation, and the Atlanta Hawks’ Kent Bazemore. Distinguished alumni have included Facebook Executive Andrew Bosworth and Jill Soltau, CEO of JCPenney, who have been welcomed as 4‑H Luminaries.

Emcees have included top chefs Lazarus Lynch, Anne Burrell and Carla Hall; the VP of Public Affairs for UPS, Nikki Clifton; legal commentator and TV journalist, Nancy Grace; and award-winning journalist and author, Nancy Redd.

If you’re ready to help us continue to support exceptional youth across the nation, consider donating $10 in honor of the 10th Anniversary 4‑H Legacy Awards! Your support will help kids learn by doing, grow from failure and develop the skills they need to handle what life throws their way.

In this exclusive “Reflecting on Kindness” series, Ponysitters Club members reflect back on moments from episodes that allowed them to express different forms of kindness.

In this week’s journal entry, Ethan demonstrates kindness through the themes of anxiety, confidence, self-discovery, and self-care. She shares how these themes allowed her to express kindness by creating an understanding environment to learn and grow.

Ethan isn’t a natural leader and doesn’t take to the rescue animals quite like Skye. However, when a blind horse comes to Rescue Ranch in “Recipe of Success” (S02E01), Grandpa helps Ethan find a fast friend whose temperament is more in line with his than the more outgoing Ponysitters. He learns that even horses have individual differences, and this encourages him to feel confident participating in his own way and prioritizing self-care. Even animals can help inspire kindness.

psc-ethan

Dear diary,

I’ve got a story for you today, and this one’s not about Trish driving me crazy for once! Well, Trish is in it, and she was driving me crazy, but there’s more to it than that.

So there’s this new horse at Rescue Ranch, Winston. He was a workhorse all his life, and now that he’s getting older he’s gone blind and needs help finding his way around new places. He still has a great sense of smell, but he mostly uses that to find out if there are treats around.

When he first arrived, Trish was “helping” me sweep the barn (if you can call singing and dancing around a pile of hay helping). Grandpa brought Winston in and told us his owner gave him up because he couldn’t work on the farm anymore. I felt so bad for him — just because he can’t do all the things he used to, doesn’t mean he’s useless!

I checked on him later, and Grandpa told me he wasn’t settling in very well. I snapped a couple of pictures, and before I knew it he was right next to me letting me pet him! Grandpa says horses can sense if you’ve got a kind heart and if you do, they’ll make friends with you right away. I felt so special because usually it’s Skye who’s the best at connecting with animals, but Winston chose me!

After Grandpa said that, I wanted to hang out with Winston all the time! I helped feed him and showed him all around the Ranch so he could get comfortable with all the places he can go. Trish and I gave him treats, but she got carried away and started jumping up and down and singing again. I explained to her that Winston likes peace and quiet and that lots of noise and excitement might be fun for her, but they make him nervous. I kind of feel that way sometimes too — I love all my Ponysitter friends, but I also love just being by myself some of the time. Sometimes it feels like I’m out of energy and my batteries need recharging, and drawing or taking pictures or just having some quiet time alone helps charge them right back up. I guess horses are more like people than I thought!

I never thought a horse could teach me a lesson about myself, but Winston has helped me learn that it’s okay to take a little extra time getting comfortable in new situations, and that some people (and horses) need quiet time alone to reset. I’m definitely going to be spending lots more time with Winston in the future — but if sometimes he’s not feeling like it, that’s okay too.

Did you know that kids can become a real member of the Ponysitters Club? Learn how to join and be sure to inspire your kids to be doers by downloading the 4-H Inspire Kids to Do Activity Guide!