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Montana State plans June Youth Horsemanship School

Bill Brewster

Montana State University’s 2010 Youth Horsemanship School is being held on June 21-25 on the campus with an expanded agenda of activities planned for the young riders.

The program features riding sessions that are based on the student’s ability levels. The lessons run the gamut from basic and beginning horsemanship to advanced riding instruction. It is open to the first 50 students from 9 to 17 years of age.

Activities range from roping and rodeo to ranch work and trail riding to showmanship.



Parents are encouraged to at tend the final skills exhibition and awards ceremony on the final morning.

The annual event is being directed this year by Dr. Shannon Moreaux, DVM, the new extension equine specialist and an assistant professor in the college’s Animal and Range Science Department.



According to the organizers, the school has been developed to provide Montana youth with useful equine information and skill development.

The goals of the program include an increase in horsemanship skills, providing the knowledge and an incentive to be a more effective rider and establishing the environment to enjoy an effective educational experience.

Instructors are knowledgeable horse people who can relate to youth in a positive and enthusiastic manner.

MSU students serve as interns and volunteers to assist with the program.

Horses ridden by the youths in the program are housed in open, individual stalls.

On the campus, the classes are held in the Bob Miller Pavilion and in two outdoor arenas.

During the school, students are housed and eat on the campus.

“Staying together and working close together builds a close relationship among the youth, leaders, and instructors,” organizers said.

For more information, call 406-994-7953.