LSU AgCenter equine specialist Neely Walker used a grant from the American Quarter Horse Association to take three students to conduct horse camps in Europe. Standing in front of camp participants in Slovenia are Neely Walker, Riley Lirette, Erin Oberhaus and Robbin Monceaux. Photo courtesy LSU AgCenter
This summer, LSU AgCenter equine specialist Neely Walker received a grant from the American Quarter Horse Association to conduct horse camps in Wilhemburg, Austria; Roupov, Czech Republic; and, Castle Prestranek, Slovenia.
Walker was accompanied by LSU College of Agriculture graduate student Erin Oberhaus, engineering major Robbin Monceaux and mass communication major Riley Lirette.
“The students and I were teaching foundation horsemanship skills that are beneficial for any and all disciplines [English, Western, jumping, dressage],” Walker says. “However, most of the participants of the clinic had a particular interest in reining or ranch horse versatility classes.”
Participants in the camps ranged widely in age, skill and horse knowledge.
As the first camp began, the instructors were initially intimidated by the fact that many of the Austrian students did not speak English, but Walker says the LSU team overcame the barrier.
“Language wasn’t as much an issue because we all spoke horse,” she says.
In fact, “I didn’t realize how much jargon equestrians use until I had to teach riders who are not native English speakers,” Lirette says. “It forced me to speak clearly and precisely.”
The lessons progressed so well that Austrian participants also put on a horse show with the LSU students acting as judges and presenting awards.
More than just gaining international experience, Walker’s goal for the LSU team was to improve on their observational and instructional skills, such as communicating with riders or identifying issues between a rider and horse.
“When you teach something, you gain a better understanding of the concepts and techniques,” Walker says.
Oberhaus says the experience has definitely made her a better teacher. “I developed more horsemanship skills, and it was a good opportunity to get practice teaching in the industry instead of just the classroom,” she says.
In addition to what they taught the Europeans, the Louisiana delegation learned about horse management techniques and foraging at Galloway Farms organic cattle ranch in the Czech Republic.
In each location, Walker was impressed by the quality of horses and riders and the generosity of their hosts. She was also impressed by the professionalism of the LSU students.
“My favorite part about my experience was becoming friends with equestrians from across the world, who are just as in love with the horse industry as I am,” Lirette says.
The trip wasn’t all work. Between camps, the group had opportunities to tour parts of Italy, Vienna, Salzburg, Prague, the Adriatic Coast of Slovenia and Lipica, where the famed Lipizzaner stallions originated.
Creature Feature
Scotty is a very dapper 7-year-old Yorkie mix. His favorite activity is riding in the car and letting the wind blow back his beautiful fur. Unfortunately, this great guy is prone to ear infections, so he will need an owner willing to monitor his condition.
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Sassy is a gorgeous 1-year-old Siamese mix.
Roxanne is 2-year-old shiba inu mix who loves people. Roxanne gives hugs and kisses, cuddles on the couch and is willing to absorb all the attention you can give. She absolutely adores children and would spend all of her time laying allowing them to use her for a pillow. This blonde beauty is best suited to be an only pet.
Six-month-old Felix is the resident “character” in his foster home. This feisty little guy loves to play. In fact, he follows the other pets in his home around looking for a opportunity to engage them in play. While Felix can be very independent, he is a loving kitty, when he powers down.
Boris is a 2-year-old German shepherd/basset hound mix. This low-maintenance boy is perfectly happy to sit on the couch, watch a little TV and be petted. He is best suited to a home with a moderate energy level.
Fisher is a 7-year-old male orange tabby.
All these pets have been spayed/neutered, vaccinated, heartworm tested and microchipped. Many other adoptable dogs, puppies, cats and kittens are available through Capital Area Animal Welfare Society.
