Academia, Extension and industry partner for Equine Connection event!
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EmailThe Equine Connection Weekend was created in partnership with the MSU Department of Animal Science, the Michigan Quarter Horse Association and the Michigan 4-H Youth Horse Program.
Historically, Michigan State University Extension’s Michigan 4-H Youth Horse Programs and the Michigan Quarter Horse Association (MQHA) partnered to host a benefit clinic, raising funds for 4-H while providing youth with industry level knowledge and skills. After a few years of hiatus, MSU Extension and MQHA saw the need to revive this program, as well as bring in a new partner – the MSU Department of Animal Science – creating the new Equine Connection Weekend to meet the educational needs of young equine enthusiasts. The inaugural event took place on January 30 – February 1.
The idea for the weekend was born through face-to-face conversations with Michigan 4-H horse judges, other industry professionals, and direct feedback from youth where it became evident there was a gap of basic equine knowledge in youth members of the Michigan horse industry. Michigan 4-H, MQHA and the Department of Animal Science realized working together would better bridge this knowledge gap by leveraging the strengths and talents of each organization. Planning and work continued monthly for just over a year to bring this exciting learning experience to life.
The goal for Equine Connection Weekend was to be a "weekend of fun and learning," and that is exactly what it turned out to be. Over the course of the event, there were multiple sessions, practice contests and clinics provided. More than 110 youth participated in the horse judging clinic session and practice horse judging contest that started the weekend off. That led to an afternoon of educational sessions taught by industry professionals. Session topics included equine nutrition, learning from the judge's perspective, and equine hoof care and maintenance. Each educational session was filled with more than 20 engaged participants. There were also four riding clinics offered, each with 12-16 participants, and well over 80 clinic auditors. Rounding out the weekend was the practice Hippology contest, the first of its kind for Michigan 4-H, with 48 youth taking part.
To gain initial feedback from participants, a quick question of "how did you like this weekend?" was asked as attendees were leaving. The feedback was phenomenal: youth were very excited for the opportunity to ride with an American Quarter Horse Association professional and learn from industry experts in the educational sessions. Even adult attendees were excited to learn, build skills and be introduced to educational contests offered by Michigan 4-H. Participants were eager to share suggestions to help the event grow in the future, including more educational sessions and the goal of having multiple clinicians to provide additional riding opportunities.
Did you miss the Equine Connection Weekend in 2026? No worries, planning is already in the works for a bigger and better event February 5-7, 2027! Be sure to reach out to your local MSU Extension program for more information as we get closer to the 2027 dates!
