4H helps teach Eastern Idaho kids life skills

It’s that time of year. The Bonneville County Fair is underway. Friday, 4-H’s “Working Ranch Horse and Driving” took place, where kids were able to show off all of the techniques they’ve learned through the club. About 50 kids are expected to participate in Friday and Saturday’s horse show at the Wind River Arena in Ririe.

This is a time for kids to learn tools on how to farm and raise animals, but also to teach them some life skills along the way.

From early hours in the morning to some pretty long nights. To feedings, groomings and trainings. All that while balancing school. The life of a 4-h member can be sometimes a bit challenging.

“It’s really hard cause you have all your goals that you want to accomplish with your horse which takes a lot of time and effort,” said Taynalynn Perry, a member of 4-H.

Taynalynn and her sister, Kaylee, have been involved with 4H for the past five years.

“Our mom made us,” Taynalynn said. “She wanted us to get into horses, but she wanted us to know all of the safety that comes with it.”

They love the fact that they get to learn all the techniques and skills that come along with raising a horse.

“Its really fun to be able to actually learn and sit down and work with different types of people in groups,” said Taynalynn.

The Perry sisters are among more than 300 kids that will participate in the Bonneville County Fair this year.

“It’s an awesome opportunity for our kids to try to learn a little bit of money and learn some responsibility working with animals and other things,” said Tate Carter, a 4-H Club leader.

Responsibility is just one of the life lessons, 4H hopes to teach these future farmers.

“It helps with patience, definitely,” said Kaylee.

“Confidence,” added Taynalynn. “To be able to see how far you’ve come with an animal that’s three times your size, it really just helps boost your confidence in everyday life.”

4H leaders mostly just want kids to have fun.

“A lot of them, don’t have ranching opportunities or exposure,” Carter said. “It’s fun to get them out and to get them some of that exposure and see them progress.”

This weeks fair gives kids a chance to show off what they’ve learned and take pride in something that they’ve done their whole project on.

All other fair events will be held next week, starting Monday and running through Thursday. This will include livestock, art, crafts, baked goods, and more. The fairground’s barns and exhibits are open from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m.