By Maura Britt
The Britches & Boots 4-H Horse Club had a lot of activities and events in December. Tractor Supply hosted our bake sale and Santa Photos fundraiser, which is becoming an annual tradition that club members look forward to. Everyone is so nice to support our club. We love helping with Santa Photos and all the pets that come to get their photo with Santa. We love Santa and his yearly visits.

On Dec. 8, some of our club members traveled to Virginia Tech for a Horse Judging Clinic. The clinic was divided into beginners, intermediate and advanced based on horse judging competition experience.

Club members Abby Boyce and Joshua McPherson participated in the beginners section and learned about what is horse judging, the rules, horse conformation, taking notes and giving reasons. Club members participated in judging halter classes, hunter under saddle, equitation, western pleasure and trail classes. The clinic was fantastic.

During our December meeting, club members conducted our business meeting and planned our service project in January at Diamonds in the Rough Equine Rescue. After the meeting, we enjoyed our Secret Santa gift exchange, collecting peanut butter and jelly for our service project and a party with pizza, drinks and cupcakes to celebrate the holiday season.

The club collected 40 jars of peanut butter and 36 jars jelly for our service project for the Franklin Cooperative Ministry. Club President Abby Boyce delivered the peanut butter and jelly after our party. Margaret Ann of FCM sent the club a card: “Thank you all so very much for your donation to our food pantry!

“Your thoughtfulness and generosity are much appreciated. We have distributed 1,676 bags of food this year — thank you for being a part of that!”

Britches & Boots 4-H Horse Club members enjoy many activities and give service to the community. 4-H has to offer so many opportunities for youth ages 5-19. To join 4-H, you can register online at https://va.4honline.com or call the Southampton County Extension Office at 653-2572.