Exhibit: 4-H with two different horses
Benchmark: Individuality
Skills: Dedication
    I have been a member of the Cross Country Chargers 4-H group for the past two years adn I am going into my third year. During those two years I have used two different horses as my projects. This has been both extremely challenging and rewarding.
    When I started each year with a new horse I faced many obstacles. I had to build a new bond with that horse. I had to learn how to compete and train with this horse. I had to learn what methods worked for this horse in order to have the best performance possible. I had to learn each horse's particular strengths and weaknesses and to do that I practiced almost every day of the week. Through hard work and dedication I went to States with each horse and this last year placed 7th in both of my classes. I also made it in to the championship showmanship class at the Jackson County Fair labeling me as one of the top ten showman in Jackson County. Throughout the year I grew as a team with my horse and through extreme dedication increased my skills as a rider but I also learned that my hard work could really pay off. 
    My experience in 4-H has given me valuable skills that I will use in both my young adult life and my future career. Through 4-H I have learned that hard work truly does pay off. I learned how to adapt to new conditions such as each horse's different personality, and skill level. This will help me in my young adult life as I transition from living at home to living on my own and going to college. In my future career I will have to adapt quickly to new things constantly whether it is through having a new job and thus a new work environment or by working with a new patient and their special needs. I am grateful for the memories, friends, and skills I gained through 4-H and I know they will help me in my future.