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Freedom Riders — a roundup of horses, camaraderie, fun
 COURTESY PHOTOS
Ruby Lira (left) and Erica McMurray set up the Freedom Riders 4-H Club banner at the 2009 La Vernia Wild West HammerFest Bicycle Ride and Festival Sept. 19, where the members sold fresh fruit cups and Gatorade.
Wilson County News
September 29, 2009
Comment on this article
With the announcement that halter classes for mares and geldings will be included in the Wilson County Junior Livestock Show, one local 4-H Club, the Freedom Riders, is anxious to participate.
After the original Wilson County horse club disbanded, Delrae Benson saw a need for a horse club and started the Freedom Riders in May 2007. Nine months later, Susan Leslie of La Vernia took over the reins. The Freedom Riders 4-H Club is just one of the 13 4-H Clubs found within Wilson County.
For those interested in horses, the Freedom Riders is a group that may suit their needs. Horses are not the only project the club promotes; members are involved in poultry, llamas, companion animals, rabbits, veterinary science, nutrition, and baked foods, as well. After the monthly meetings held at the Leslie Farm in La Vernia, the club members participate in a trail ride.
Leslie said the club is active in a number of community-service events, including donating cookies, turkeys, and fruit cups to the Floresville Meals on Wheels Program at the Senior Citizen Center throughout the year.
The club also participates with the Wilson County 4-H Adult Booster Club by selling cookbooks and candy bars. The booster club not only provides scholarships to deserving 4-H seniors, but also sponsors camps and other roundup activities throughout the year, Leslie said.
The club also participates in the Adopt-a-Highway program of the Texas Department of Transportation. Members pick up trash along S.H. 97 East in front of the Wilson County Show Barn, beautifying the county.
In May 2009, the club was involved with the first-ever Osborne Stable Equine Rescue’s trail-a-thon in Sutherland Springs. Funds raised at the event support the programs and horses of Osborne Stables Equine Rescue, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit horse refuge and education center.
Club members continue to assist Osborne Stables, donating their time to clean stalls, groom horses, and work with youth that attend horse camps held at the facility.
“This gives the club an excellent way to help the horses at the rescue, as well as learn what they [Osborne Stables] do,” Leslie said.
Attendees of the 2009 La Vernia Wild West HammerFest Bicycle Ride and Festival held Sept. 19 may have seen the club’s booth, selling fresh fruit cups. This is one of the club’s two main fundraisers. The other is selling fresh fruit cups at the La Vernia Blue Bonnet Festival in May.
The Freedom Riders 4-H Club has 12 active members. Anna Reese is currently serving the club as president; Ruby Lira, vice president; Erica McMurray, secretary; and Madison Poe, treasurer. Leslie said the membership has increased since the “Get acquainted with 4-H” program was held Sept. 20.
Watch for the club as it is scheduled to decorate the La Vernia Country Store front windows Friday, Oct. 2, to celebrate National 4-H Week, Oct. 4-10.
Any Wilson County resident, age 9-19 and residing in Wilson County, may join the Freedom Riders 4-H Club.
For more information, call Susan Leslie, club advisor, at 830-401-0819. |
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