The Yellowhead 4-H Horse Projects group in Barriere set out to raise funds to subsidize lessons and clinics this summer.
Horse Project 4-H leader, Tracy Allen told Black Press the club has eight members and nine horses this year.
"We worked as a team to bring in bottles from as far as Clearwater's Back Country Horseman Group, Brennan Creek Community and Barriere," Allen said. "The members decided to run a bottle drive to earn some money for lessons, or clinic costs. Lessons now are up to $60 per member - lesson and so it is a very costly venture learning how to ride our horses safe and kindly."
She said they are still looking for an instructor this year because they have had two lined up, but for reasons out of their control they were not able to provide them.
"So we are looking for a riding instructor still hoping to be able to do some lessons through the months of April to June when members typically focus on trail riding or sometimes the smoke gets bad in the summer so we cancel lessons," she said. "The Horse Club is always looking for horse passionate community members to come share their knowledge and we often meet every Monday as a group to work with our horses or learn about horse theory before riding season starts. They focus on learning their level on their horse during the year whether it is walk, walk trot, or lope."
Allen said the team is very proud of the work they do and has been told by trainers and other experts how impressed they are with the passion the riders show to improve their skills.
"Our members were able to raise $1242.54 and still have a truck load to haul in to the bottle depot," she added."
The group is still hoping to find an instructor and welcomes donations or interest in joining. To contact them directly please call: 250-819-3580
