Name: Lauren McCain
Parents: Janice McCain and Stephen McCain
Hometown: Springfield, Mo.
4-H Club: Sac River Stablemates
4-H Leader: Gail Driskell
Equine Involvement: Lauren McCain, of Springfield, Mo., has been involved in horsemanship and equine activities from a very young age – horses have always played a large role in her life. Today, the high school equestrian can be found happily riding her 10-year-old Foundation Paint Horse, Zippo. Lauren and Zippo participate in drill team performances, trail riding and horse shows. Lauren competes in everything from Western Pleasure, to games, to English classes. Lauren speaks highly of her horse’s personality: “He’s cuddly and chill, but when you get in the arena he’s ready to go.”
4-H Involvement: Lauren is a proud 4-H member of the Sac River Stablemates 4-H Club. She is active in the Horse Project, where 4-Hers, “work all year to be a better horse person.” Lauren and the rest of her 4-H group participate in various horseback activities geared towards honing horsemanship skills, barbeques and fundraisers to build community support and fund the group’s activities and of course, preparing for the annual 4-H Fair. Lauren’s advice for those who are new to 4-H is, “don’t be afraid to ask questions. People are nicer than you think!” One of the most valuable lessons she has learned is, “to work together as a team with other people.”
Future Plans: Lauren is excited to present at and participate in the 2013 4-H Fair in June. She plans to continue practicing for her upcoming drill team performances, and also to help out at summer riding camps at Sac River Stables.
Story and Photo by Klaire Bruce
