Show and Tell



Empowering Agricultural Education through Animal Science


Block & Bridle member, Mallery Sisson, providing
horse showmanship tips.
Block and Bridle members have been given many opportunities to travel and instruct clinics in numerous counties. Any block and bridle member who has the desire to teach is permitted to do so at these clinics. Some of the individuals instructing these clinics are agricultural education undergrads. Makenna Ellinghaus, a sophomore majoring in agricultural education, stated “I believe that helping facilitate a clinic like the Block and Bridle spring clinic both benefits the youth in the area as well as members to expand the knowledge of livestock. This will help in the future as an agriculture educator to expand how I can help my students”. By teaching at these clinics, anyone can develop their public speaking skills as well as their teaching skills. Many times, the group will range anywhere from 8 years of age to 18. A clinician is given the opportunity to prepare a lesson plan that will relate to multiple age groups. The environment mimics a classroom setting, as a clinician will be instructing and then expected to answer follow-up questions. Learning teaching knowledge through educational classes is beneficial, however many instructors lack the hands-on aspect. Instructing or attending the clinics provides an opportunity to learn about different SAE’s, with the added hands-on experience.

On March 31st the University of Idaho Block and Bridle club planned and hosted their 2018 spring clinic for surrounding livestock showman. The clinic was designed for showman of all ages and all experience levels. A Block and Bridle member taught each of the following species: beef, horses, swine and sheep. After introductions were complete, the clinic attendees attended their desired species presentation. Throughout the pavilion, undergraduate students taught kids about the daily care of livestock, halter breaking techniques, show skills and nutrition.

Alex Kelly demonstrating her showmanship
skills in the Little International show. 
College students were also given the opportunity to exhibit livestock and display their showmanship abilities in the event, Little International. There were four species provided: beef, swine, sheep, and horses. Whether the individual had shown for ten years or had no experience, they could participate. Each showman worked with their chosen species for two weeks before the show. Hannah Doumit, last year’s champion said "Participating in Little International last year was a great opportunity to not only gain more experience with livestock but get to know a very diverse and hard-working group of students. It’s interesting to see how everyone has different backgrounds and handles livestock differently”. This event provided undergrads the opportunity to participate in friendly competition. 

Anyone interested in participating in a clinic please contact Block and Bridle president, Mikeaela Bledsoe at bled0355@vandals.uidaho.edu.

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