A glimpse of events at the Center throughout the year
Youth Agriculture & Equestrian Center:
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Not just a barn!
With more than 72,000 square feet of arena and barn space, stateof-the-art LED lighting, sound system, grandstands, air-conditioned announcer stand, and a concession with BBQ hut, the Youth Ag & Equestrian Center is an outdoor, weatherproof venue versatile enough for just about any event, large or small. Past events at the venue this year included a youth rodeo series, a barrel racing clinic, market day tradeshow, and a bullfighting school. Many of these types of events will be coming to the Center again, so watch the calendar on the website: www.kcyaec.org
MEANWHILE, COMING UP…
TEXAS BEST SHOW SERIES (SEPT. 2 & 3) Texas' premier lamb jackpot show circuit, TBSS is a non-profit organization dedicated to kids getting show ring experience and earning great awards in a family-oriented environment. AG DAY HOSTED BY KENDALL COUNTY FARM BUREAU (SEPT. 14) This event will host approximately 700 4th graders from Boerne and Comfort schools. Highlights include the mobile dairy classroom, a sheep shearing demonstration, introduction to owning a horse,
trapping animal predators, and introductory information about cattle, chickens, and hogs.
YOUTH HORSE CLUB OF THE HILL COUNTRY FALL RODEO (DATE NOT SET AT PRESS TIME) Organized in 1996 in Boerne, the Youth Horse Club of the Hill Country provides opportunity for area youth to rodeo at a beginner to intermediate level in a family atmosphere. HORSE JUDGING CONTEST (OCT. 7) Organized and run by the 4-H Horse Club, both FFA and 4-H judging teams from across Texas are invited to compete in this contest to get ready for the upcoming season.
J&K TEAM ROPING (SEPT. 23, 24 / OCT. 14, 15 / NOV. 24-26) This is a series of numbered team ropings accommodating various levels of ropers. LARI DEE GUY ROPING CLINIC, (SEPT. 29 & 30) The 4-H Horse Club is bringing back WPRA champion, Lari Dee Guy, for a breakaway roping clinic for youth and adults.
STOCK SHOW SEASON IS AROUND THE CORNER – Boerne FFA Chapter Show, Dec. 2 – Comfort FFA Alumni Association Goat Show, Dec. 16 – Kendall County Jr. Livestock Association Annual Show and Sale, Jan. 12 & 13, 2018
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KCYAEC Mission: To provide a sustainable livestock and equestrian facility for Kendall County 4-H, FFA and Jr. Livestock youth, fund scholarships, and make available a multi-purpose venue for the Texas Hill Country community and beyond. WILD GAME DINNER | 2017
Graci Phillips
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION OF THERAPEUTIC HORSEMEN (NOV. 11) A non-profit organization based in Denver, Colorado, PATH promotes the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding and other equine-assisted activities and therapies. The organization is holding its international conference in San Antonio and the group will spend a day at the Center for various workshops.
were also an estimated 58 room nights in Kendall County outside the city limits, but that data is not tracked as it is within the city of Boerne.” Dating from 1939, the livestock program in Kendall County has a rich heritage, with many generations of the county’s youth learning to be productive, responsible leaders. For seven decades, hundreds of citizens have served as directors and volunteers for the Junior Livestock Association, while thousands of community members and business owners have supported the sale financially by purchasing animals and cheering on the young participants. Texas AgriLife Extension Agent Stephen Zoeller reports that membership in 4-H and FFA is up across the
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Bullfighters Only
county, with around 400 youth expected to participate in the county show and sale set for January 12 and 13, 2018. “The 2017 sale hit a million-dollar milestone with direct livestock purchases by bidders, plus add-on money to individual participants. “To a lot of them, this is the start of their college savings,” said Zoeller. During the past three years, these programs have generated more than $200,000 in direct scholarships, as well as more than $3,000,000 for higher academic and technical/vocational education from the Jr. Livestock Association auction and from auctions at major shows. Reports from Texas AgriLife Extension indicate that youth participating in these programs are 70% more likely to attend an institution of higher learning after high school graduation. Many of these youth graduate with a substantial part of their college or technical school paid thanks to these opportunities. A long-time supporter of the project, County Judge Darrel Lux said, “The new Youth Ag and Equestrian Center will foster economic development in Kendall County for years to come. It also gives families from all socioeconomic levels the opportunity to work together on projects that instill responsibility and develop the character of our Kendall County youth.” The KCYAEC 13-member board of directors includes five representatives from Junior Livestock, five from the 4-H Horse Club, and three members from the community. Directors include Andra Wisian, President; Krista Upham, Vice President; Meg Grier, Secretary; David Geistweidt, Treasurer; Wayne Zoeller; Weston Hamilton; Craig Jackson; Shawn Rust; Jack Speir; Rick Wood; Dwaine Rivers; Cliff Wheeler; and Mike Lang.
Look for more information at the organization’s website at www.kcyaec.org.