Released December 6, 2008
LOGAN, Utah -- A 4-H guide about ranch horsemanship, written by Jim Keyes, Utah State University Extension agriculture/natural resources agent in San Juan County, received a “huge thumbs-up” from Tim O’Byrne, editor of “Working Ranch Magazine.” The manual was used at the Western Canada 4-H Leaders Convention in November 2008.
Keyes finished writing the “4-H Working Ranch Horse Program, A Practical Guide” in the summer of 2008. The manual is being used as an educational supplement for the Utah 4-H Working Ranch Horse Program, started in Utah in 2006 by Scott McKendrick, USU Extension equine specialist, to teach appropriate ranch horsemanship to rural and urban 4-H participants.
“Jim’s expertise, shared through the written materials and the many hands-on clinics he presents, has brought new life to the 4-H Horse Program and brought a new clientele to the opportunities available in 4-H,” said McKendrick. “This material is beyond anything else developed to help youths learn the art and science of skills necessary to become and stay involved in the future of ranching.”
Keyes received an award for the manual in July 2008 from the National Association of County Agriculture Agents, placing second nationally for learning modules developed by agriculture agents. In addition, a link to the guide was posted on cowboyshowcase.com, a source for cowboy and buckaroo information. He said he is thrilled with the positive response his practical training guide has received.
“The intent is to give readers a small insight into the world of cowboys and buckaroos and their jobs of taking care of livestock on horseback,” Keyes said.
The guide has five chapters: topics include horses and horsemanship, safety, equipment, livestock and roping. It can be found on the Utah 4-H Horse Program Web site at http://utah4hhorse.org/files/uploads/4HWRH%20Training%20Guide.pdf.
Keyes in a native of Utah and received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in animal science from USU. He and his wife live in southeastern Utah and own and operate Keyes Cattle Company, raising registered Red Angus cattle.
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http://extension.usu.edu/htm/news/articleID=4081
Contacts: James Keyes, 435-459-1825, james.keyes@usu.edu
Lisa Rose Woodworth, 435-797-0810, lisa.woodworth@usu.edu
