(Chelsea Update would like to thank Alix Carroll for the information and photos in this story.)
Marina Carroll, 13, of Grass Lake, has been accepted into the American Quarter Horse Youth Association (AQHYA) Young Horse Development Program as a 2020 program participant.
Through the Young Horse Development program, AQHYA members 12 years and older receive a hands-on horse training opportunity focusing on the fundamentals of horsemanship. The program is not only an excellent educational experience, participants can showcase the skills and knowledge they have acquired for chances to win scholarships and awards.
The program is based around Ranching Heritage Farms that produce Quarter Horses from specific bloodlines known for skill in working cattle and other ranch work.
Through the program, selected youth are matched with a weanling horse (the term for a baby horse that’s ready to leave its mother). The youth will then train the young horse in all the skills they’ll need to be successful working partners, such as leading, tying, and eventually riding.
Carroll’s weanling was graciously donated by the Raymond Sutton Ranch in Gettysburg, SD. She chose the name RWS Good N Legendary, barn name Slick.
“I have been riding my whole life, but this is such an amazing opportunity to learn how to train my own young horse within the guidance of the program,” Carroll said. “My hope is that my weanling and I can learn from each other.”
She is the daughter of Steve and Alix Carroll, is homeschooled and is currently in 8th grade.
Carroll is a member of the Riske Riders 4-H Club based in Manchester. She participates in several 4-H activities including horses, photography, painting, and archery.
Carroll competes with her horses at shows hosted by the Central Michigan Horseman’s Association and the Foundation Quarter Horse Registry.
