“Animal Crackers: Walk, Trot, and Hop to It”

By Janet Pfromm, 4-H Educator

Cornell Cooperative Extension Chenango County

The Cornell University Department of Animal Science is pleased to announce Animal Crackers 2013 "Animal Crackers: Walk, Trot, Hop to It" on Saturday, May 4, 2013 at Cornell University.  The up-coming program will incorporate both horse and rabbit topics for youth ages 9-12 or those with beginner/intermediate knowledge of the species.  All youth, 4-H and non-4-H, are invited to participate. Adult chaperones are also invited to attend to make Walk, Trot, and Hop to It a family event!

Interesting, educational, hands-on activities are planned to make Animal Crackers a memorable teaching event.  Participants will have the opportunity to learn horse or rabbit care, biology, or management while having fun in two different learning tracts (horse): beginners and intermediates. There will also be sessions on exploring animal science careers, animal demonstrations, and much, much more!

Beginner and Intermediate 4-H members in the Horse project will learn:

Beginners:

• Horse Guts & Hoses – Interactive, hands-on demonstration about the horse digestive tract.  Come and have fun getting “all hosed up” in the equine digestive tract! 
• Know How to Open & Close Your “Gaits” – Find out what most people wished they knew: horse gaits, hoof placement, rhythm, and the way horses travel.  Here’s your chance to learn to trot!
• What is that Judge Thinking? – Have you ever been at a show and wondered what the judge was thinking?  Learn how to judge and what goes into becoming a judging pro from a fellow 4-H’er!
• Riding Horses: Cloverbuds & Beginners – Hey, we all have to start somewhere in our horse riding careers, so come to Animal Crackers to learn more about safely getting started and making horses a FUN 4-H Project!

Intermediate:

• What Bugs ‘Em? – See what “icky” things are bugging your horse, inside and out, and learn how you can prevent internal and external parasites. 
• Travel Time – Find out how to turn “Oh no, not the trailer again!” to “Yes, let’s get to the horse show!” No more worry or hassle as trailer pros teach you everything you need to know.
• Trail Tips – Learn to teach your horse “look, sniff, and go” to accept trail obstacles in all environments.
• Learn the Look – How can a horse’s looks and its build affect how you should be caring for him/her? Come learn how anatomy and physiology go hoof-n-hoof!

Those interested in Rabbit projects will learn:

• “Looking the Part” – “What do you mean he’s not really a Mini Lop?”  Don’t go to County Fair unprepared!  Learn how to match your rabbit with breed standards and what it takes to be a good judge of conformation in this hands-on breed standards and judging workshop. 
• “Home Sweet Home” – Ever wonder what your rabbit would really like to live in?  Does a rabbit need a split level ranch or spacious mansion?  Find out just how much space is needed for the best rabbit housing that won’t break the bank!  House cleaning tips will also be shared.
• “Healthy and Hoppy” – Rabbits do get sick and need to see the vet but there are plenty of things you can do at home to keep them healthy and hoppy!  Learn about common diseases like snuffles and simple prevention strategies to keep your friends healthy.
• “It’s in the Genes” – No, we’re not talking about designer denim. What makes BIG rabbits BIG and small rabbits small?  Find out more about rabbit DNA and how it relates to your rabbit.  This is exciting new research from Cornell’s School of Veterinary Medicine!
• “Splitting Hares” – How different are domestic rabbits from their wild counterparts?  What really makes them so different?  Are there any similarities between your pet and the bunny who robs the garden?  Come to Animal Crackers and find out!
• “Handling How-To’s” – We all know that you have to take very good care of your rabbit but what does that really mean?  Learn tips, techniques, and tried-and-true care, grooming, and handling all in one place from fellow 4-H’ers!

The program also has some really interesting and exciting demonstrations for those attending!  For horse participants, come see “Hee Hawwww…Donkeys, Mules, and Drafts”.  Learn more about how to get 4-H’ers involved with donkeys, mules, and draft horses and the exciting show opportunities that await these beloved animals!  During our rabbit track, participants can watch, “Hop to It”, a live rabbit hopping demonstration, and learn how to get their rabbits and fellow 4-H’ers involved in this sport!

Cost of the program will be $7 for youth and adult chaperones and everyone is asked to bring their own lunch. Registration for the event will be done through your local Cornell Cooperative Extension Office and must be completed no later than April 15, 2013.  All groups must have at least one chaperone per species tract.  More information can be found on the Animal Crackers website: http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/4H/crackers/index.html. Mark your calendars for one the most exciting animal science programs of 2013!