Westernaires Tenderfoot Handbook, 2000TABLE OF CONTENTS
WHAT ARE THE WESTERNAIRES?
A WORD FROM OUR DIRECTOR
ORGANIZATION
LIVERY HORSES
IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS
ATTENDANCE
HORSECAPADES
RIDING APPAREL AND PRACTICE UNIFORM
POLICY ON SAFETY HELMETS
FIELD KITCHEN AND MINI-KITCHEN
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
GENERAL INFORMATION
"CHAIN OF COMMAND"
CHRISTMAS PARTY AND AWARDS PROGRAM
IMPORTANT DATESWELCOME TO WESTERNAIRES
"WHAT ARE THE WESTERNAIRES?"
It is not an infrequent question. Of course, we are not a singing group, although some of our riders sing. Likewise, we are not a square dancing troupe, although some of our riders square dance, country and western dance, or any one of other kinds of dance. We are not a pony club, a horse show group, or a horse breed organization. Neither are we a 4 - H club, a girl scout or boy scout troop or an explorer post. Strangely, we have been called all of the above.It must then be a fair question, deserving of an answer. We are a youth organization that encourages self-respect, responsibility and leadership through horsemanship and family participation. The Lakewood Youth Council saw, in 1949, the need for a community youth activity centered around the horse as an alternative to the little league baseball, soccer and football teams which provided an outlet to many in the community. They turned to a telephone company executive, E. E. Wyland, who organized the Westernaires (first called the Paul Gregg Pony Club) and began to teach precision mounted drill to 26 young people. Over the 49 years since that humble beginning, Westernaires has evolved into a 1000 member group of community youth from 9 to 19 who concentrate their efforts on precision mounted drill and expand their horizons into a limitless variety of equestrian and old west activities.
We have borrowed ideas from Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West Show and Congress of Rough Riders, the post civil war United States Cavalry, the plains Indians such as the Cheyenne and the Sioux, from Will Rogers and Belle Starr, Alexander the Great, the Russian Cossacks and countless other horsemen and women who, since the beginning of man's adventure on earth, have found the horse to be more than a beast of burden or a working partner. All of these activities have combined into a joyful relationship between the young riders and their mounts who demonstrate from time to time a skill, a professionalism and a flair for entertainment.
Sure, we learn about horses, their care, their training and their habits. We also learn all of the specialties and the refinements of precision mounted drill. But these are only tangible evidence of what the Westernaires are. More important are those things that are intangible. They are such things as the discipline that comes from training every week for years to achieve promotion to the top teams in the organization, the sense of teamwork from riding week after week with a group of 25 or 30 (or 50) others trying to gel into a polished performance, the sense of personal responsibility that comes from care of the animal who looks to his human partner for everything and the sense of community pride which from an education about our western heritage.
Perhaps the most important feature of the Westernaires today is that it provides a constructive alternative for today's suburban youngsters. At Westernaires, there are no drugs, no alcohol, no tobacco. There is a sense of community, of family which nurtures young people into responsible community leaders. It provides a place for parents and children to work together in so many ways that seem unavailable elsewhere. Lawmen have referred to the Westernaires as the best juvenile delinquency prevention device around. Perhaps today's gangs and other juvenile violence is best avoided by building a discipline such as we do at the Westernaires.
However it is analyzed, Westernaires is young people, horses, history, fun, entertainment and, most of all, satisfaction at becoming the "best in the world."
Welcome to Westernaires. Every rider in the Red Team started as Tenderfeet just as you are doing this fall. Most, like you, had heard of Westernaires and maybe seen a performance or two. Most, like you, came with their eyes filled with wonderment at the things Westernaires has to offer. Of course, it takes hard work and years of training and regular practice to achieve the excellence of our top performing team.
Westernaires is an organization which requires obedience to its rules. Without the discipline which rule observance requires, we could not expect to operate successfully. You have received a copy of the rule book guard it, read it and follow it. Each of us, from the Director down to the newest Tenderfoot, must live by the rules.
One thing needs to be mentioned . . . Westernaires is nothing if it isn't fun for all. Sure, it is hard work. Sure it is dedication. Attendance is critical and responsibilities are many, but above all, we have fun. Fun in the company of each other, fun with the horses and fun with our achievements. What is one's success is pleasure to us all. We are a big family here. We hope this year's class is the biggest and best ever, but let me warn you in advance you have a lot to live up to in order to achieve that.
Parents, we are glad to have you, too. 'Mere are many things you can do to help make this organization better for your rider and for all the others who are involved. Seek out opportunities, learn about the Westernaires, and share, with the rest of us, the pleasure of seeing today's young people succeed!
Westernaires is a Colorado non-profit corporation. It is governed by an Executive Board. Responsibility for the training and day to day operation falls on the Director and President, Mr. Glen E. Keller, Jr.
While we have many divisions, you will be most interested, at present, with your own Tenderfoot group - also known as part of "Blue Division." You have a Chief Instructor (Mr. Orrin Curtiss) and a Chief Monitor (Mrs. Mo Larson). You will be divided into classes, each with their own Instructor and Monitor. Please be sure to learn the names of your Instructor and Monitor as well as the phone number of your Monitor. If you have any questions, please call your CLASS MONITOR. You will receive your notice of meetings, rides, etc., from a caller who will give you her/his name and phone number. Remember, if you don't get a call when you think you should, call your caller. You may have been away when he/she was trying to call you.
In order to make horses available to those who cannot own or keep their own, the Westernaires have a string of some 70 horses which we rent to riders for a charge of $7.00 per hour. If you are registered as a renter, a livery horse is automatically reserved for you each time you are scheduled to ride. If it becomes necessary for you to cancel your reserved horse you must do this before 6:00 pm on the Friday night before your ride. You do this by calling the Horse Monitor, Ctndi Sykes (720-716-0398). If you do not cancel your horse you will be charged the rental fee anyway.
Your Tenderfoot Class Number:__________________
Your Class Monitor: Telephone Number::__________________
Class Instructor::__________________
Caller's Name::__________________
Telephone Number::__________________
Horse Monitor: Cyndi Sykes
Telephone Number: 303-716-0398
Fort Westernaire: 303-279-3767Class attendance is important because it is basic to safe riding and is also part of the grading system. Classes are not repeated since our instructors are volunteers and cannot be expected to give make-up class work to fit your convenience. Attendance is required at all events. Please call your Class Monitor when you find you will be unable to attend a class or lecture.
Tenderfoot riding classes are generally set by age. We try to avoid placing younger riders with the older boys and girls because they usually learn at different speeds. In some cases classes can be changed for an individual to fit some special need. If you need to change, please contact your Chief Monitor.
In case of bad weather we sometimes cancel the day's events. WE WILL CALL YOU IF THIS OCCURS.
This organization will not tolerate poor deportment, bad language, drinking, smoking, drugs, etc. This is not a permissive group and we expect ALL to follow our long established policy of requiring discipline. We will not allow parents to coach from the rail. The Instructor is in complete charge inside the arena. If you have any complaints, go to your Class Monitor or Class Instructor - to other families, friends, nor to the Director!
Our annual "Horsecapades", four performances of our version of the Buffalo Bill Wild West Show will be October 23 and 24, 1999, at the National Western Event Center. This will require help from the Tenderfeet and their parents. Westernaires is self-financed. We do not go from door to door asking for donations to support our organization. We believe in giving value for money received and, so, our Annual Show (which gives much more than the cost of the tickets) is our once a year project to raise funds to carry forward our program for another year! FOR THIS REASON WE REQUIRE EVERY MEMBER TO SELL TICKETS, and a record of their participation is kept and referred to as part of the consideration in advancement of riders. We only ask our members to do this once a year.
RIDING APPAREL AND PRACTICE UNIFORM
We suggest that you wear jeans and boots (or shoes with a smooth sole and a substantial heel) so your foot won't slip through the stirrup. We do not permit shorts, baggy clothes that could hang up on the saddle or shirt tails worn outside, for safety reasons. If you have to buy now we suggest you buy a regular practice uniform (the uniform is required by January 1, 2000). It consists of wheat colored jeans, white monogrammed blouse/shirt, tan headscarf for the girls. Red side ties are required at certain events such as Annual Show, Class Picture and Graduation. These items may be purchased at our Club Store which is open on Saturdays from 10 am until 2 pm (September through May). We ride outdoors most of the time so dress accordingly.
The use of safety helmets is permitted in every practice of the Westernaires. If the helmet is to used in a performance, it is the responsibility of the rider to incorporate the helmet into the costume in use by his or her team as to be unobtrusive.
While there are riders who may choose not to wear a helmet, they should not attempt to enforce their attitude on other riders any more than those wearing helmets should try to persuade their use. THE USE OF HELMETS IS A MATTER OF PERSONAL DISCRETION AND RESPONSIBILITY OF THE RIDER AND THE PARENTS.
FIELD KITCHEN AND MINI-KITCHEN
Each Saturday the kitchens are open to serve sandwiches, chips, coffee, burritos, hot dogs and more. The Field Kitchen is in the Fort arena and the Mini-kitchen (small trailer) is pulled down to the Lower Arena/General Purpose Building. These are the only two places to eat on the Fairgrounds.
Each Saturday parents are asked to take their turn working in the kitchen during the hour that their youngsters ride. If everyone will take their turn it would mean possibly 3 or 4 times during the year for each parent. If there are NO parents willing or able to work the kitchen for a particular hour, THE KITCHEN WILL BE CLOSED FOR THAT HOUR!!! It is not fair for one parent to work the kitchen EVERY Saturday (as has happened) because nobody else is willing to take their turn.
Why should parents become involved in Westernaires?
1) You, as a parent, know what your youngster is doing without being directly involved in their supervision.
2) Your skills can aid the organization and help keeps costs at a minimum - and provide more and better equipment and facilities.
3) Parents actually get into the spirit of the group, create new friends and develop a sort of fraternal relationship.
What, if anything, do you expect of us as parents?
1) Please take your turn when asked to work in the kitchen.
2) Attend class with your rider as often as you can. You will be amazed at what your child learns.
3) Enjoy yourself!
In an organization of this size, help is needed in many areas to make our program successful. Listed below are a few. If you can help in any way, please call your Monitor:
Wranglers (work with the livery horses)
Building and Grounds maintenance (carpenters, painters, electricians, plumbers and handymen)
Motor Vehicle maintenance and repair (mechanics, welders, etc.)
Wagon and rolling stock restoration Truck Drivers - diesel and gas
Posse Men Harness drivers
All of the these may seem to require a lot of time on the part of the parents; however, we feel that a program worth doing is worth doing well. Presently many people are giving of their free time (no one in Westernaires receives any salary - some do not even have riders in the Club) to give your child the very best training possible. But, more help is needed if we are to continue with this type of program. If EVERYONE would contribute, the total time required of each individual would be greatly reduced and we could get much more accomplished.Class rides will be scheduled every other Saturday. THE FIRST CLASS RIDE WILL BE SEPTEMBER 11, 1999. Tenderfoot Class I will report early (6:30 am for a couple of rides and then 7 am) to saddle the horses for the day. The class then rides from 8 am to 9 am. Class 2 rides at 9 am, Class 3 at 10 am, and so forth, through Class 8. Class 8 will remain after class to unsaddle the horses and return them to the barn. If there are any changes to this, your caller will notify you. Learn the names and phone numbers of your Monitor and Call immediately!
Except for Class 1, always report early to class (30 minutes early for a few times, then 15 minutes early.) Please have the correct amount ($7.00) for horse rental. Checks are okay and should be made payable to "Westernaires".
In addition to regular class rides, there will be series of 5 consecutive Friday evening grooming classes. Each Tenderfoot class will groom separately with Tenderfoot Class I beginning their classes on September 10, 1999. Exact report times will be given later. After Class I has completed their sessions, class 8 will begin theirs. You can pretty well figure out just when your own individual class will begin (it might not work out exactly. Sometimes classes get cancelled because of weather or shows). However, you can figure an approximate starting date for your class.
Attendance is taken at each class meeting, be it ride, grooming, lecture, or whatever. Attendance is compulsory. In order to qualify for a perfect attendance award at Tenderfoot Graduation you must attend the 5 grooming classes scheduled for your Tenderfoot class, all lectures, all rides. If a grooming class is missed, it must be made up during next five week session. No Tenderfoot will graduate without having completed 5 grooming classes!
If you have a complaint or criticism, please handle them in the proper manner. The problem should first be discussed with the class Monitor or Instructor. Should the answer not be found there, the Monitor or Instructor will take the problem to the Chief Monitor or Chief Instructor. If there is need for further clarification, THE CHIEFS will present your problem to the Director. DO NOT CONTACT THE DIRECTOR, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OR EXECUTIVE BOARD ON YOUR OWN!! Please follow the "Chain of Command."
CHRISTMAS PARTY AND AWARDS PROGRAM
Every December Westernaires has an all-member Christmas Party and Awards Program in the Jeffco Auditorium on a Sunday afternoon. EVERYBODY in Westernaires is invited. Boyfriends and girlfriends (outside the organization) are not welcome. All Tenderfeet who attend are asked to bring two (2) dozen cookies. We also ask, those who wish, to contribute $1.00 to the Westernaire Money Tree. Ile tree is presented to the Director who, in turn, makes sure the money is used for something special needed for the organization. During the party ribbon and trophy presentations are made for perfect attendance (Upper Division teams) for the previous year, ticket sales from Annual Show including individual winners from each Tenderfoot Class. The top 3 sellers from each class will be announced. Be sure to attend and bring your family with you. It is a FAMILY Christmas party. This is one occasion where you don't have to wear your uniform - wear your party clothes!
September 9 First ride
September 13 Ticket Rally 7pm (Please see the section in this handbook titled "Horsecapades")
September 23 Tenderfoot ride
October 7 Tenderfoot ride
October 21 Annual Show, National Western Event Center, Tenderfeet attend the Saturday morning performance and sweep the stands after the show.
October 22 Annual Show
November 4 Tenderfoot ride
November 18 Tenderfoot ride
December 2 Tenderfoot ride
December 10 Christmas Party and Awards Program
2 pm Jeffco Auditorium
December 16 Tenderfoot rideJan. 1, 2001 Uniforms now required