UA Cossatot Collegiate FFA received a Day of Service Mini-Grant through the National FFA Living to Serve program to collaborate on a project with Runnin’ WJ Ranch in Texarkana, Texas. Runnin' WJ Ranch is a non-profit equine assisted activities facility for special-needs children and adults.
Agriculture students from UA Cossatot began volunteering with the therapeutic riding program at the ranch this spring. The students developed a project in coordination with the staff at the ranch to assist with their equine parasite management program. This allowed students to integrate the knowledge and skills obtained in their animal nutrition class in a real world situation.
On Tuesday, April 23rd, UA Cossatot agriculture instructor and FFA advisor, Kelli Harris, and FFA co-sponsor, Mac Irvin, traveled with a group of six students to Runnin’ WJ Ranch. The students worked with the staff at the ranch to administer Ivermectin paste to twenty-one horses, spray the horses with fly spray, deodorize stalls, and assist with other responsibilities related to the care of the horses. The UA Cossatot Collegiate FFA was able to donate all of the supplies needed for the project thanks to $400 in funding provided by the grant.
Kelli Harris said, “I’m so proud of my students and all that they do for the FFA and our community. This partnership with Runnin’ WJ Ranch is a wonderful opportunity for UA Cossatot agriculture students to work with professionals in the equine industry. Not only are the students able to serve an amazing organization, but they are gaining valuable skills.”
The project was developed in coordination with Runnin’ WJ Ranch employees Shelly Raulston, Narda Launius, Mack Dean, and Karen Akin. The UA Cossatot students who participated in the project were Kinley Wright, Hadley Philamlee, Cody Chandler, Dusty Kesterson, Peyton Frachiseur, and Katy Chapa.