EQUESTRIAN NEWS BRIEFS
CLOSING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE Teens believe internet access is critical for equality. A new survey by National 4-H Council, the Harris Poll and the 4-H Tech Changemakers coalition found that teens believe unreliable broadband access contributes to economic and social inequities, perceptions of reduced career prospects, significantly lower digital literacy and less confidence in their future success. Not-So-Fast Facts Teens reveal the drastic impact that slow internet speeds have on opportunities for success in their classes, careers and communities and urge the government to pick up the pace toward universal broadband access. 73% of teens agree that “Digital skills will be the key to getting the best jobs for my generation.” 1 in 10 American teens do not have access to broadband internet (1 in 6 in rural communities). Broadband access dropped 7% at both homes and schools since 2019. Only 37% of teens with an unreliable connection feel that high-quality, K-12 education is within reach for their community. Only 38% of teens with unreliable connections feel their community has access to a wide variety of job opportunities. 89% of teens say their need for high-speed internet access at home has increased, or stayed the same in the last 18 months. Ultimately, teens see broadband availability as a barrier to staying in their community long term (25% unreliable internet, 14% reliable internet). Confidence to succeed in life is down 9% since 2019 (down 12% for those with unreliable internet). Closing the Gap These findings show the profound impact reliable broadband access and digital literacy can have on the lives and futures of
American teens and their communities. 4-H Tech Changemakers is National 4-H Council's initiative to help close the digital divide, with a focus on Black, Brown, and rural communities, made possible by support from Land O’Lakes, Microsoft, Verizon, and Tractor Supply along with 20 Land Grant University partners. Through the 4-H Tech Changemakers program, teens are empowering their communities through digital literacy training by reaching an estimated 50,000 adults across 18 states in 2021. Learn more about teaming up with 4-H and bridging the digital divide by contacting Heather Elliott, VP Development, at 301792-1023 or email: HElliott@4-H.org For more studies on the teen perspective on everything from mental health to racial injustice, check out our Research page at https://4-h.org/about/research/#!teenperspectives
ONE OF THE BEST SEASONS FOR IEA We are well on our way to what looks like one of our best seasons EVER in the IEA! Membership has been running full steam since June and thousands of members have already renewed or joined for the first time. As of September 7th, we are happy to welcome 93 BRAND NEW TEAMS to the IEA as well as 47 teams returning from pre-COVID seasons in addition to hundreds of returning teams who stuck with us last season despite the trials of a pandemic. We welcome EVERYONE back and are so excited to see you in the show ring. As Executive Director, Roxane Durant, likes to say..."IEA is a Community of equestrians all working together for the betterment of the sport." That statement rings true as the staff can tangibly feel the excitement and anticipation of our members starting the 20th Anniversary season. With more than a dozen shows already under our belt, we know you are anxious to start competing. Our membership staff is working tirelessly to complete membership applications and answer questions in the order they come
OCTOBER 2021 • C & C PUBLISHING, INC. ©2021
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into the office. Please be patient as they sort through hundreds of daily emails, phone calls, faxes, and papers. We understand it can be a bit overwhelming and we sincerely appreciate your patience. It is a great 'problem' to have so many people anxiously awaiting to RIDE IEA! If you have not renewed your team membership yet or are looking to start a new team, add a new discipline to your team, or just have general questions about coaching – reach out to Jennifer Eaton at jenn@ rideiea.org or by calling 1-877-RIDE-IEA ext. 203. Jennifer has a wealth of knowledge and experience in setting up coaches for success. If you are planning on returning to IEA this season, please try and renew your team membership by OCTOBER 1, 2021. While there is no longer a deadline for TEAM MEMBERSHIP, in order to have the best opportunities for a full show season, you should register this month. The same is true for riders – the sooner you join, the sooner you are eligible to begin competing. Last year, IEA hosted more than 900 horse shows across the nation which is a huge accomplishment thanks to the hundreds of IEA coaches who were well organized and ran great shows.
“NOEL” A CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS Two full hours of nonstop Christmas excitement returns to the Michiana Event Center in Shipshewana! This amazing and uplifting show is filled with nonstop equestrian adventures, featuring some of the most beautiful horses anywhere, along with incredibly talented riders from all around the world. See the Noel singers, dancers, aerialists, hogs, dogs and more! Christmas is without a doubt the most special time of the year, and we are proud and honored to share with you the real reason we celebrate Christmas, the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ! "Noel" features one of the largest living nativities anywhere, complete with a recreation of the stable and manger in Bethlehem where the savior was born. A glorious Angel heralds the Lord’s WWW.SADDLEUPMAG.COM
