The Henderson Range Wranglers 4-H horse club may not exist anymore, but it won’t be forgotten. It was formed back in the late ’60s and thrived with dozens of kids over the years who loved to ride horses and compete at the York County Fair Horse Show.
The local club was disbanded back in 2004, but they still owned their arena on the north edge of town, according to one of the club’s directors, Justin Ott. “We were fortunate to be able to sell the arena to Grace Children’s Home because they have kept the arena for their equine therapy program,” said Ott.
Since then, the directors of the former club have been discussing what to do with the sale proceeds. Local artist and one of the Range Wrangler directors, Vern Friesen, proposed the idea of creating a sculpture to commemorate the Range Wranglers.
“My idea was to create something to remember the Range Wranglers in not only Henderson but York County,” said Friesen. He calls the sculpture “4-H Meeting,” and it’s a bronze sculpture depicting two 4-H kids on their horses talking with their leader.
The sculpture will be formally dedicated at this year’s York County Fair on Friday, August 4 at 6:45 PM. Former Range Wrangler members are invited to attend the ceremony and celebrate this unique piece of art, which will be displayed during the fair through August 6th.
The remainder of the group’s money will be given to the York County Fair Foundation to be used for updating the arena and crow’s nest, according to Ott.
“I hope this sculpture will maybe revive a horse 4-H club in the area. Currently, there are no 4-H horse clubs in York County and no horse show at the county fair,” said Friesen. He fondly remembers when Henderson had more than one horse club before kid’s interests really shifted to the competitive summer sports programs and away from 4-H horse clubs.
This year’s 150th York County Fair will be held August 3 – 6 with the theme “All American Fun.” Go to www.yorkcountyfair.com for the complete fair schedule and 4-H scheduled events.
