LSU AgCenter equine specialist Neely Walker used a grant from the American Quarter Horse Association to take three students to conduct horse camps in Europe. The group conducted camps in Austria, Czech Republic and Slovenia. Standing in front of camp participants in Slovenia are Neely Walker, Riley Lirette, Erin Oberhaus and Robbin Monceaux.

LSU AgCenter equine specialist Neely Walker, second from left, and LSU students Robbin Monceaux, Riley Lirette and Erin Oberhaus visit the Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna during their travels to Europe to conduct horse camps sponsored by the American Quarter Horse Association.

News Release Distributed 08/07/15

BATON ROUGE, La. – LSU AgCenter equine specialist Neely Walker took three LSU students to Europe this summer to teach horse camps in three countries.

Walker received a grant from the American Quarter Horse Association to run camps in Austria, Czech Republic and Slovenia.

Teaching in a foreign country, especially in one where few of the students spoke English, was initially intimidating to the group, but Walker said they overcame the barrier.

“Language wasn’t as much as an issue because we all spoke horse,” Walker said.

Riley Lirette, a senior studying mass communications, said the experience helped her improve her communication skills.

“It forced me to speak clearly and precisely, which is great practice for public speaking in general,” Lirette said. “I didn’t realize how much jargon equestrians use until I had to teach riders who are not native English speakers.”

The group, which also included Erin Oberhaus, a graduate student in the LSU College of Agriculture, and Robbin Monceaux, an engineering student, was in Europe from June 9-28. The first camp they conducted was in Wilhemsburg, Austria.

“When you teach something, you gain a better understanding of the concepts and techniques,” Walker said.

Oberhaus, who teaches undergraduates as part of her graduate program, said the experience has made her a better teacher.

“I developed more horsemanship skills, and it was a good opportunity to get practice teaching in the industry instead of just the classroom,” Oberhaus said.

Walker’s goal for the program wasn’t just for the students to gain international experiences but to work on their weaknesses, whether communicating or diagnosing what the rider and horse are telling you.

At the end of the first camp, the LSU group had participants put on a horse show with the LSU students acting as judges and presenting awards.

Participants in the camps ranged widely in age, skill and horse knowledge. Lirette said it was fun to watch the riders light up when they accomplished something new with their horses.

“My favorite part about my experience was becoming friends with equestrians from across the world who are just as in love with the horse industry as I am,” she said.

In Roupov, Czech Republic, they conducted the camp at Galloway Farms, which is an organic cattle farm.

“There we learned a lot about horse management techniques and the forage availability there,” Walker said.

The last camp was conducted in Castle Prestranek, Slovenia.

Walker said with all camps she was impressed by the quality of horses and riders and the generosity of their hosts. But overall, she was proud of the students.

“I was really impressed with their efforts and how they managed stressful situations and their willingness to try new things,” Walker said.

The trip wasn’t all work. Between camps, the group had opportunities to tour the countries. They visited Vienna and Salzburg in Austria, Prague in the Czech Republic, the Adriatic Coast of Slovenia and Lipica, where the famed Lipizzaner stallions originated. They also visited Italy.

Oberhaus said the stops in Slovenia were her favorite part of the trip.

“We went to the Adriatic Sea,” she said. “We saw limestone caves and a castle built into cave. It was pretty spectacular.”

Lirette called the trip an experience of a lifetime.

“I believe I have become a more confident person who is ready for the next adventure,” Lirette said. “I have also grown in my worldly knowledge both in general and with the horse industry internationally.”

Tobie Blanchard