Hot Shots on show
A farm in Koo Wee Rup is giving a group of children the chance to learn and perfect their craft on horseback thanks to the Youth Hot Shots program.
Hot Shots, pioneered by Mike Costello and business partner Chris Brands of MFC Equine, is designed to give kids the opportunity to learn and develop their horse-riding skills, as well as enjoy their time in the arena with each other and their horses.
The group meets every month to practice their snaffle bit cutting and barrel racing, as well as learning skills in moving around the arena and horse safety, before competing on the last weekend of each month at Garfield.
Snaffle bit cutting is an event where the rider must separate a cow from the group and keep them separate for a certain amount of time, scoring points throughout, with barrel racing seeing riders’ manoeuvre around barrels in the arena in the fastest time possible with a balance of precision and speed.
MFC Equine marketing and promotion manager Belinda Taylor said the group is one that enables many to come and enjoy themselves and have the opportunity to learn. For the year, participants pay $120 which covers insurance as well as lunch and drinks each day.
“It’s about getting together, and it doesn’t matter what equipment they have. It gives them an alternative to the regimented type of training, and we let them drive what they want to do.” she said.
With pony clubs often costing more than some families can afford, Hot Shots allows anyone to attend and enjoy a chance to learn horse riding and the sport of snaffle bit cutting and barrel racing under the watchful eye of Mike and some mentors Amy Karrer and Mike’s grandson, Jonah Vano.
“The kids absolutely idolise Jonah and Amy, they follow their lead, and they are brilliant with them,” Belinda said.
The group, which consists of around 20 children aged from eight through to 18 has the opportunity to use the facility at Koo Wee Rup to train, which Belinda said could be one of a kind in the way it operates.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the group saw a bit of a lull, but since it has begun to grow, with the hope of an internship becoming available down the track.
A horse trainer for the majority of his life, Mike is now passing on his experience to others and helping them train their own horses through the Three Circles Training method.
To follow the Hot Shots group visit their Facebook page or www.mfcequine.com for more information on how to get involved.