Horses and 4-H lead girl to success and dreams

By LYNN MONTGOMERY | East Texas Edition

Mike Rogers gets daughter Olivia Rogers' hair situated to go under her riding hat just prior to competition at the recent District IV 4-H Horse Show in Athens. Olivia came away from the show with several wins. -- Staff photos by Lynn Montgomery

July 7, 2005 - The combination of horses and 4-H have helped a Kaufman County youth earn scholarships, which she will put to use at Texas Tech University in Lubbock.

Allison Rogers, 17, has competed in all performance classes throughout her 4-H years.

"I have been competing since the third grade," she said while waiting for her events to begin at the District IV 4-H Horse Show in Athens, June 13-14.

The 2005 Kaufman High School graduate won a $12,000 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Scholarship, among several other scholarships.

She plans to major in Ag Communications, with hopes of going into the field of business marketing within the horse industry.

Allison Rogers, Kaufman Co. 4-H'er, has many years of competiting under her belt. -- Staff photos by Lynn Montgomery

Horses has always been a love for this teenager, who comes from a horse-loving family. Her brother also competed at the district show in team roping.

"My first horse was a bay Tennessee Walker," she said.

The horse enthusiast also helps train her four-legged friends.

"I like to train my own horses. I like the performance area better than the speed events because it is calmer and more relaxed. Not near the pressure," she added.

Competing in the arena will not end just because she is heading to college.

"I plan to continue showing on the collegiate level," Allison said.

Horse judging is also in her plans. Under the leadership of Carrie Sharp, Kaufman County Extension agent for 4-H and youth development, Allison was a member of the Texas Quarter Horse Youth Association team who won the All American Breed Congress at Columbus, Ohio, earlier in the year.

The 4-H'er has also been a leader in the Kaufman County program. She was Horse Club president and a member of the county 4-H council. She also won third place in the accessory design category at the 4-H State Round-up competition with a belt she designed.

She stated showing has taught her a lot. "I have learned how to deal with people. I have become more social and will be able to use those social skills forever," she concluded.