New Beginnings Youth Ranch

This past weekend New Beginnings Youth Ranch, it's staff and students, participated in the  annual Allardt Tennessee's, Great Pumpkin Festival and Parade.  A yearly tradition in Allardt, the “Pumpkin Fest” has become a huge success, drawing people from many states, both as spectators and participants. 

The parade has always consisted of your typical parade entrants of  floats including the Queen of the Fair, local groups such as the Chamber of Commerce, politicians, the Masonic Lodge and representatives of the Fire and Rescue and Police Departments.  And last but not least, some of the local horse clubs and riders.  But this year there was a shining new entry in the horse division.

New Beginnings Youth Ranch located in Clarkrange TN. in conjunction with Eckerd Academy, also of Clarkrange brought a contingent of  young American Mustangs, lead by their eleven student trainers that proudly carried flags representing the United States of America, the State of Tennessee, the four branches of the armed forces and, in honor of  the basis of the youth program, our Lord, Jesus Christ .

Both the United States and the State of Tennessee flags have actually been flown over the State Capitol building in Nashville Tennessee. The U.S. Flag was presented earlier this year to New Beginnings by, State Representative John Mark Wendell and the Tennessee State flag was presented by our own Senator Ken Yager who recently made a trip to the ranch to see the programs success for himself .  Just prior to the parade,  TN. Congressman Lincoln Davis, stopped by the staging area to speak with the children and staff about their mustangs

The mustangs, each led by their respective young trainers have come a long way in just two and a half months of handling. Coming to Tennessee directly out of Nevada's wild mustang herds that are managed by the United States, Bureau of Land Management Program, these young undomesticated horses are very different from the horse that is born in captivity. Creating for the children, a difficult challenge that they have never encountered before.

And for those of you who wish to see more of the kids and mustangs success, please come on out and show your support at the Youth and Yearling Mustang Challenge State Finals held at Eastfork Stables on October 10^th at 10:00 am.  Entry to the competition is free, there will be food and beverages available.  Don't forget to bring your cameras.

For those of you who are interested in purchasing one of America's Greatest Icons, The American Mustang, many of the trained mustangs will be available for purchase after the judging at the  auction. Come and see your next trail or show horse and show some support for the kids and their endeavors.