National Western Stock Show Opens New Worlds to Children

You can't go to the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado, without learning something new, and for kids that goes triple. Parents know that it's important to give kids the chance to explore and learn so that they will have a rich future. Just imagine how many things you learned as a child that you wound up using later, whether to choose a career, take a vacation, or develop a lifelong hobby. Visiting the stock show can also make children's playtime richer and more imaginative. The Stock Show has special events and exhibits for kids, including puppy parenting seminars, Dancing with Dogs demonstrations, Pony Trails horse information center and the whole Activity Pavilion, and Children's Ranchland.

A child might become a natural foods grocer, an environmental activist, or a food scientist. He or she will remember the displays from other children who are active in agriculture such as 4-H or FFA, explaining how they grow the plants and animals that we eat. They can even watch those children in the Junior events where their animals and produce are judged. In the education hall there's a display which shows the stages of growth of corn, and another showing how honey is made, with delicious recipes to bring home. Future Farmers of America have brought their animals for petting and feeding by other people their age, and are glad to tell about their life on the farm, or how they raise their animals at home.

Some children will want to become veterinarians or veterinarian assistants. At the National Western Stock Show they can talk to college students from all over who are pursuing that dream at Colorado State University. One said she came here from the tiny state of Massachusetts where she rode English style and is now pursuing her dream of working with horses and learning Western style riding in the great state of Colorado. Children can also see a large animal veterinarian in action, very different from the one they take their kitties to! Children who live in an apartment and don't have pets can visit the Stock Show and pet chickens, goats, horses or even guinea pigs, and get to know animals up close, not just in a book or a zoo. They can also find out why farms don't just have horses, pigs and cows, but also sheep, goats, llamas, bison, and yak, as well as poultry and rabbits.

Many children, especially girls, become fascinated with horses. The Coors Western Art Exhibit will give plenty of inspiration to young artists who like to draw horses. There is plenty to explore about horses, and lots to take home, including a "parts of the horse" diagram. Do you know what part of the horse is the "stifle?" How about the "cannon?" After the stock show, children will! Horse enthusiasts are at the show in great numbers, ready to help families find a place for their children to learn to ride. Like other sports, horsemanship has a lot of benefits in child and personal development, building confidence and responsibility as well as a working relationship with a wonderful animal.

When you're in the educational pavilion, be sure to pick up a free copy of the "My Day at the National Western Stock Show" coloring book to record memories of your visit, and introduce your child to the professionals, students and hobbyists who are there to share their lives with you. Tickets for children 3-11 are $2 weekdays, $3 weekends and Martin Luther King Day. Tickets for the Family Day Rodeo on January 24^th start at $8. Beware, though, once you've gone this year with your child, you won't be able to say no when they bug you about going next year!