Party animal loves natural horse training

A HORSE fan and "bit of a party animal" is the subject of the fifth of our profiles of YFC members.

Name: Chloe Woolacott.

Club: Alverdiscott.

Position: Club secretary.

Time in YFC: One year.

Town/Village: Yarnscombe.

1. Why did you join your particular YFC?

Alverdiscott was the nearest club to me and a lot of my friends were planning on joining with me.

2. From the range of activities that YFC provides, what activity do you enjoy most?

Stock judging is something I particularly enjoy. I enjoy beef and lamb the most as they are quite similar.

It's a useful skill to be able to look at an animal and compare it to the quality of carcass you would receive from it.

And, of course, who doesn't enjoy YFC parties?

3. Do you look forward to competing in YFC or do you prefer just to join in?

I'm a very competitive person, but this year I have received the most joy from seeing three of our junior members participate in the public speaking competition and make the national finals.

I also competed at Devon County Show and won the trophy for the best flower exhibit in the group cubicle.

4. What do you think is the non-farming public's opinion about farmers and farming?

I think farming is an important part in Great Britain's heritage, and a lot of non-farmers appreciate this.

Sometimes rural matters are overlooked, such as the ban on fox hunting and the badger cull. These sort of matters should be left solely to the rural community.

5. What is your favourite music?

I love chart and dance music. Bit of a party animal at heart.

6. What do you think of Countryfile and do you think it shows an accurate account of farming life?

I like Countryfile, it shows a lot of what happens in the countryside, I particularly like Adam's farm, and his rare breeds, a lot of our local farmers don't focus on rare breeds, so we rarely get a chance to see some in the flesh.

7. What is the most difficult task you've ever tried, and did you achieve it? (Might be farming, might be something else.)

The most difficult task I've ever tried would be learning to drive and passing my driving test. Living in a rural community with one bus per week, makes my car a necessity for me. After passing, it was clear why so many young people like me struggle with insurance, as prices are so high, and unfortunately rising.

8. What's the best piece of advice you have been given?

The best piece of advice comes from Monty Roberts, who I follow in my use of natural horsemanship. "If you act like it will take 15 minutes, it will take all day, but if you act like it will take all day, it will take 15 minutes."

9. Who is your hero or role model?

Monty Roberts. The man has pioneered non-violent training of horses. I use his methods in the training of my horses.

10. Which time of year do you look forward to most?

I love the summer, long evenings mean long hacks on the horses and meeting the young farmers to have a laugh and chill out.

11. Where do you see yourself in ten years' time?

I want to be working in an agricultural or equine frame. Though maybe keeping these things as hobbies wouldn't be such a bad thing.

I still want to be involved with young farmers, as its such an inspirational organisation. I've seen shy members stand up and talk to hundreds, unphased, after being with us for a short time.

12. Would you recommend YFC to a friend and why?

I definitely would, it's fun and a way to open yourself to meeting new friends. Since joining young farmers, I have met other people with the same interests as me. I can't wait for the next few years to see what happens both within the club and at group level.