At some point in their childhood, most little girls ask their parents for a pony. Taylee Ringen took it a bit further, asking for horses, calves, goats, sheep, rabbits, and chickens. She got her wishes (and then some). Those wishes turned into work – many years of early mornings, late nights, and long hours in the barn.
Taylee and her parents, Stacy and Brandi, are all smiles now; she has just wrapped up her final year in the Pulaski County 4-H Program. We sat down with them to learn more about their 4-H experience and Taylee’s recent success.
PULASKI COUNTY 4-H SUCCESS
A nod to her many years of hard work and 4-H achievements, Taylee was named 2024 Pulaski County Fair 4-H Achievement Royalty at the beginning of the fair. She and fellow Royalty Reagan Kasten, and their court, presided over 4-H activities throughout the fair. When we asked Taylee what she has enjoyed most about 4-H, she quickly replied, “making new friends”. She built close relationships with fellow members through her involvement in the Horse & Pony Club and the Tippecanoe Industrious 4-H Club.
When Taylee first joined 4-H, she began with just a handful of building projects. It didn’t take long for her to make the ask for livestock. Her first animal was a 4-day old dairy bottle calf. Over the years, Taylee added more species in the barn (and even the house at times). By the look on mom’s face, it wasn’t her idea.
The countless hours of hard work have taught Taylee about responsibility. “She’s taken it all on…purchasing and feeding the animals, taking care of their health,” boasts Dad. “Taylee has done it with her own money. She has learned to juggle a busy schedule and ensure she has enough time to work with her animals.”
It’s hard to miss the shiny new belt buckle around Taylee’s waist. Her final 4-H achievement was being named the 2024 Showman of Showmans. After winning showmanship in the Horse & Pony show, Taylee advanced to compete against other top showman for the title. The competition was a grueling 3 hours long, a test of the members’ knowledge and ability to show 8 different species. Taylee’s experience with so many animals proved advantageous; she took home the award for a second time, previously winning in 2022.
FUTURE PLANS
A recent high school grad, Taylee is now looking ahead at her future, “4-H has taught me the responsibility I need for my career.” Taylee will be staying on with her current employer Greenbridge Horse Farm as their Assistant Manager. The local business boards approximately 40 horses; they offer training services and camps for youth. Taylee has been part of their horse riding club for several years, traveling the county to compete in English Dressage classes in the Interscholastic Equestrian Association.
Stacy and Brandi aren’t quite done with 4-H, they have an older daughter and two younger sons. Outside of 4-H, the Ringen Family is very involved in their church and love the outdoors. The family has their own lake and pond management business based in Winamac, Lone Pine Outdoors. Taylee has taken a particular interest in creating European Mounts (also known as a skull mount) for local deer hunters.
Taylee’s final message for youth considering 4-H was, “there is something in 4-H for everyone to enjoy.”
