The purpose of the 4-H horse program is to provide young people an opportunity to participate in a series of activities designed to improve citizenship, sportsmanship, horsemanship, character, competitive spirit, discipline, and responsibility while creating an atmosphere for hands-on learning. Bits and Bridles Club Leader Nikki Windolf has first-hand knowledge about learning essential life skills through a 4-H horse program. Her 4-H leadership story has come full circle, from her own 4-H experience in the Gulf County 4-H Horse Club to becoming a 4-H club leader with Wakulla 4-H. “When I started up the Wakulla 4-H Bits & Bridles Club 2 years ago I envisioned a Club that invited interest into the world of equines while also providing opportunities to gain knowledge and skills of hippology. As a 2nd year club leader, I am proud to see the growth and enthusiasm of our members as they continue to learn and excel in their horsemanship. Our club has become a community where passion for horses is shared and friendships are formed, just like the ones I made during my own 4-H days. 11 years ago as a youth, I competed at the same competition—Area North—and still hold memories made from my hometown 4-H close to my heart.”
Supporting Positive Youth Development Through Horsemanship
4-H agent Rachel Pienta lauded Nikki Windolf’s leadership, “Due to Nikki’s work with her volunteer team, five youth were able to compete at the Area North show in Jacksonville May 2-3, with all 5 able to make clean runs. This team has focused on Western Speed events this year.” Braelynn-Anne Cilano, Miles Campbell, Rebecca Hughes, and Riley Schaefer all competed in the Junior division. Riley Manning competed in both Junior and Intermediate division classes. Braelynn-Anne Cilano and Riley Manning qualified to ride at the 4-H State Horse Show scheduled for July at the Florida State Fairgrounds.
Club Volunteer Christa Bingel shared her pride in seeing the youth advance to state competition, “Volunteering with 4-H gives me the opportunity to share my love of horses and to give back to my community. Participation in 4-H clubs helps teach kids responsibility, empathy, confidence and resilience. Interacting with horses provides physical, mental and emotional benefits for all those involved. The Wakulla kids have made outstanding progress this year and it has been a joy to see the progression from being very timid around the horses to being confident riders at the Area North show. We are very excited that two of our club members have qualified for the State show this summer.”
4-H member Braelynn-Anne expressed her excitement about her successful show experience, “I feel grateful and I am happy to be going with my friend Riley. Mrs. Nikki is really nice and I have learned a lot in not even a whole year— and I am over here loping barrels! My mom and dad, friends, and Mrs. Nikki are really supportive. I’m really happy that I am going to State and it is surprising because I never used split reins before that day. I am excited for the experience at State!”
Volunteers and Community Partners Support the Horse Program
Braelynn-Anne’s mother, Sharon Cilano, has become an active 4-H club volunteer this year. Her husband Phillip shared his thoughts on the family’s 4-H experience, “It has truly been a joy and a privilege to watch this young team grow in their riding abilities. This young team has poured every ounce of sweat and tears into their training and horse care for these events to be the very best they could be. This could not have been possible without their trainer and 4-H leader Nikki of Willow’s Way Stables. She truly cares for these kids and this organization— you can see it in the passion she brings out in the kids. We are very fortunate to have two amazing young riders, Riley and Braelynn-Anne, who will represent Wakulla County 4-H in the upcoming state show in Tampa, FL. A special thanks to my wife, Dr. Sharon Cilano, for keeping things organized and running smoothly. In her volunteer role, she made sure that the kids were properly prepared for the event with everything from the shirts the kids wore, to the snacks they ate, to the equipment needs of the horses! Thank you to all the other parents who chipped in to help all the riders do their best and have fun! It’s has been a great ride so far for this young team, and I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for them!”
Nikki Windolf’s horse farm business Willow’s Way Stables LLC is an essential in-kind partner with Wakulla 4-H. In preparation for these bigger shows Willow’s Way Stables LLC also took the members to local shows where the youth won ribbons and gained competitive experience. Windolf asserted, “Gaining show experience at smaller events has been crucial in building confidence and skills for the upcoming State show. The dedication and hard work of the youth, combined with the support of their families and our stable, have truly paid off in their success at these competitions. Our club is looking to continue sending youth above and beyond, but to do so does require funds. We are currently seeking sponsors and donations to help cover the costs of entry fees, travel expenses, and equipment for our young riders. Any support from the community would be greatly appreciated as we strive to provide opportunities for our youth to excel in the equestrian world.”
How to Get Involved
For more information about how to support Wakulla 4-H and the Bits and Bridles Horse Club, please reach out to 4-H Agent Rachel Pienta at the Wakulla Extension Office at 84 Cedar Avenue in Crawfordville. She can be reached at 850-926-3931 or via email at r.pienta@ufl.edu. To make an online donation, see this link: ufgive.to/Wakulla4H. Bits and Bridles Club members will be at Zaxby’s in Crawfordville on May 27, 2025 from 5 to 8 PM for a share night. The community is invited to dine in or drive through to support the Bits and Bridles Club state show riders.
The club will accept new members starting August 23, 2025. For more information on this club and other 4-H programs, mark your calendar for the Wakulla Extension and 4-H Club Open House on August 23 from 9 AM to 1 PM. There will be club leaders, Extension faculty, and food trucks on hand that day. Attendees can sample hands-on educational activities throughout the Extension facility at this free, family-friendly event.
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information, and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions, or affiliations. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A&M University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating.
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