Animal Science Department
P.O. Box 110910
Gainesville, FL 32611-0190

The University of Florida Block and Bridle Club started the 1999 Fall semester off on the right foot as the new officer team attended a leadership workshop that placed emphasis on parliamentary procedure and designing a program of work. Now that the officers had the necessary leadership skills, they needed to brush up on their social skills after the long summer break. In September, we held our New Member BBQ in which old and new members alike enjoyed tasty food and good company. The new members then began the rigorous routine of learning horse, cattle, and swine showmanship for six weeks in preparation for our Little International.

In October, the show was held at the Cecil M. Webb Livestock Pavilion where new members showed off their showmanship skills to members, family, and faculty. An auction was held during the event to help raise money for members to attend national convention. The faculty and graduate students were even allowed to partake in the fun as they competed in "Faculty Frolics," which included barrel racing stick horses blindfolded and riding bucking barrels. Other events in October included the Cowboys/Cowgirls for Kids at Shands Hospital on Halloween, in which members gave out treats to kids who were unable to enjoy the holiday.

In November, we combined efforts with two other clubs to design and build a homecoming float for the televised Gator Homecoming Parade. We also held a canned food drive for Thanksgiving and donated those items to a local food bank in Gainesville. In addition, the club held several major social events, including intramural softball, football block seating and a Christmas party.

Spring saw the club in a whirlwind of activity as members conducted showmanship and grooming clinics for local FFA and 4-H clubs across Florida during the early part of the year. The Block & Bridle Club made its presence known at the Florida State Fair in February. The State 4-H and FFA Livestock Judging and Horse Judging Contests ran smoothly thanks to the concerted efforts of the club members who handled livestock, tabulated scores, and served as assistants to the official committees. In March, eleven members represented our club at the 2000 National B&B Convention held in Atlanta, Georgia. The biggest fundraiser for the semester was the Cowboy/Cowgirl Auction held in late March, in which members auctioned off donated items. Other major events included the 4th Annual Sporting Clay Shoot and a beach bash at the end of the semester.

The year ended with the Spring Awards Banquet, which was held to honor the achievements of club members and faculty. This year, the club recognized Dr. Hal Philips, Mr. Larry Barthle, and Mrs. Cindy Sanders as Honorary Members for their generous support of the club.

1999-2000 Officer Team

President: Sarah Jefferson (F), Jodi Crowley (S)
Vice-President: Melissa Syfrett (F), Nicole Prosser (S)
Secretary: Rachel Bush (F), Natalie Lamneck (S)
Treasurer: Jeff Weinberg
Reporter: Kennis Boltin (F), Amber Grigsby (S)
New Member Coordinator: Jodi Crowley (F), Colleen O'Donnell (S)
Marshall: Ryan Crowe
Scrapbook Editor: Michelle Alday
Activities Editor: Meg Kinsella
Photographer: Nicole Prosser (F), Fawn Grigsby (S)
Food Chair: Erin Ferrell
Florida Cattlemen's Association Representative: Robbie Clemenzi (F), Noah Handley (S)
Student Agricultural Council Representatives: Natalie Lamneck (F), Danielle Schultz (S), Steffany Dragon, Holly Hanmer
Faculty Advisors: Dr. Brian Reiling, Ms. Sylvia Beauchamp, Dr. Tim Marshall