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There are different types of leaders in this world, just as every person has a different definition for leadership. The Johnson City FFA Chapter Officer Team had a chance to find their very own definition of leadership, at the 4th annual officer retreat, hosted by Mr. Lindy Segall at his Capstone Ranch in Hye Texas.

The leaders of next years FFA Chapter (Zach Denton, Noel Porter, Shania DuBose, Chandler Wagner, Slater Sultemeier, Melinda Holdridge, Kendra Smith, Kelly Wright, and Ashley Bargsley) and 4-H Club Officers attended this retreat.

The retreat started with an inspirational address by Mr. Kip Thompson, owner of Harvest House Farms, Blanco County Youth Council president and Johnson City ISD school board member. The members attending were motivated and appreciated Mr. Thompson taking time out to speak to them.

They then worked with Julie Puentes, an approved facilitator in Equine-Assisted Leadership with a workshop entitled Bridging Solutions. Julie took time out of her busy schedule to teach our young leaders the ropes on a new kind of leadership skill development using equine assisted learning. Horses are used to understand other perceptions and develop a deeper self awareness. Julie sent the officers out to record their first impressions of four different horses. They then compared their thoughts and Julie tied this into their everyday impressions of people that they meet.

Next came the challenging part. Four officers got a chance to put their new skills to test by working with their choice of horse. The students worked the horses in the round pen using only one tool. This exercise let the "lucky" officers bring authentic leadership to life by helping others access and use their personal power and wisdom to realize that all is possible in their work, personal relationships, and communities". The horses used in the presentation were supplied by Mr. Segall’s and the Smith and Zoeller family. Tracy Smith also attended and brought some 4-H officers along to the presentation. Special guests who attended included Mrs. Julie Storer, high school principal and Ms. Carolyn Gipson.

After lunch and the lesson by Julie Puentes, the officers sat down to plan the upcoming school year. Afterwards they came up with ideas and the layout for the FFA booth at this year’s Fair and Rodeo. As school is in session this year, the Johnson City FFA Officers are looking forward to sharing their leadership skills with you.