Agricultural News
Meet Your 2019 Southwest Area Star in Agribusiness, Reagan Stephens of Weatherford FFA
Mon, 15 Apr 2019 10:52:07 CDT
During the month of April, the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and Oklahoma Farm Report is spotlighting the twenty Area Stars of Oklahoma FFA that are among the highest achievers in the organization. The stars come from the five areas in four categories- Star in Ag Placement, Star in Agriscience, Star in Agribusiness and Star in Production Agriculture. This week, we spotlight the five area stars in Agribusiness for 2019. One Star Finalist featured in the coming days from each of the categories, will be named the State Star Award Winner during the Oklahoma State FFA Convention coming up April 30 - May 1, 2019 in Oklahoma City.
This week, our coverage of the 2019 Oklahoma FFA Star Award Finalists continues with our first contestant to feature in the Agribusiness category, Reagan Stephens of the Weatherford FFA Chapter, representing the Southwest Area. Reagan is recognized for her achievements in owning and operating her small business, Eclectic Equine, LLC. Her business, which offers boarding and horseback riding lessons, was fueled by her longstanding passion for horses. She shared how she first became interested in horses.
"It actually started when I first went to my county fair. I was about five years old and all I wanted to watch was the horse show," she remembers. "I knew then that I had a passion for horses and though FFA, I learned I could turn that passion into a business. So, I created Eclectic Equine, LLC to educate others about horses."
The genesis of Reagan's venture began with just two students, who she offered free riding lessons to in exchange for their help in caring for the horses. Since then, her enterprise has grown to include 12 students and two boarding horses. She limits her boarding opportunities so not to overstock her pasture, but says she keeps a long waiting list for people interested in boarding their horses with her. Reagan's riding lessons are meant to both build students' confidence and to help them train for competitive riding. She believes confidence-building and competition go hand in hand when working with her students in developing their equestrian skills. She says her involvement in FFA activities like public speaking and veterinary science gave her that same foundation in confidence gained through competition.
"I think it's shown me that if I have a passion, I can find a way to make a business of it and in addition," she said, "even though I'm young, I can still find a way to make an impact and think creatively to support myself."
During her FFA career, she has excelled in both those areas winning Reserve Champion in both at the national contests. This year, she is trying her hand Extemporaneous Public Speaking. After high school, Reagan plans to pursue a degree in biology with the ultimate goal of specializing in equine surgery and working at a veterinary clinic.
You can hear her entire conversation with Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Farm Director Ron Hays, by clicking or tapping on the LISTEN BAR below.
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