Extending its community service role, the Orange County Fair & Exposition Center will launch The Ranch pilot program on Jan. 1 consisting of a Horse Education unit, Livestock unit, and Gardening unit. The program is designed to ultimately provide educational and recreational opportunities for the public.

On Sept. 26, 2002, the Orange County Fair & Exposition Center Board of Directors voted unanimously to give the go-ahead to the after-school "Ranch" program that was outlined by Jim Bailey, Director of Special Projects.

Approximately 25 "at-risk" Davis School fifth graders will be involved from 3 to 6 p.m. in the program for six months, Bailey said, learning about horses, livestock and vegetable gardening. The community service program, to be located at the Equestrian Center, would be an adjunct to the Fair's Centennial Farm that attracts over 60,000 school children annually in organized tours.

Ultimately, a year-round schedule will be developed that could include two week summer camp sessions, Bailey said.

In the Horse Education unit, youngsters will learn the horse's history, safety and grooming, breeds and colors, feeding, tack and equipment, horsemanship, equine health matters, and the modern use of the horse.

Orange Villa Buckaroos 4-H Club will develop the unit and provide instruction using their horses and equipment.

Pigs, sheep, calves, chickens and goats would be on site at all times as part of the Livestock unit. Animals that are housed at the fairgrounds by members and leaders of two 4-H clubs will be used for instruction. When 4-H animals are not available, Centennial Farm will provide them.

Students in the Livestock unit will learn the types of farm animals, uses of animals, and how to keep them healthy. Also, they will have use of a chicken house for hens as well as an incubator to hatch chicks.

Participants in the Gardening unit will each get an 8-foot-square plot to prepare and plant. Students can plant the vegetables they choose, then learn how to fertilize, water, weed and harvest their crops. Raised beds will be created with railroad ties.

For more information regarding the Ranch program, call (714) 708-1878.