Chelsea Sallach inspires youth through horse program

In observance of the Week of the Volunteer, Nebraska 4-H is proud to celebrate some of the 2023 Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Award Winners.

Chelsea Sallach is receiving the Emerging Adult Volunteer Award for Zone 2. She volunteers with the Wheeler County 4-H program and was nominated by Jen Epp, Nebraska Extension Educator in Garfield, Loup, and Wheeler Counties.

As a member, Chelsea discovered her spark in the 4-H horse project. As an adult, she is paying it forward as a volunteer leader.

"Chelsea Sallach has been a breath of fresh air in the Wheeler County 4-H horse project," wrote Epp.

Wheeler County has strong ties with the equine industry, and community members of all ages love their horses. Despite all of this, local youth seemed reluctant to participate in the county 4-H horse shows. With equine expertise, Chelsea stepped up to lead practice sessions. She prioritized a growth mindset and skill-building to help youth develop self-confidence. The practices were not only impactful, but they also became increasingly popular. As a result, participation in last year's local 4-H horse show doubled. 

"As an emerging volunteer, she has added richness for the youth and the project at the county level," wrote Epp. "We are excited to watch her take these youth to new heights in the future."

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Chelsea Sallach, and I am from Ewing, NE. I live on a ranch with my husband, Craig, and our 4 kids - Owen (10), Warren (9), Quincy (6), and Hazel (4). Growing up, I was a lifelong member of 4-H and participated in the horse project. I enjoyed showing horses and rodeoing, as well as any opportunity to learn about training horses. In college at UNL, I showed horses on the IHSA Equestrian Team and judged for the UNL Horse Judging team while earning a Bachelor of Science - Animal Science with Equine Emphasis. I recently earned my Master of Education - Special Education and enjoy teaching high school science and elementary special education.

Since college, I have become a certified 4-H horse judge in Nebraska and have continued to judge 4-H and open horse shows. When my kids started 4-H, I saw another opportunity to share my love and knowledge of horses with kids who were eager to learn. I began volunteering with the Ericson Wranglers 4-H club as a horse project leader, which has grown into the opportunity to help all youth in our county with their 4-H horse projects.

When I am not teaching, judging, or volunteering with 4-H, you will likely find me outside on the ranch! I enjoy riding and training young horses, helping my husband on the ranch, and spending time with my kids.

What do you look forward to when you step into your volunteer role?

I love the opportunity to see kids working hard, developing friendships, and building lifelong skills. Their dedication and persistence to learning and growing, along with the joy they share through the process, is a testament to the bright future of these young people.

What is your favorite memory as a 4-H volunteer?

I don't have one favorite memory - I have many, many favorites! Seeing kids find success, especially when they have worked so hard, is incredibly rewarding. Those moments when they connect with their horse, conquer a fear, or master a new skill, always bring a smile to my face.

How have you helped youth find their spark through 4-H?

I help youth find their spark through 4-H by providing them opportunities to learn and grow in an environment where mistakes are just steps to improving. I challenge them to try things out of their comfort zone and to have ownership of their own success. I share my love and knowledge of horses with the hopes that they will also find a lifelong passion while developing their skills.