Three Boy Scouts from Troop 520 and one Cub Scout from Pack 45 learned how to saddle up on Saturday.

With the help of Tractor Supply Company, Mid State Stockyards and Standing M Livestock, Jacob Pryor, Kobe Bowen, Laun Pryor and Ethan Newton were able to receive their horsemanship merit badge, belt loop and pin.

“They went out and contacted people they knew with horses,” Assistant Scout Master Kim Newton said. “They got them rounded up and we found a place. We worked together for two and half hours.”

The scouts took a buggy ride and a 20-minute ride, as well as had volunteers help them through several worksheets on identifying parts of the saddle and safety procedures.

Tractor Supply Company store manager Ronnie Whitman said the company was happy to help the scouts.

“We had a lot of good volunteers that came in and helped us,” Whitman said.

According to Newton, the scouts had so much fun with the horses that they did not want to stop.

“They loved it,” Newton said. “Once they got on the horses, they didn’t want to get off. They went for two rides instead of one.”

Newton said she was most excited to see the community involvement to help with the scouting program.

“That’s telling me that there are people in the community who want to help the Boy Scouts and the Cub Scouts and promote the involvement to help the boys earn these merit badges,” Newton said. “We don’t have enough of them.”

For those wanting to join the scouting program, call Newton at (334) 437-0468 or visit www.scouting.org to find the nearest troop or pack.