Objectives

To promote a higher scholastic standard and a more complete understanding of Animal Science among student members.

To promote animal agriculture through development of a program of activities that will supplement students' study of the animal sciences in colleges and universities.

To enhance professionalism of students who will one day be leaders in the animal agriculture industry.

To bring about a closer relationship among all students pursuing some phase of animal agriculture as a profession.

The Emblem

The emblem of the Block and Bridle Club is a large "B" with a meat block and cleaver in the upper half and a bridle in the lower half.
This symbol is very significant to Block and Bridle Club members, as it represents the principles upon which our club is built.

Character, sincerity, and a moral life are asked of members when they are initiated into the Block and Bridle Club. These attributes are depicted in the straight perpendicular of the "B." The distinct curves of the "B" are symbolic of social pleasure, mental energy, and the determination of Block and Bridle Club members.

The meat block and cleaver inside the top half of the "B" represents the material aspects of our life and our profession. The bridle in the bottom half of the "B" stands for the behavior of Block and Bridle members, the control over ourselves that we try to maintain, the mannerisms and respect we show towards others, and the manner in which we treat our livestock.

Colors: Royal Purple and Navy Blue

Flower: Lilac

There are currently 92 active Block and Bridle clubs.

How to Organize a Block and Bridle Club or Affiliate an Existing Agriculture Club with the National Block & Bridle Club

It is fairly easy to have a club already in existence at a junior college, technical school or 4-year college or university become affiliated with the National Block & Bridle Club. A club name change to Block & Bridle is not necessary; several clubs across the nation go by names such as Animal Science Club, Saddle & Sirloin Club, etc. It is recommended that when starting a new club it be called Block & Bridle for closer national recognition, but this is not necessary.

To become an affiliate of the national organization requires the inclusion of three general items in a club constitution. The first two are general goals and state two overall club objectives:

To promote animal agriculture (or any phase of it)

To promote scholarship among members

The third constitutional requirement is that a sentence be included requiring the club to send in a membership fee to the National Block & Bridle Club for lifetime membership dues. This should be paid when the student joins the local club. The National Club will then send an 8" x 11" National Membership certificate back to the club for each member.

The club and member benefits from national affiliation are as follows:

Attendance at the annual national Block & Bridle Convention which includes club workshop seminars, agricultural tours, educational seminars and opportunities to attend livestock shows.

National contests for individual scholarships as well as club awards for activities, published yearbooks, scrapbooks, and web pages.

Newsletters about national activities and events and web page listing including links to local chapter pages.

A new or an established club that would like to affiliate with the National Block and Bridle Club should submit a petition to the National Vice President. The petition should include a statement of intent and a copy of the constitution (or proposed constitution for a new club) and letters from your chapter president, chapter advisor and a university official (Dean, Director, Department Head or Chairman).

The letter from the chapter president should include a description of your club (number of members, activities that are planned, how often you meet, and any other pertinent information). The letter from your advisor should include a historical perspective (if there has been interest for a while), his/her commitment to serve as advisor and to attend the national conventions with the club (if they plan to come), and an indication of departmental support. The letter from the administrator (Academic Dean, Director of Academic Programs, or Department Head/Chair) should indicate college support of the idea.

This petition will be acted upon at the next national Block & Bridle Convention. Upon admission to the National Block and Bridle Club, a charter will be issued from the National Secretary and the club will be placed on the web listing by the National Editor.

Please refer any questions about joining to the National Vice president or any other national officer for assistance. We encourage and welcome new members.

Related Links

American Dairy Science Association (ADSA)
American Sheep Industry Association
American Society of Animal Science (ASAS)
Equine Science Society
Federation of Animal Science Societies (FASS)
National Cattlemen's Beef Association
National FFA Organization
National Pork Producers' Council
North American International Livestock Exposition
The American Meat Goat Association
The Consortium of Collegiate Agricultural Organizations
The Poultry Federation
United States Department of Agriculture