Objectives of the 4-H Horse Program

1.  Develop leadership, initiative, self-reliance, and other desirable character traits.

2.  Increase knowledge of safety precautions to prevent injury to self, others, and the mounts.

3. Develop equestrian skills and appreciation of horseback riding as a healthy and wholesome form of recreation.

4. Develop and understanding of the business of raising and training horses.

5. Experience the pride of caring for a horse or pony and being responsible for its management.

6. Promote greater love for animals and a humane attitude toward them.

7. Be better prepared for citizenship responsibilities through working in groups and supporting community horse      projects and activities.

Idaho 4-H Horse Program Overview

Within Idaho, the 4-H Horse Program consists of a core project, utilizing the 4-H Cooperative Curriculum System(4-HCCS) Horse Publications to build a strong foundation of knowledge of related to equine management. For members without a horse, the Non-Horse option is available, which uses the same core materials.

Youth can also investigate the other horse-related interests though Optional Focus Areas. These “focus areas” are not projects, but they provide support materials to assist members and leaders in learning skills related to that particular topic (however, other resources may be used, too). Those area currently supported  on the state level are listed on the 4-H Horse Record Book cover. New areas may be developed locally but should follow the same format as state supported options.

Various educational activities/events (judging, horse bowl, demonstrations, public speaking, etc.) are held in county, district, and/or state levels to encourage a well-rounded 4-H experience. All youth, 14 years and older, should consider working to achieve the Idaho Horsemanship Award-Idaho’s highest level of recognition for youth equestrians.

Project Requirements

1.       Must own/lease the horse(s) used, plus provide the care for, feeding, and management of the horse(s) at least 120 days prior to exhibit(not required for non-horse projects).

2.       Keep a record of expenses, health care, equipment inventory, training, plus participation in shows and related horse activities/events.

3.       Present an illustrated talk, demonstration, or speech on a subject related to horses each year.

4.       Complete at least seven(7) requirements outlined in the 4-HCCS Horse publication(#72691, #72692, or#72693) the member is using for the current year.

5.       Exhibit your horse in a show, fair, or other Extension 4-H/Youth program approved event.

6.       Complete the 4-H Horse Record Book(#72640); submit this record book and other supplemental 4-H Horse materials when requested by the 4-H leader or extension staff.

7.       Complete any additional county requirements, if applicable(contact local Extension Office).

Instructions for Completing the Project

A 4-H Horse Record Book(#72640) is required for completion of all horse projects. All project horse records may be included in one 4-H Horse Record Book. A Permanent Horse Identification and Health Record(#72650) for each horse in the project, plus the Permanent 4-H Horse and Equipment Inventory (#72651) supplement must be included. All project records may be included in one 4-H Horse Record Book.

Your record should tell you how you have progressed in knowledge, skills, and attitudes as a result of taking this project. The record should be neat, complete, and accurate.  You may use either pen or pencil to record information and may add extra sheets if necessary.

Project Goals and Plan

1.       What knowledge or skills do you hope to achieve during the project year?

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2.       Who will assist you in gaining these skills and knowledge?

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To be completed at end of project                   ________________________________________

3.       Did you accomplish your goals listed above (question 1) ____Yes  ____No  If no, why?

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4.       What goals would you like to accomplish in the future?

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Attachment Checklist: (The following must be attached for this record to be complete.)

_____A copy of the Permanent 4-H Horse Identification Health Record(#72650) for each of my project horses.

_____ A copy of my 4-H Permanent Horse and Equipment Inventory(#72651).

Other 4-H Activities

My club held____ organizational meetings;  I attended _____ of the meetings.

My horse group held______ projects meeting; I attended_____ of the meetings.

List any offices of committees held(county, district, state, national) not listed on the cover.

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List all community Pride/service activities in which you participated:

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I participated in the activities indicated below [note level by letters—Local(L), County (C), District(D), State(S), Regional (R), National (N)]:

___4-H Camp                                                                                    ___National 4-H Conference

___ 4-H Camp Counselor                                                               ___ National 4-H Congress

___4-H Teen Conference                                                               ___Western 4-H Roundup

___Citizenship/Washington Focus                                               ___Western Regional Teen Leadership Conference

___International Programs

___Know Your Government Conference

List others here:

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My Demonstration

Title______________________________________________________________________________________________

Materials used(posters, horses, models, etc.)_____________________________________________________________

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Where and when was it given?_________________________________________________________________________

How many were in the audience ?______________________________________________________________________

Materials used (poster, horses, model, etc.) ______________________________________________________________

What was the content of the demonstration?____________________________________________________________

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4-H Trainings and Riding Record

1)Pleasure-Include all riding not list under “training” or “for work.”

2) for work—Hours ridden for farm or ranch work at home or for hire(include pleasure riding if you rent your horse to someone.)

Expense Record

New members should start their records as soon as they enroll in the project. Members re-enrolling should start their new records the day after last year’s project is complete project I completed. Record expenses as they occur; list the amount of each expenditure in one of the last four columns of the following table(see descriptions below). These figures should indicate the actual cost to maintain your horse(s) for entire year(first-year members will only have a partial year’s cost). Add extra sheets, if needed.

Feed: Hay, grain, minerals, supplements , pasture, etc.(List $10/month for pasture use if you graze but paid no fees).

Health: Veterinary fees, medications, farrier  costs, etc.

Horse/tack: Purchases of horses, plus new/used tack.

Miscellaneous: Club dues, entry fees, stall fees, hauling charges, trailer rental, riding lessons, etc.