Whatcom County 4-H Horse Project
Bylaws and Rules rev 2/2025
Vision of 4-H Positive Youth Development:
Washington State University Extension 4-H is developing young people to become productive citizens who are engaged in meeting the needs of a diverse and changing society.
Mission of Whatcom 4-H Equine Projects:
As part of the 4-H positive youth development program, our mission is for members to practice leadership and life skills through the 4-H horse projects, learning about the equine industry and how to safely handle, ride, and manage their 4-H horse project.
4-H Motto:
To make the best better.
4-H Pledge:
I pledge my HEAD to clearer thinking, My HEART to greater loyalty, My HANDS to larger service, and my HEALTH to better living. For my club, my community, my country, and my world.
Whatcom County 4-H Project activities and events are provided under the auspices of the Washington State University Extension. Final authority for determining 4-H policy and its interpretation lies with WSU Extension. The Horse Leader’s Committee (HLC) is a project-specific advisory and project committee of the Whatcom 4-H Council, serving the specific interests of the equine projects in in the Whatcom County 4-H Program. The HLC supports equine projects and makes decisions for the equine project participants based on Washington State 4-H Program Policy.
Whatcom County 4-H Horse Leaders Committee has adopted the following publications as resources for its rules and guidelines and shall supersede all other equine rules outside of State 4-H policy. (All past resources previously cited are obsolete.)
WSU 4-H Equine Program Rule Book revised 09/2024
Whatcom County 4-H Horse Project Bylaws and Rules
Revised 12/2024
Consultation of any rules not covered in the above publications may be made in the following:
- Washington State Horsemen Association Rule Book
- National Reining Horse Association Rule Book
- Federation Equestrian International, or FEI, Rule Book
The by-laws of the HLC shall clearly outline decision making processes regarding rules in the Whatcom County 4-H equine projects.
Definitions:
Horse Leader’s Committee: A body consisting of all the currently enrolled Whatcom County 4-H Horse club leaders.
A 4-H Club Leader: A certified WSU 4-H Volunteer in good standing, that operates a 4-H club in accordance with the expectations of the Washington State University 4-H Club Charter.
A General Club Leader: The primary WSU 4-H Volunteer leader of a 4-H club, responsible for club enrollment and program planning.
A 4-H Program: A 4-H program which is operated through WSU Whatcom County Extension and informed by the constituency (councils and committees).
A 4-H Project: A specific field of interest used for youth development, i.e.: Equine studies, Rabbits, Dogs, Cooking.
A 4-H Equine Project Activity: Specific activities within a 4-H equine project, i.e.: Equine Vet Science, Dressage, Judging, Driving, etc.
A 4-H Event: a planned event where 4-H Activities take place: a clinic, a fair, a show, etc. Events that engage in activities specifically to the purpose of furthering 4-H members should include “4-H” in their title.
Qualifying Event: “Qualifier” An event to determine if a rider is eligible and safe to participate in an annual competitive event.
Show: A general term describing a competitive riding event, including qualifiers and fairs.
A Competing Member: A currently enrolled youth member in good standing that earns points for Judging, Presentations, Qualifiers, and Fair.
A Non-Competing Member: A currently enrolled youth member in good standing that, for any number of reasons, cannot participate competitively in a 4-H equine competition.
Novice: A novice is defined as a first year 4-H member who has not competed in USEF, ASHA, CHSA, PSHA, WSH, NJRA, NBHA, Zone or breed shows. A member may remain a novice for two (2) years with the recommendation of their club leader and approval of the show committee.
A Horseless Project: Youth are not required to own a horse to participate in the 4-H Horse project. A current member that participates in the 4-H program but does not have their own horse may participate in the horseless horse project activities. Horseless Horse is also available for Cloverbud members.
4-H Policy: The governing policies of the 4-H Youth Development Programs of Washington State. Project Committees may elect for their project rules to be stricter than Washington State 4-H policy, but never more lenient.
Rule: A rule is an expectation that applies to all members and leaders in a 4-H project.
Infraction: Deviation from a rule or policy.
Bylaws
Horse Leaders Committee
1. The horse leaders’ committee and its sub-committees shall meet together once per month. Meetings will be put on the calendar annually and decisions shared publicly. The monthly meetings will only include currently certified leaders, members, members’ parents and other approved 4-H volunteers.
2. The executive committee body will consist of a President, Vice President, Secretary and a Treasurer. Each office shall have a term of one (1) year. Leaders may serve more than one (1) term if elected.
3. All positions are elected at the first meeting of the new 4-H year from enrolled leaders. All roles on the committee must be filled by currently enrolled volunteers or members.
4. There will be a 4-person points team consisting of two performance points administrators, and two games points administrators, appointed by the Executive committee.
5. A donation of $35.00 for clubs with 0-14 members and $50.00 for clubs with 15 or more members is requested from each club each year for operating expenses and show costs. This donation is due by January 31st of the current 4-H year.
Show/ Grievance Committee
6. The show committee shall consist of four (4) 4-H Horse Club Leaders plus the current president of the HLC. The show committee shall also be known as the grievance committee.
7. The show committee shall consist of a two (2) year term. Leaders may serve more than one term if elected.
8. All positions are elected from the current 4-H year enrolled Horse leaders, and elections are held in October each year at the same time as officer elections.
9. Show committee may call ad hoc meetings as necessary to resolve grievances. The meetings will be in person or on Zoom.
10. At least one (1) member of the show committee must be present at every 4-H horse event.
Elections and Voting
11. Elections are held in October each year.
12. Voting: In all decisions regarding the program (that are not determined by the show/grievance committee) there is one vote per club, and the general club leader or designated leader of each club will cast that vote either by paper ballot or verbally.
13. Decisions will be made conforming to Robert’s Rules of Order: by a motion, seconded, discussed and adopted by the majority of voting clubs present.
14. Proposals for Horse Program bylaw or rule modifications are not discussed at Horse Leader’s Committee meetings except at the November meeting. Leaders may submit suggested changes to the WSU Extension 4-H office at any time by utilizing the petition for rules modification form found here: https://extension.wsu.edu/whatcom/4h-members/. The Extension office will preview requests for emergent issues and then hold unaddressed modification requests until September 15 of the closing 4-H year, at which point the rule modification requests will be forwarded on to the standing executive committee of the Horse Leaders Committee. All forwarded rules requests will be posted to the October meeting agenda of the new 4-H year. All forwarded rule proposals must be shared with leaders who are enrolled in the Horse Project. Forwarded rule modifications will only be discussed and voted on at the November meeting for the current 4-H year. Rule modifications follow basic voting procedures listed above in #12 & #13.
15. 4-H club leaders have the responsibility of informing all of their club members and families of the rules, and any rule changes as they happen.
Show / Grievance Procedures
Members enrolled by January 31st of the current year and in good standing can request exceptions in writing to the show committee. Ex: a project horse gets lame and needs to be replaced.
Exceptions
1. Exceptions may be made to Equine project activities and event rules for a number of reasons, some of which are unforeseen. The Show/Grievance committee exists to determine these decisions.
Requests for rule exceptions:
a. Exceptions must be requested by the youth participant and recorded by the Show Committee.
b. Animal Replacements must be requested at least two days before an event except in an emergency situation, in which case it must be accompanied by a vet’s note.
2. ADA requests must be made to the Extension Office and Show committee at least two weeks before an event.
3. Show Committee decisions will be delivered in writing within 1 week of receiving an exceptions request. A copy of the decision will be recorded by the HLC Secretary and provided to the members requesting an exception.
Grievances
4. Should there be an infraction of the event rules, the show committee may enforce penalties, which could include loss of points, ribbons, and/or premiums.
5. Infractions of WSU 4-H Policy will be resolved by WSU Extension.
6. Any event-related grievance shall be submitted in writing to a show committee member within 48 hours of an incident.
a. The show committee will determine if it is an event grievance or a policy grievance. Policy grievances will be directed to Extension staff.
b. The Show Committee will share written event grievances with other parties involved in the grievance, and those parties may respond within 48 hours to the grievance.
c. The show committee may determine a resolution or encourage further discussion.
d. The show committee has the final authority for determining event grievances.
e. The show committee must respond in writing to all parties within two (2) weeks with their decision.
f. The Show Committee shall keep a record of all written grievances and resolutions.
Rules
Enrollment & Membership pertaining to Equine Projects
1. Members must have reached their 8th birthday before October 1st of the current 4-H year to be eligible for participation in equine handling, management and riding projects. Clover Bud member (5-7 years) may participate in age-appropriate activities including the “Horseless Horse” project. Youth ages 5 to 7 may enroll in the horseless horse project but may not have any contact with horses.
2. Age Groupings are based on member age as of October 1st of the current 4-H year.
Clover Bud 5 to 7 years of age
Junior 8 to 10 years of age
Intermediate 11 to 13 years of age
Senior 14 to less than 19 years of age
3. Youth who have reached their 19th birthday before October 1st of the current 4-H year are no longer eligible for membership. (Special Education youth older than 19 may enroll with the approval of the County 4-H Educator.)
4. Whatcom County 4-H Horse program enrollment is due online by January 31st of the current 4-H year.
5. Any member enrolled after the January 31st deadline will be considered a non-competing project or horseless project member for the current 4-H year. See definitions section. Non-competing members will not be eligible for fair trophies, championships, awards, points, or state teams or any overall awards in the current year. If they go to at least 1 qualifier, they can receive fair premiums and ribbons.
6. To be eligible for 4-H equine event competition, members must be enrolled in a recognized 4-H Club that has an Extension certified 4-H equine club leader who is currently enrolled in the 4-H Horse project in their county.
7. Each member must submit the following by January 31st of the current 4-H year:
a. Any required Extension online enrollment forms and payment including liability release, code of conduct, medical release and Lystedt Law agreement.
b. Horse Certificates.
Project Animal
1. Project animal is to be defined as an animal for which a horse certificate has been turned into the records admin. It is necessary to turn in your horse certificate by January 31st if you are enrolled and already have your project for the current 4-H year.
2. A member enrolled by January 31st, in good standing, may turn in a new horse certificate up until May 1st and compete in the second qualifier and the NWWA Fair. This does not apply to anyone that enrolled in the 4-H Horse program after January 31st. See Non-Compete section, if enrolled after the January 31st deadline.
3. No horse certificates will be accepted after May 1st. Any exceptions would be addressed by the show committee and be considered a Non-Compete or Horseless project. See Exceptions section.
4. The horse shown in a 4-H exhibit activity must be the member’s project horse. To participate at the Washington State Fair an exhibitor must use the same horse that was exhibited at the NWWA Fair.
5. Stallions older than 12 months are not allowed in 4-H contests or events. Age of all horses are determined as of January 1st of the current year.
6. A lease agreement is permissible if the member provides documented primary care for the horse.
7. Project animals (owned, leased or shared) must be under the care and management of the 4-H enrolled competitive member at least by May 1st before the animal may be shown at the NWWA Fair.
8. Only the 4-H member can personally train their animal 90 days prior to the NWWA Fair and Washington State Fair.
9. If a project animal needs to be replaced due to injury, illness, death or unsafe behavior, a request for rule exception must be filed in writing with Show Committee and a determination will be made on a case-by-case basis.
10. A $5.00 donation payable to Whatcom Co 4-H Horse leaders per horse certificate shall be submitted each year for each project animal.
11. No horse certificates will be accepted from currently enrolled 4-H competing members after May 1st. Exceptions may be submitted in writing to the show committee and exceptions shall be considered non-competing members for the remainder of the current 4-H year.
Whatcom County Event Rules
Physical and emotional safety are our primary concerns for youth in our programs. Violation of any event ground rules may result in dismissal by show management and forfeiture of all awards where applicable. Any gross abuse of rules may result in recommendations to the WSU Extension office for removal of a member, parent or leader from the 4-H program.
1. Only 4-H members may ride, groom, school, or handle a horse while on the show grounds. Junior members may have assistance saddling and bridling if needed, first by an older 4-H member, then by a parent if a member is not available. If there is a safety issue, the closest adult can assist.
2. No one is allowed to coach contestants while any contestants are in the show ring.
3. A horse not under control may be dismissed from the ring during any 4-H activity or event.
4. A visibly ill or unsound animal may be dismissed from participation by the judge, or at the discretion of the show committee.
5. The humane treatment of all animals is required. Exhibitors are expected to treat their animals with respect and provide for their continuous well-being through proper feeding, handling, disease prevention, sanitation, and attention to safety.
6. Horses may NOT be ridden double at any time.
7. Horses may NOT be ridden with halters only.
8. Running or racing of animals outside of the show class is not permitted.
9. The arena is off-limits to everyone except the members who are riding, show personnel and emergency responders.
10. When warming up, only the riders getting ready to perform should be riding in the warmup arena. Each age division will have adequate time to warm up, so wait to be notified of your turn.
11. When riding in the warmup arena please use arena etiquette. Faster riders use the outside and slower riders use the inside.
12. The judges’ decision is final. Members and parents may approach the judge only after judging is completed for information only. Dispute of a placing or score is not permitted.
13. Show management and/or show committee or the judge reserves the right to dismiss any youth or party from any 4-H class or show for any misconduct, lack of sportsmanship, or infractions of the rules. Exhibitors may forfeit all awards received in the class or at the show.
14. Members may not utilize electronic devices at any time while participating in 4-H related events.
15. All Washington 4-H Youth Members and non-member youth participating in all equine projects and activities must wear American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) and Safety Engineering Institute (SEI) approved headgear when riding or driving. The headgear must have a chin strap and be properly fitted. Additionally, adults participating in riding classes within the 4-H program must also follow the same approved headgear requirements as our youth members. Cowboy hats may be worn for showmanship.
16. Any person participating in a 4-H sponsored event who sustains an injury to the head, a fall or injury that a concussion is likely will not be allowed to continue participation without clearance from a qualified medical professional, per Lystedt Law.
17. At out-of-county events members shall follow the event rules at the outside event, adhere to the 4-H Code of Conduct and represent their county respectfully.
18. All persons engaging in 4-H activities (leaders, members, parents, etc.) are expected to always conduct themselves in a courteous and sportsmanlike manner. Show committee, show management, or club leaders may dismiss anyone from a 4-H activity if those persons exhibit improper conduct, are abusive, and/or have an unhealthy or unsafe animal.
19. No smoking, alcohol, chewing tobacco, or drugs are permitted in the 4-H program or at 4-H events.
20. Dogs are NOT permitted in horse event areas.
Show procedures
1. The responsibility will first be with the member, then their parents, then their leaders to have the member to their proper class on time.
2. Exceptions for missed classes will be determined by show committee or show management on a case-by-case basis.
3. At the discretion of the show committee, a cut-off time may be instituted for show entry. Example: 8:30am start – no entries accepted after 7:45am. This information will be on the entry form.
4. You must give the show office ample time to add or remove you from a class.
5. You may request a gate hold if you will be delayed getting to your class. A gate hold will be no longer than two (2) minutes for an individual.
6. Once the gate is closed, you are no longer able to go in the class. It is the responsibility of the rider to be on time for their class. A refund for the missed class is not allowed.
7. Members will be assigned a horse and rider combination number- known as their “HR” number. This number will stay with that horse and rider combination throughout their time in 4-H.
8. If a member turns in more than one horse certificate, each horse and rider combination will be issued its own HR number. It is the members’ responsibility to wear the correct number.
9. It is the members’ responsibility to make and bring their HR number with them to each event. It must be worn either on their back, or on both sides of their saddle pad.
10. At any 4-H equine event, medication may be administered to the animal only with written authorization from a licensed veterinarian. The ‘vet note’ must be turned into the show committee, show management, or fair superintendent before the animal competes in any event.
11. All points earned at county qualifying shows and the fair are entered into the performance or gaming points computer. Every score entered in the computer will also have a paper copy of the score filed and retained for the current 4-H year.
12. All members’ scores will be available for review at any time AFTER the completion of the event, and AFTER the scores have been entered and verified into the Point Admin’s computer. A full record of scores for each show shall be published by HR number (no names) and given to the 4-H Leaders for their own club members.
13. Comment sheets (when used with the riders’ scores) will be available after each show.
County Qualifiers and Shows
County 4-H events require cooperation from all the clubs. 1 week prior to each event each 4-H club will be asked to perform certain jobs at assigned county events. It will be the job of the assigned 4-H club leader to make sure that the positions are filled. Events will not proceed without the positions filled.
1. A member may qualify more than one project horse at county qualifying shows but can only take one (1) project animal to fair.
2. Members of the same family can share a horse. Two members outside of the family can share a horse if they share all project responsibility of the horse.
3. Passing practical horsemanship/harnessing is required before member’s first year at the NWWA Fair.
4. Members wishing to attend the NWWA Fair must participate in at least one (1) county qualifying event in showmanship and at least three (3) riding classes in the horse project; Games, Performance, Reining, Driving or Jumping.
5. Scores are recorded and qualify specific horse and rider combinations. Each horse and rider combination must be considered safe to attend the NWWA Fair. It is the discretion of the 4-H leader and/or show committee to make this determination.
6. Ribbons will be awarded for classes entered at the county shows based on the Danish scoring system as follows; Blue- 100-85 points, Red- 84-70 points, White 69-50, 50 and below- participation.
7. Classes offered at the county fair are usually the same as the classes offered at the state fair. The only exception to this is the jumping class. If offered, Jumping at fair shall be limited to Equitation Over Fences as time allows. Members must have attended one (1) jumping qualifying show and entered showmanship at a county jumping qualifying event to ride in jumping at fair.
8. The Pattern II class is for members who do not ride bareback, trail or two (2) equitation seats. This class is to be used as a third riding class to qualify for the NWWF only. This class does not count for state teams.
9. Trail is not a required class at county qualifying shows or fair but may be used as an equitation class to qualify for fair.
Safety and Equipment
1. Refer to WSU 4-H Equine Program Rule Book for all tack and equipment requirements.
2. A panel of at least two (2) leaders, including one (1) show committee member, will walk the trail course before the first rider to check it for safety, correct obstacle measurement and placement.
3. If a horse is not in-hand, it shall be properly secured at all times.
4. Horses shall not be tied to arena fences, rails, or any area/item that would be considered a hazard. This also applies to horse trailers not connected to a haul vehicle.
5. Horses shall never be tied by the bridle, with a chain over or under the muzzle at any time. Horses shall be tied with a halter and lead rope only!
6. Horses shall not congregate around, or obstruct any walkways, gates, doorways or inside the arenas. Horses shall be in the paddock/staging area only when waiting to enter the next class.
7. No hobbles, ropes, chaps, or artificial tails are allowed in county 4-H competition.
8. Whatcom County shall follow the current WSU 4-H Horse Contest Guide for all current 4-H dress code and equipment requirements.
9. A properly fitted Western breast collar is required in Western games.
10. Tack inspection required prior to Gaming and Jumping events.
Awards
Medals eligibility will be reviewed by the points administrators. All awards, year-end buckles, and trophies will be reviewed by show committee members before they are announced at the fair and achievement night.
Medals Awards Program
1. Any Intermediate or Senior rider who receives three (3) blue ribbons in any of the following classes: Showmanship, Hunt seat, Equitation, Stock seat Equitation, Saddle seat Equitation, Barrels, Pole Bending. Jumping and Dressage – per program guidelines qualify you to ride for a medal. Medals classes are offered at designated county qualifiers and the NWWA Fair.
2. Members cannot ride in a medals class at the same show they become qualified, but they can attempt to earn the medal the next time it is offered at a 4-H qualifier or fair.
3. When an exhibitor moves to the senior age group, the exhibitor must start at the bronze level for the medals they are qualified for. Blue ribbons earned in the Jr/Int age group will carry over to the Senior age group.
4. Platinum medals shall be limited to three (3) per event.
5. Showmanship and riding platinum medal patterns shall be drawn by the exhibitor and must include the required number of pre-determined maneuvers and be submitted to the show secretary the day of the show before the start of the first class for that age group or event to allow the judge to review it.
6. All medal patterns that ask for “flying lead change” to be accepted as “simple or flying lead change.”
Fair Trophy Awards
Does not apply to Novice or non-project members and/animals
A. Al Bovan: the highest score including:
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- Showmanship plus+
- The best score out of Hunt seat and Saddle seat, plus+
- Stock seat, Bareback and Trail.
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B. Larry Roughton Trophy: the highest score including:
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- Showmanship, plus+
- All six (6) Games events
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C. Trophies for each riding class (Grand and Reserve)
D. Trophies for Juniors Overall and Novices Overall (Grand and Reserve)
Championship Trophies Awards
A. The Champion Showmanship, Performance, Jumping, Dressage, Reining and Driving Trophies
Will be awarded to:
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- The highest score in the Championship round will receive the Grand Champion Trophy.
- The second highest score will receive the Reserve Grand Champion Trophy
- You must receive a score of 97 OR be called back by the judge to participate.
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B. Championship Games Trophies
Will be awarded to:
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- The fastest two riders in each event regardless of age division (Junior, Intermediate, Senior).
- Will only be awarded to blue ribbon times.
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State Team Selection
Requirements:
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- Complete a current year Record Book with a score of at least 75.
- Give a Public Presentation or Demonstration.
- Attend Judging with oral and written reasons and Fair Judging.
- Attend one of our County Qualifying shows.
- Attend our County designated event – NWWA Fair.
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The following points or scores are used to determine State Team Placement as well as the best ribbon color (based on the Danish system) earned in each equitation event. Blue in Showmanship/Blue in class, Blue in Showmanship/Red in class, and Red in Showmanship/Blue in Class applies to state teams
Average is the best two of two or two of three scores per event or class.
A. Performance
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- Showmanship Average
- Three (3) of the following equitation averages: Hunt seat, Stock seat, Saddle seat, Bareback and Trail.
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B. Games
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- Showmanship Average
- Four (4) of the following event averages: Barrels, Pole Bending, Key Race, Flags, Figure 8, and Int’l Flags.
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C. Jumping & Dressage
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- Showmanship Average
- Hunt seat Average
- And the best two averages for jumping classes and/or dressage tests as indicated in the State Fair Premium book.
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D. Driving
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- Showmanship Average
- Average of the following classes: Precision Driving, Reinsmanship and Pleasure Driving (current classes offered at State Fair)
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Year-End Awards
Record Book Medals
1. An updated and complete record book must be turned into the extension office by the September 30th 4-H Extension office deadline. The book must earn a score of 97 or above to earn an year-end medal.
Year End Buckles and Awards in Each Category
1. Buckles will be awarded for the overall point earner in Performance, Western games, Judging, Jumping, Dressage, Western Dressage, Reining, and Driving when offered.
2. Silver medals will be awarded to the second-place winners in each discipline.
3. Bronze medals will be awarded to the third-place winners in each discipline.
4. Members must turn in a completed record book to the extension office by September 30th for year-end judging. NOTE- Leaders and parents are responsible for reviewing the members’ books for updating and completeness. If the book is updated and complete, Leaders, Parents and Member must sign the back page, do not sign if it isn’t complete.
5. Members must compete in a judging contest including oral and written reasons.
6. Members must complete a public presentation, oral presentation, or demonstration.
7. The total score from all presentations, fair record book score, year-end record book score, all equitation and showmanship classes within the discipline will be used for the final score for that discipline’s top three-point earners. NOTE- Equitation/Showmanship scores from qualifying shows and fair must be from shows within the discipline only- i.e.- Showmanship scores from gaming shows cannot be used for the performance buckle OR Hunt seat scores from performance qualifying cannot be used for the dressage buckle.
8. Beginning reining, training level dressage, and cross-pole jumping classes are not counted toward year end awards.
9. The judging buckle shall be the total of the two (2) record book scores, all three (3) judging contest scores (attending all 3 judging contests is required for the judging buckle), public presentation scores, and oral and written reason scores from the two (2) county contests.
Overall Year-End Trophy and Buckle
1. Members must turn in a record book before the NWWA Fair, and for year-end judging.
2. Members must compete in at least one county judging contest, and complete oral and written reasons, and judge at fair.
3. Members must give an oral presentation, public presentation, or demonstration.
4. The scores from all showmanship and equitation classes performed at all shows, all disciplines, and fair, both record book scores, all presentations given, and all judging scores will be added for the overall points total.