The 4-H Horse Project can be an exciting and worthwhile experience for both you and your horse. You may show your horse in a variety of classes: showmanship, English equitation, Western equitation, trail, dressage, driving, and jumping. Western Gaming events include Barrels, Figure Eight Stake Race, Key Race, Pole Bending, and Flag Races. You can show a young horse in Ground Training, and some counties offer First Year Under Saddle, In-Hand Trail, or Ranch Horse classes. In addition to showing your horse, you may take part in judging, hippology, horse bowl, presentations, and public speaking contests.
Objectives
- Develop an appreciation of horseback riding (age 8 by October 1st of the current year and older) as a healthy and wholesome form of recreation
- Promote greater love for animals and a human attitude toward them
- Develop an animal care ethic
- Develop understanding of the responsibilities of taking care of equine
- Learn skills in horsemanship and an understanding of horse behavior, competition etiquette, and sportsmanship
4-H Horse Curriculum
Available in the Extension office or online at 4-H Horse Project Curriculum
Level 1: Giddy Up and Go
Level 2: Head, Heart and Hooves
Level 3: Stable Relationships
Level 4: Riding the Range
Book 5: Jumping to New Heights
Horse Helper’s Guide
Horse Program Curriculum – C0201 Horse Science, Horses and Horsemanshp
Member & Leader Publications
Available in the Extension office or online at https://pubs.extension.wsu.edu/
C0015 – Light Horse Chart
EB1612E – Feeding the Performance Horse
EM2790E – 4-H Horse Member Advancement Checklist
EM4842E – Beginning Horsemanship
EM4869 – 4-H Horse Advancement (Leader Guide)
EM4849E – Equestrian Helmet Safety
PNW229 – 4-H Driving Manual
PNW488 – Hunt Seat Manual
PNW574 – 4-H Horse Contest Guide
PNW575 – Horse Judging Guide
PNW587 – 4-H Horse Project Manual
PNW608 – 4-H Dressage Manual
National 4-H Horse Resources
State 4-H Horse Resources
PNW574 4-H Contest Guide
Livestock E-Quiz – This website was created by the University of Illinois Extension to help you learn more about beef, dairy, horses, poultry, sheep, swine, forage, and meats.
Horseless Horse
EM4715E – Horses are Fun, The 4-H Horseless Horse Project
Other Publications
C0233E – 4-H Horse Certificate
C0856E – Individual Horse Record
C0858E – Horse Production Breeding Record