The 4-H Horse Project can be an exciting and worthwhile experience for both youth and their horse. Youth must have reached their 8th birthday by October 1st of the current 4-H year to be eligible for large animal projects. Cloverbuds (youth ages 5-7) are welcome to participate in the Horseless Horse project.
Youth may show their 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. Youth 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 a horse, youth may take part in judging, hippology, horse bowl, presentations, and public speaking contests.
Objectives
Youth will:
- Develop an appreciation of horseback riding 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 through the Extension office or online.
Level 1: Giddy Up and Go is perfect for youth who may or may not have a horse or pony of their own but want to learn about horses. They will learn the basics of horse behavior, breeds, and safety around horses through a variety of activities, including teaching others.
Level 2: Head, Heart and Hooves
With Level 2: Head, Heart, and Hooves, youth will learn more about acquiring and raising a horse including selecting a horse, horse nutrition and care, equine teeth and bones, judging, including giving oral reasons and much more.
Level 3: Stable Relationships encourages youth to explore horse diseases and health care, pasture management, providing appropriate shelter and building a financial plan.
Level 4: Riding the Range teaches youth nine basic riding skills and ten horsemanship skills, training techniques, trail riding and selection and use of tack.
Level 5: Jumping to New Heights
With Level 5: Jumping to New Heights, youth learn more advanced riding skills, the Quarter System, horse showmanship, ethics and leadership.
The Helper’s Guide will assist you in getting everyone involved at group meetings using any of the 17 featured group activities.
A practical and thorough guide to horses that covers breeds, judging, showing, western horsemanship, grooming, training, equipment, & safety.
In depth scientific examination of horses that covers horse behavior, anatomy, reproduction, feed nutrients, health & sanitation, disease, and parasites.
Washington 4-H Records, Forms, and Guides
For youth members
PNW587 – The 4-H Horse Project
This manual covers all aspects of the 4-H Horse Project, including selecting, handling, and caring for your horse; facilities, tack, and equipment; and different types of riding, driving, and games.
EM2790E – 4-H Horse Advancement Program Member Guide
This program measures general 4-H knowledge, horsemanship, selecting and judging, equine science, leadership, and personal development.
EM4842E – Beginning Horsemanship
This handbook is written for beginning riders, to help them prepare and ride horses safely. It also includes important information about the horse’s senses and social behavior. Use this handbook in conjunction with the Washington 4-H Horse Advancement program to provide beginning riders with the skills and
knowledge to handle and ride horses safely and competently.
EM4849E – Equestrian Helmet Safety
Tips for promoting helmet use and community education. Written for local clubs and organizations. Includes sample brochures and posters.
For 4-H’ers and those with a desire to develop their hunt seat equitation and jumping skills, this manual provides clear drawings and understandable directions.
This publication briefly introduces the concept of dressage, terminology, levels of competition, how to ride a test, how the test will be judged, and equipment and general rules used in competitions.
EM4715E – Horses are Fun, The 4-H Horseless Horse Project
Member Manual. Teaches about horses, breeds, markings, coat colors, gaits, grooming, managing, animal health and safety, equipment, good horsemanship, and how to ride.
C0233E – 4-H Horse Certificate
A 2-part form used to certify identification and ownership of 4-H project horses. Includes place to draw horse identifiable markings, instructions, and signature lines.
C0856E – Individual Horse Record
Form that record horse’s identifiable markings, and health, hoof care, and training records.
C0858E – Horse Production Breeding Record
Used to record expenses, mare and stallion information, and breeding management.
This poster (17″ by 22″) clearly identifies all the parts of a horse.
EB1612E – Feeding the Performance Horse
For adult helpers and club leaders
EM4869 – 4-H Horse Advancement Program Leader Guide
This 4-H Advancement Program is designed as a checklist for leaders to build the competency and confidence of 4-H Horse members.
EM4849E – Equestrian Helmet Safety
Tips for promoting helmet use and community education. Written for local clubs and organizations. Includes sample brochures and posters.
Helpful Resources
Activity Ideas
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.
4-H Horse Activity Page – University of Tennessee Extension (PDF)
Discover Horses – University of Minnesota Extension
Discover Horses is a set of five lessons for youth in grades 4-8 to explore the basics of horses. The series was designed for an online learning format, but it can be adapted to an in-person experience.
Washington Specific Reference Material
Coming soon!
Other Reference Material
From 4-H Programs
Horseback Riding Safety Check, a 4-H Spark Activity – North Carolina 4-H (Video)
Learn about proper tack and equipment, fit, and checking tack for safety before riding. Presented by Lori Stroud, Extension Assistant. – Horse Husbandry, NC State Extension.
4-H Blog Post – “Native American Heritage Month: The Voice of Animal Nation” by Tashina Red Hawk
4-H Blog Post – “4-H Alumni Feature: Jumping to New Heights Through 4-H”
From Higher Education Institutions
Bulletin from 2021 on how to keep animals healthy during a heat wave and their water consumption needs.
From Related Organizations, Journals, and Professionals
Getting Started in 4-H – Horse & Rider
We believe youth who engage with horses grow in leadership and life skills.
By empowering adults who teach youth about horses, and connecting them with resources, we are fostering a thriving horse industry.
- Kits, Projects, and Activities from National 4-H
National 4-H Horse Curriculum Collection
National 4-H Plants, Gardening, & Agriculture Curriculum Collection
EQUESTrian Deck Bundle (Decks 1-7)
EQUESTrian Trivia Cards feature useful information hidden in a fun game! Perfect for mounted lessons, club meetings, and car rides, this deck contains 100 researched questions on a wide variety of practical horse knowledge. The varying levels of cerebral challenge will pique your interest no matter your age or experience level. Decks are usable independent of one another.
