Horse / Horseless Horse

Young girl on horse

What is this Project About?

Love horses? Want to learn more? In this project, you will have the opportunity to take your love of horses to the next level—the 4-H level. You will find interesting and exciting activities in this project like:

  • Groundwork
  • Understanding horse behavior
  • Breed identification
  • Safety on and around horses
  • Tack
  • Riding skills
  • Trail riding
  • Health Care
  • Planning/budgeting for owning a horse

Grow in Your Project

Beginner

  • Understand what your horse is telling you.
  • Demonstrate how to use grooming tools.
  • Use safe practices around horses.
  • Learn how to keep your horse healthy and well fed.

Intermediate

  • Learn tooth identification and care.
  • Learn about proper nutrition for your horse.
  • Become familiar with English & Western equipment.
  • Learn proper riding skills in the arena and on trails.
  • Demonstrate how groundwork ties into riding.

Advanced

  • Learn to establish your horse’s health baselines.
  • Execute patterns on the ground and in the saddle.
  • Learn leadership skills and debate about horse related
    topics.
  • Mentor a youth in the Horse Project.
  • Demonstrate leadership skills.

Caution Corner

Some of the project policies to be aware of include (please see the link below for the complete listing of 4-H, animal science, and horse policies):

  • Youth must be in 3rd grade or higher to participate.
  • No stallions are allowed.
  • No bareback or riding double.
  • Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) approved helmets, with harness fastened, must be worn at all times when mounted or driving.
  • Closed toe shoes or boots are required when near a horse.
  • Clothing appropriate for the activity is required. It protects participants from the elements around the event.
  • Boots with a cut-out heel must be worn when mounted.

For more  information, on 4-H policies and procedures, please visit: https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/resources/wisconsin-4-h-policies/

For more information on State 4-H Horse Association rules, guidelines, and activties view the Wisconsin 4-H Horse Association Handbook— http://horse.wi4h.org.

Resources