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Horse
What is it all 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
Later, show off your knowledge of horses by taking part in Hippology (study of horses) and Horse Quiz Bowl.
Horse | Horseless 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.
Member Resources
Horse Project Curriculum
5 levels (grades 3-12)
Free Downloads
- Horse Youth Project Sheet
- WI 4-H Horse Association Handbook (from Wisconsin 4-H Horse Board)—Information on State 4-H Horse Shows, rules, and Association contact information.
- eXtension Horse page—Articles, videos, podcasts, infographics, and online courses are available.
Project Leader Resources
Horse Project Helper’s Guide
5 levels (grades 3-12)
PYD Media Collection
Many educational resources, including hippology and a learning lab kit.
Statewide Events and Opportunities
State 4-H Gymkhana
Wisconsin State 4-H Gymkhana is an annual horse and pony competition featuring speed pattern racing events including: Cloverleaf Barrels, Flag Race, Plug Race, Pole Bending, LT Special, and Key Races. This event is a fun and challenging opportunity for 4-H Youth to showcase their skills and connect with other 4-H members from across the state.
Audience: Grades 6-13
State 4-H Horse Education Days, Horse Bowl, and Hippology Contest
The 4-H Horse Bowl provides an opportunity for youth to demonstrate their knowledge of equine-related subject matter in a competitive setting. These contests provide an educational experience for both participants and spectators.
Audience: Grades 3-13
State Horse Expo
The State 4-H Horse Expo is an annual event for all youth enrolled in the 4-H Horse Program and draws hundreds of youth and horses. Youth participate in a wide variety of educational project and riding competitions focused on horse experience.
Audience: Grades 3-13
4-H Hunt & Dressage Show
The 4-H Hunt and Dressage Show is a 3-day clinic featuring a dressage clinics and show, over fences clinics and show, and flat and pleasure classes. Youth can attend educational clinics and showcase their skills in a variety of individual and group dressage classes.
Audience: Grades 6-13
State 4-H Horse Leader’s Conference
The Conference is intended to offer educational workshops that include both information and hands-on activity ideas for leaders to utilize when teaching youth, provide a forum for strengthening communications relative to the 4-H Horse and Pony Project, and provide an opportunity for participants to network and share experiences.
Audience: Grades 7+
Midwest Horse Fair Tack Sale
Let us sell your used tack while you enjoy the Midwest Horse Fair!
Audience: All ages
Take Your Project Further!
BELONGING
- Find out who else is in the Horse Project. Get to know them.
- Invite other members of your club to join the project with you
INDEPENDENCE
- Set project goals that challenge you to learn and try new things.
- Research your favorite part of the horse industry.
GENEROSITY
- Help plan a horse show or activity to support the horse project.
- Share horse photos or project achievements with senior citizens and/or preschoolers.
MASTERY
- Mentor younger members in the Horse Project.
- Give a short presentation about your project to younger youth.
Applying Project Skills to Life
Healthy Living
Learn to win and lose gracefully. It is part of a healthy mindset.
Learn about foods that are for both humans and horses.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
Learn how to balance a ration.
Build a model paddock or barn for your horse
Community Engagement
Volunteer at a horse rescue and/or therapeutic riding program.
Create a model horse display to show at a public location.
Leadership
Offer your club a project demonstration on grooming, saddling, nutrition, etc.
Lead a “horseless horse” workshop for interested youth.
Pathways Beyond 4-H
Many careers and college programs have connections to the horse industry. The Horse Project will help you explore your interests while gaining valuable knowledge.
Careers to consider:
- Veterinarian
- Horse Trainer
- Horse Chiropractor
- Veterinary Technician
- Nutritionist
- Medical Technology Specialist
- Photographer
You may also gain these personal qualities:
- Problem solving
- Decision making
- Public speaking
- Teamwork
- Sportsmanship
Caution Corner
For more information on 4-H policies and procedures, please visit Wisconsin 4-H Policies. For more information on State 4-H Horse Association rules, guidelines, and activities, view the Wisconsin 4-H Horse Association Handbook. Some of the project policies to be aware of include:
Showing What You Learned
- Make a poster about horse breeds, parts of a horse, or the horse reproductive system.
- Make a poster showing the parts of English or Western saddles.
- Create a display of forages used to feed horses.
- Demonstrate proper handling during groundwork.
- Make a chart to show the expenses of owning a horse.
- Make a display explaining body condition scores of horses.
- Create a photo collage of your horse.
- Demonstrate proper hoof care.
- Research careers in the horse industry. Make a poster.
- Research the history of horses.
- Make a poster showing the physical changes over time.
- Create an exercise or feeding log for your horse. Explain why it is important.
Recording What You Learned
- What went well?
- If you could change something, what would it be? Why?
- What can you do to encourage younger members to get involved?
- What was the most challenging part of the project?
For more information on 4-H policies and procedures, please visit Wisconsin 4-H Policies. For more information on State 4-H Horse Association rules, guidelines, and activities, view the Wisconsin 4-H Horse Association Handbook.
