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Charles County 4-H Horse Program

4-H HORSE PROGRAM GOALS

The Purpose of this program is to encourage 4-H members to:

  1. Develop leadership abilities, build character and assume citizenship, responsibility.
  2. Experience the pride of owning or leasing a horse or pony and be responsible for its management.
  3. Develop an appreciation of horse-back riding as a healthy and wholesome form of recreation.
  4. Learn skills in horsemanship and understanding of the business of breeding, raising and training horses.
  5. Increase knowledge of safety precautions needed to prevent injury to yourself, others, and their mounts.
  6. Promote a greater love for animals and humane attitude toward them.
  7. Be better prepared for citizenship responsiblities by working in groups and supporting community horse projects and activities.
  8. Teach good sportsmanship through a friendly, competitive atmosphere.
  9. Promote future horse industry development and expansion.

HORSE

There are two types of project horses. One you own your own horse and the other one you lease a horse. All 4-Hers must have their project horse registered (SUBMIT A HORSE AND PONY CARD YEARLY) with the County 4-H office before May 1st in order for you to be eligible to use that horse to compete in the county or state horse shows. You MAY ONLY ride a horse that you have on file in the office in these events.

Horsemanship Standards

Horsemanship Standards Click on "Resources"


COUNTY AND STATE FAIR HORSE SHOWS

In order for 4-H members to be eligible to compete in the county or state horse shows, the following requirements must be met.

  1. Have attended at least 50% of local club meetings for the current 4-H year.
  2. Have completed a 4-H Horse and Pony project record sheet for the past year or have an up-to-date project record through June if the 4-Her did not submit a record in the previous year.
  3. Have participated safely in at least one previous horse show.
  4. Have horse & pony card on file at the County 4-H office by May 1 of current year for each animal to be shown at the show. The number of eligible animals will be based on the limits set by the show.
  5. Have successfully passed 4-H Horsemanship Standards level 1 & 2.
  6. The Maryland Horse and Pony Rule Book will govern these shows.

HORSE JUDGING

Judging teaches life skills that you will be able to use the rest of your life. You will learn to evaluate, make a decision and defend that decision. The evaluation will cover halter classes where you will learn about breed type, balance and structural correctness. In performance classes, you will learn how to see what the judge is looking for and the rules for judging each class. Once you have made your decision, you will learn the correct terms to express your opinions.

HORSE BOWL


This is an opportunity to learn a lot about horses and have a lot of fun. You will be surprised at how fast your knowledge of horses and related subject matter will increase when you attend the practice sessions with other youth your age. There are three age divisions: juniors, 8 to 10; intermediates, 11 to 13; and seniors, 14 to 18. Once a year there is a state-wide competition where your team can compete against other youth from across the state.

HIPPOLOGY


This is a combination of horse judging, knowledge (written questions) and lab (identification of items, pictures, etc). It is a true test of your overall horse expertise.


STATE COMPETITIONS


There are several areas in which the State holds competitions; Horse Bowl, Horse Judging, Hippology, Horsemanship, Public Speaking and Demonstrations. These programs are designed to increase your horse knowledge, self confidence and life skills. There is also State recognition for participation and achievement with national trips offered to the top seniors (Ages 14-18) in everything except horsemanship.

NATIONAL TRIPS


In November, Maryland 4-H sends seniors (ages 14-18) to Louisville, Kentucky to represent the State in Horse Bowl, Horse Judging, Hippology, Speech, Demonstration and Team Demonstration. You may only compete once in an area but can qualify in a different area each year. This is an all expense paid trip which includes the opportunity to visit the Kentucky Horse Park, Kentucky Derby Museum, Churchill Downs backstretch and prominent horse farms. These are usually 25 to 30 states represented and you will meet many 4-hers from across the country.

This information subject to change. For further information, call the Charles County 4-H Office (301) 934-5403 or (301) 753-8195.

For more information, contact Marcia Wakefield

Last updated: 07/24/2009