Horse and Pony Project Workbook Series:
Members may enroll for each
project workbook as many times as desirable (except "Introduction to the Horse" and "Horses are
Fun") and may progress according to their
interests and abilities.
w Horseless Horse Project Series
Horseless Horse Project
Series:
The horseless horse projects are
available for all 4-H youth. Animal ownership, care, and riding are not requirements.
Members with horses may, however, enroll in this series. Members may progress
through the series at their own speed.
• Introduction to the Horse Unit I
For the 4-H member aged 9-10 years
only. A short-term project that should be completed in two to four meetings.
• Horses are Fun Unit II
Suggested age range of 10-12
years. Designed for the horse project beginner only.
• Horses and Horsemanship Unit III
Suggested age range of 12-14
years. Designed for the member to study the horse through attending workshops
and giving presentations and demonstrations. Member must show a working
knowledge of the horse.
• Horse Science Unit IV
Suggested age range of 14 years
and older. Emphasizes leadership and community service as well as learning
through presenting and participation in horse-related activities.
Apprenticeship to an industry professional and first aid training required.
Upon completion member may enroll in the 4-H Horse Self-Determined Project.
Members should have the basic
equipment for riding and the use of a suitable riding animal. Members may
complete some tests on horses other than their own or managed project. All new
members should enroll in Unit I, but those who have previous experience may
advance into the higher units.
• Basic Horsemanship Unit I
This book is intended for those
new members who wish to progress to Unit II or those who do not wish to go
through the progressive series. Riding record should show a minimum of 30
hours.
• Novice Unit II
For members 10 years or older.
Riding record should show a minimum of 60 hours.
• Horseman Unit III
For members 13 years or older.
Project includes a 25 mile ride and halter breaking a weanling. The riding
record requires a minimum of 100 hours.
• Horsemaster Unit IV
For members 16 years or older.
Member should be active in District and State level 4-H Horse events. Project
requires a 100 mile supervised ride and breaking a green horse for riding. The
riding record should show a minimum of 300 hours. The completed Horsemaster
book should be sent to the state Extension Horse Specialist for review and
approval. Horsemasters may continue on as teen leaders, repeat the unit, or
complete the Self-Determined Horse project.
Members completing Units from the
Progressive Riding series, those who own, lease, or otherwise manage one or
more horses should complete the Horse Management book. This may be the only
project taken or the member may also enroll in additional projects. This
project may be repeated as many times as desired. This book concentrates on
record keeping and proper management. Equipment inventories, veterinary/health
records, farrier records, breeding, and riding records are kept throughout the
year. This project is the required book for anyone planning to show at the
District or State Horse Shows.
This project is designed for
senior 4-H horse project members who have the experience, resources, and
ability to conduct an advanced program. Members may complete this project as
many times as they wish. The project may be short or long term, depending on
the selected field. The goals include moneymaking and experience in horse
development, training, marketing and/or trading.
This project is designed for
senior 4-H horse project members who have the experience, resources, and
ability to conduct an advance program. Members care for a brood mare until the
weaning of her foal and keep project records. Members must be enrolled in this project
by January 1st of the current 4-H year, and the project mare(s) must be
designated by this date. The mare(s) must be bred to a registered stallion of
one of the recognized breeds. The project mare(s) must be owned by the member
or a member of their immediate family by January 1st of the current 4-H year.
It is recommended that you have prior experience in handling horses before
taking this project.
This project is designed for senior
4-H horse project members who have the experience, resources, and ability to
conduct an advanced program. Members may complete this project as many times as
they wish. The project may be short or long term, depending on the selected
field. Members may or may not have access to a horse. This project may be used
as an advanced sequence to the Horseless Horse Project Series or Progressive
Riding Series.
Last Revised June 25, 2002
* Protected Under 18 U.S.C. 707
Virginia
Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of
race, color, religion, sex, age, veteran status, national origin, handicap, or
political affiliation. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
If you are a
person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services, or other
accommodations to participate in Extension activities, please contact the local
Extension Office during regular business hours to discuss accommodations 14
days prior to the event.
All 4-H Horse
Program members of all disciplines must wear helmets that are ASTM approved for
equine activities when mounted.