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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.

Horse Bowl can be best described as "It's Academic" with only horse-related questions.  Teams of four face off in front of a panel of judges and a moderator.  One to One questions are restricted to one player from each team, open questions can be answered by any member of the team, and in order to get the chance to answer, the competitor must ring the buzzer in front of them faster than the other players.  Both teams and individuals compete for respective awards.  The top ten senior individuals compete for one of the four spots on the Maryland State Horse Bowl Team that competes at the Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup.

HIPPOLOGY

 Hippology, directly derived, means "the study of horses".  The state hippology contest usually held in conjunction with the horse judging contest-rigorously tests the 4-Her's intimate knowledge of horses and horse related items.  At the junior and intermediate level, there are two parts:  a written exam and identification table.  The senior level, as of last year, added a slide section to the other two parts to emulate the national program.  Awards are given for individuals compete for one of the four spots on the Maryland State Hippology Team that competes at the Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup.

Communications

Communications contests are divided into three categories:  Public Speaking, Individual Demonstration and Team Demonstration.  Teaching others how to do something related to horse care and management through illustrated talks or demonstrations is the objective.  Presence, poise, content and delivery are evaluated by knowledgeable judges.  Contestants must make their own visual aids to enhance their presentations.  Top senior individuals and team qualify to compete at the Eastern National Horse Roundup.

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

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For more information, contact Marcia Wakefield

Last updated: 11/16/2010