Each year, many young horse enthusiasts participate in 4-H equine projects throughout the United States. The goals of these projects build on the following three areas:
- Appreciate riding as a recreation; and promote love and humane treatment of animals.
- Learn horsemanship skills and understand equestrian breeding, training and raising.
- Acquire safety skills to prevent injury to persons and animals.
The California 4-H Horse Classic events are a representation of these 4-H projects that exist from Maine to California, Montana to New Mexico and many areas in between.
4-H Horse Projects - Learning and doing
The championship horse show provides the opportunity for 4-H riders to compete at a level beyond local, county or regional events, while the educational contests allow members to showcase their equine knowledge.
In the California project, youth take part in a wide variety of 4-H equine projects including breeding, draft, drill, driving, English & western, gymkhana, judging, miniature, trail riding, and ponies.
The horses and humans involved in the projects interact in many ways, not only in a wide variety of sports and non-competitive recreational pursuits, but in activities like agriculture, entertainment, assisted learning and therapy. In this project, 4-H members:
With over 4,500 4-H project members statewide, this California 4-H Horse Classic event is the qualifier to attend the Western National Roundup held each year in Denver, Colorado. Educational contest includes individual and team demonstrations, public speaking, horse bowl, hippology, and horse judging. The Horse Show includes English, Western, Gymkhana, and Jumping.
The championship horse show provides the opportunity for 4-H riders to compete at a level beyond local, county or regional events, while the educational contests allow members to showcase their equine knowledge.
This event continues to build networks between counties with a common interest in strengthening 4-H equine education and establish new friendships between 4-H members and leaders.
The goals of the CA Horse Classic are to:
- Establish new friendships with fellow 4-H members and leaders
- Encourage networking between counties to build leadership with a common interest
- Provide opportunities for youth statewide to share their passion for horses
- Participate in social and educational programs by being a participant, not a spectator
- Experience and develop greater personal growth
- Continue to develop leadership and citizenship skills
- Share personal experiences with others through meaningful growth and development
- Promote good sportsmanship
- Provide a unique opportunity for horse project members to compete on a level beyond the county, district or regional basis.
4-H project leaders and young horse enthusiasts engaged in horse projects recieve information and support from a number of Universities that have horse-oriented programs including Ohio State University, University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension, and Michigan State University.
These learning laboratory materials are designed to provide hands-on learning for 4-H members. They enhance the teaching and learning exchange by supplying stimulating and fun activities. All kit parts are designed to be clear, concise, and durable with posters, charts, prints, and situation/task statements.
These 4-H horse projects are invaluable in teaching young horse enthusiasts to be thoughtful, concerned members of the equine community and to contribute to the welfare of horses both in their communities and world wide.