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4-H Youth Development

Credit: Lynn Ketchum (Cropped from original)
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Horse Projects

Gallop into excitement with the 4-H Horse Project! Whether you dream of mastering the art of dressage, learning to jump, or working with ranch horses, there's a place for you in 4-H. With resources to help you learn about horse care, riding, and competitions, the 4-H Horse Project is a great way to build skills, make friends, and discover your passion for horses. Explore all the ways you can get involved and take your horsemanship to the next level!

Leadership for the Oregon 4-H Horse Project is provided by Candi Bothum, Oregon 4-H Animal Sciences Project Leader.

To enroll in the 4-H Horse Project, contact your local Extension Office to get connected with an existing club or volunteer in your area, or get training to start a new club!

Resources for Getting Started

4-H Horse Project Leader Guide

This guide will help you organize and lead a successful 4-H horse club. If you emphasize positive youth development through learning and fun, leading a 4-H club will be a rewarding experience for you and your...

Carol Jacobson, Alden Hilliker, Tonya Aitkin | Dec 2011 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

4-H Horse Project

This is a basic resource for 4-H members doing a horse project in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Book sections cover horse breeds, psychology, and how to choose a horse; the horse's health, care, and management;...

PNW 4-H Horse Management Team | Apr 2018 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Ranch Horse

Step into the world of ranch work with these resources, designed to teach you the skills of a true ranch hand. From cattle care to practical roping, discover how to become a well-rounded ranch horse rider.

Oregon 4-H Ranch Horse Contest Guide

A 4-H horse contest guide for a ranch horse competition. Contains descriptions of six classes: Ranch Horse Showmanship, Working Ranch Horse, Ranch Horse Trail, Cow Working, Roping, and Identification and Skills test....

Roberta Lundeberg, Dana Martin, Candi Bothum, Amy Derby | Oct 2010 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Oregon 4-H Ranch Horse Manual

This 4-H member manual begins with a short history of the American Western cowboy and includes descriptions of and brief instructions for maneuvers a well-trained ranch horse can do: working, caring for, and branding or tagging cattle, and practical roping for ranch work.

Roberta Lundeberg, Dana Martin, Candi Bothum, Amy Derby | Oct 2010 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Jan 18

4-H Ranch Horse Clinic

9:00 am - 3:00 pm Canby, OR

Dressage & Jumping

Discover the art of dressage, from basic movements to advanced tests. For aspiring jumpers, the Hunt Seat Manual covers everything from equipment to training for safe and confident riding.

4-H Dressage Manual

This publication briefly introduces the concept of dressage, terminology, levels of competition, how to ride a test, how the test will be judged, and equipment and general rules used in competitions.

Joyce Stride, Bradford J. Jeffreys, S. Marina Schrader, Barbara Tuohino Funk, Esther Cate, Roberta Lundeberg | Sep 2022 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Western Dressage

NEW Tests for 2022! This link will take you to the new tests for 2022 (changed 11/2021) So plan on using these for 2022.

4-H Youth Development

2023 USDF Dressage Tests

Dressage tests changed as of 12/1/2022. For state eligibility, use Training Level test 2 or higher, and First Level tests. Remember, if you have a rider who is riding at a higher level, we may be able to accommodate them at state fair, depending on who the judge is. Also remember, these test are copyrighted and should be used only as outlined on the USDF website.

4-H Youth Development

Hunt Seat and Jumper Manual: Learning to Jump with Your Horse

For 4-H'ers and those with a desire to develop their hunt seat equitation and jumping skills, this manual provides clear drawings and understandable directions. Topics include equipment, training both horse and rider...

Marian Crumb | Jun 1995 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Horse: Hunt Seat Equestrian Over Fences Score Sheet

Used by judges to share comments and scores at a 4-H Horse Show

4-H Youth Development

Judging, Trivia, Puzzles and More

Looking for fun and educational ways to learn about horses? These tools will sharpen your skills and expand your knowledge through judging guides, puzzles, and prepare your for judging contests and knowledge bowls.

4-H Horse Judging Manual

This illustrated publication includes the following topics: horse anatomy, unsoundnesses and blemishes; halter horse judging, descriptions and regulations for the different horse breeds; judging the performance horse ...

Jerry Newman | Sep 2004 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Parts of a Horse(4-H 1304)

This printable chart has labeled and unlabeled pages for practicing labeling the anatomy of a horse.

4-H Youth Development

Breeds of Horses Puzzle

Crossword puzzle for 4-H horse project.

Anonymous | Apr 2012 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

4-H Horse Project Video Screenshot
Photo: 4-H

Horse Project Video Guides

Check out our YouTube playlist of videos for 4-H'ers in the Horse Project. From correct seat positions to picking up a horse's foot, you can learn the basics here. Would you like to share a video demonstration from your 4-H Club? Share it with [email protected].

Watch the Videos

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