The goal of the 4-H Science, Engineering, and Technology (SET) Initiative is to address America's critical need for more scientists and engineers by engaging 150,000 youth by 2013. 4-H SET activities and projects combine non-formal education with hands-on, inquiry-based learning in a positive youth development context to engage youth in improving their SET knowledge, skills and abilities. 4-H SET activities and projects combine the strengths of 4-H Youth Development non-formal experiential-based delivery modes and strong youth-adult partnerships to address SET content as defined by the National Science Education Standards.

California 4-H Equine Education

MENU: State 4-H Horse Classic | State 4-H Equine Field Day | Advisory Committee | Calendar | Resources

Horses and humans interact in many ways, not only in a wide variety of sport competitions and non-competitive recreational pursuits, but also in working activities including agriculture, entertainment, assisted learning and therapy.  The California 4-H Youth Development Program offers a wide variety of equine projects including breeding, draft, drill, driving, english & western, gymkhana, judging, minature, trail riding and ponies.

California 4-H Horse projects help youth:

• Acquire skills in horse management by owning a horse or pony and being responsible for it.
• Appreciate riding as recreation.
• Learn horsemanship skills and understand breeding, training, and raising of horses as a business.
• Acquire safety skills to prevent injury to persons and animals.
• Promote love and humane treatment of animals.

Annual State 4-H Horse Classic

The California 4-H Horse Classic consists of two events, the Educational Contests & Champion Horse Show! These two statewide events are focused on over 4,500 4-H horse project members statewide. We invite everyone to come join us in sharing your passion for horses. As you know, this statewide event has taken a new look with the educational contests being held separate from the horse show. Master Results List 1997-2008 (PDF)

Educational Contests - March 28 - 29, 2009, Reedley College, Reedley, CA

Championship Horse Show - June 25 - 28, 2009, Santa Cruz Fairgrounds

Link to the Educational Contests & Champion Horse Show. 

State 4-H Equine Field Day - 2009 Date TBA

A day of educational workshops & more for 4-H horse leaders, members and parents!

National 4-H Horse Classic

NEWS RELEASE
Submitted by Jeanne George, State 4-H Equine Educational Advisor
January 22, 2009

State 4-H Horse Bowl Team & Team Demonstration Wins 1st Places at Nationals!

Nearly 1000 people attended Western National Roundup, January 7-11, 2009. Six hundred youth competed in fifteen national contests.  Thirty states along with Alberta, Canada were represented this year in Denver, CO at the Renaissance Denver Hotel. The Conference, in its 89th year, is held annually in early January, coinciding with the start of the National Western Stock Show.

Local 4-H horse project members between the ages of 14 and 19 qualified for the conference by winning at the California State 4-H Horse Classic – Educational Contests held last April.  The California delegation competed in hippology, team demonstration, public speaking, horse bowl, and horse judging.  As a state team, California placed 3rd overall. 

All individuals placed in their contests.  The Horse Bowl team won all of their games, a first for California, and became the overall high point team!  Members were Rachael McPhail, Santa Barbara County; Deanna Lestina, Riverside County; Molly Hanson, Merced County; and Allie Cuellar, San Joaquin County.  It was a very exciting competition! Riverside County 4-H Leader Jeanine Lestina served as the team’s coach.  Rachael McPhail was named high point individual and won a $500 scholarship.  Deanna Lestina placed 9th. 

Kaitlen Lawton and Alicia Couto, Kings County, earned top honors with their team demonstration. Each received a $500 scholarship.  Emily Cehrs, Fresno County, placed 3rd in the Public Speaking Contest.  The horse judging team placed 10th overall. Team members were Marissa Silva & Rebecca Silva from Alameda County; Darcy Schueler, Fresno County and Amanda Ames from San Diego County. Marissa also placed 8th in the halter sub contest and the team was 3rd place.  The Hippology team of Rebecca Warner, Rebecca Tierce and Allison Anthony, all of Riverside County, earned 10th place overall and 6th & 7th in exam and stations respectively.  Lynn Warren, Riverside County; Paula Martin, Sacramento County and LaDawna Lawton, Kings County, served as coaches for the team.

Statewide 4-H Horse Calendar

The following events are open to neighboring counties, or statewide.  Please contact the hosting county for more information!

Statewide Equine Education Advisory Committee

The 4-H Equine Education Advisory Committee is comprised of a diverse and representative group of 4-H Youth Development Program youth, volunteers, and staff with an interest in equine education.  Link to the 4-H Equine Education Advisory Committee

Equine Resources

Equine Science Jeopardy Game (PPT)
A question and answer quiz type game of horse facts.  You can easily copy the file and then delete & add questions/answers on this PowerPoint program.

4-H Horsemanship Proficiency Program, A Member’s Guide (PDF)
This guide helps leaders and members learn what they need to know about the 4-H horse project.  Your project leader can assist members in setting and achieving their goals.  Through the project, you will learn horse behavior, mounting and dismounting, proper and safe techniques when handling a horse and general riding techniques. 

Horse Bowl Junior Division Study Questions (PDF)
This list of questions are made available to encourage and assist younger members to participate in the Horse Bowl contest at the local, regional and state levels.

National List of Horse Bowl and Hippology Sources (Word) (PDF)

Safety - Safety is an important consideration in all 4-H projects.  Please review the Clover Safety Fact Sheets.

University of California at Davis Center for Equine Health
(CEH) is dedicated to advancing the health, well-being, performance and veterinary care of horses through research and education.

Equine Medication Monitoring Program
What is the $5.00 drug fee at horse shows?

Equine West Nile Virus in California

Emergency Preparedness:
Are you ready for emergency animal evacuation if there is an earthquake, flood, or wildfire?

University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension
Horse Related Links

Michigan State University
A national online program for horse enthusiasts.

eXtension Horse Site

Statewide Equine Education Advisor

Jeanne George
UCCE Tehama County 4-H
1754 Walnut Street
Red Bluff, CA  96080
jlgeorge@ucdavis.edu
530-527-3101