4-H Horse Program

Clark County 4-H Horse Program offers many opportunities. You will learn about horsemanship, horse care, public presentations, horse disciplines, record books and much more. You will also participate in business meetings, group decision-making and community service. Members can serve as Club Officers and in other leadership capacities. The Adult Club Leader and Project Leaders (Adult Volunteers) are there to assist and guide you. Clubs have regular meetings scheduled which vary from club to club.

Horseless Horse

The horseless horse project is designed for 4-H members interested in learning about horses but who do not own their own horse. Members are able to participate in Horse Judging, Hippology, Horse Bowl, Public Presentations, and Groom Squad at the Clark County Fair.

Horsemanship

Horsemanship, the art of riding, handling, and training horses. Good horsemanship requires that a rider control the animal’s direction, gait, and speed with maximum effectiveness and minimum efforts. Members demonstrate their horsemanship during show events and during private or club rides.

Performance

Performance encompasses both Western and English Performance disciplines including Green Horse, Pleasure, Equitation, Trail and Showmanship.

Divisions within Each Age Group:

Junior – Walk/Trot, Novice, Regular
Intermediate – Green Horse, Walk/Trot, Novice, Regular
Senior – Green Horse, Walk/Trot, Novice, Regular

Western Games

Western Games is where the rider demonstrates their ability to safely navigate a prescribed course in the fastest time possible. Events are timed games on horseback and are individual in nature.

EVENTS:

Barrels
Pole Bending
Idaho Figure Eight
Two-Barrel Flag
International Flag
Key Hole

Jumping

Hunter over Fences is a discipline where the horse and rider jump a course of fences. The higher levels are for advanced Hunt Seat riders (must be Regular Level) but there are introductory classes of ground poles to teach riders to negotiate a course and cross poles for beginning Over Fences Riders.

Class Descriptions:

Hunter under Saddle
Hunter over Fences
Equitation over Fences
Handy Hunter
Hunter Hack

Dressage

Dressage is where the horse and rider perform a memorized pattern of predetermined movements call "Tests." These Tests are determined by the United States Dressage Federation and change every three years. They are a progressive set of levels from beginner to advanced. Attire is typically white breeches nd a conservative color coat. In 4-H hunt seat attire is allowed.

Driving

Driving is a valuable training option for light horses, draft horses, ponies, donkeys, mules, or miniature horses. For example, when a 4-H member grows too large to ride a pony, he or she can learn to drive it. A full-size young horse can be driven before it’s physically ready for riding, which shortens training time and gives it experience. A mature riding horse’s value increases if it can also pull a cart.