Achievement Day Requirements

Transcription

1 4-H Year Completion > You complete this project by completing all of the project Achievement Day Requirements for this project, as well as participating in a communications activity, a community activity, an agriculture awareness activity, and your club s Achievement Day. Achievement Day Requirements RIDING PROJECT DRIVING PROJECT IN HAND PROJECT 40% = Stable Management Test 30% = Riding Pattern 20% = Showmanship Pattern 10% = Judging Activity 40% = Stable Management Test 30% = Driving Pattern 20% = Showmanship Pattern 10% = Judging Activity Exhibition Requirements 40% = Stable Management Test 30% = Horse Agility Pattern or Special Project 20% = Showmanship Pattern 10% = Judging Activity Members show their horse or a borrowed horse. Members can share horses with other members for classes consisting of pattern work, but not for classes that require rail work (i.e. pleasure, command, etc.). The patterns to be used each year will be available on the PEI 4-H website. The same patterns will be used for both Achievement Days and Exhibitions. RIDING PROJECT DRIVING PROJECT IN HAND PROJECT The two levels of riding & showmanship competition are: Novice Advanced The two levels of driving & showmanship competition are: Novice Advanced The two levels of showmanship competition are: Novice Advanced

2 PEI 4-H Horse & Pony Introductory Year Basic Project Information When participating in any PEI 4-H Horse & Pony activity the member must be wearing a ASTM/SEI approved riding helmet, full length pant (or skirt for driving), and closed toed boots with a heel at anytime that they are mounted on their horse or seated in a horse drawn vehicle. It is also strongly recommended that they wear a safety riding vest and protective gloves but neither are mandatory. For showmanship and other in-hand classes a helmet is not mandatory but it is encouraged. However a closed toed boot/shoe, and full length pant is mandatory for in-hand classes. COMPLETING MORE THAN ONE HORSE & PONY PROJECT A YEAR If members are really keen and wish to do more than one Horse & Pony project (i.e. Driving & Riding) in the same year then they are only required to do one Horse & Pony project, but must complete all that the pattern work required for each project at their Achievement Day. ACHIEVEMENT DAY REQUIREMENTS: For their Stable Management mark the member should be ready and able to demonstrate or answer questions about any skill or information listed in the Stable Management Knowledge Checklist. The member can be tested on this information orally or by written test. This testing should be done on or before the club s Achievement Day by the project leader or another volunteer. The stable management examiner should randomly choose questions using the Stable Management Knowledge Checklist as a guide. For their Judging Activity mark the member is marked by their project leader on their participation in a judging activity. This activity can be taught by the project leader or a guest facilitator. Although judging horse conformation is an obvious choice for this activity, other ideas for judging include riding boots, helmets, bedding, hay, grain, tack, blankets, wheel barrels, fencing, show attire, work gloves etc the possibilities are endless! For the Riding, Driving, and Showmanship marks the member (with the help of their leader) will be responsible for deciding what level (novice or advanced) they wish to test for each year (members can go up or down a level whenever appropriate). Each riding, driving, and showmanship level has a corresponding exhibition pattern to be performed at the member s Achievement Day. These patterns are made available each May on the PEI 4-H Website on the Fairs & Exhibitions page: Whichever pattern the member chooses to do at their Achievement Day is the one they must do in 4-H classes at exhibitions (note: showing at exhibitions is optional). For the Riding/Driving projects the showmanship patterns correspond to the riding/driving pattern chosen (i.e. if the member chooses to do the advanced riding pattern then they must also do the advanced showmanship pattern). For the In Hand project the Horse Agility Pattern is the same for both the novice and advanced levels, only the showmanship patterns have levels. NOVICE RIDING - Patterns will consist only of walk and trot/jog gaits. Other maneuvers that may be included are halt, rein back, turn on the haunches and/or forehand, circles, and leg yielding. ADVANCED RIDING - Patterns will consist of walk, trot/jog, and canter/lope gaits. Other maneuvers that may be included are halt, rein back, turn on the haunches and/or forehand, circles, leg yielding, and simple lead changes. NOVICE DRIVING - Patterns will consist of walk and trot gaits. Other maneuvers that may be included are halt, rein back, turns, circles, and lengthening and shortening of stride in both gaits. ADVANCED DRIVING - Patterns will consist of walk and trot gaits. Other maneuvers that may be included are halt, rein back, turns, circles, and collecting and extending of stride in both gaits. NOVICE & ADVANCED SHOWMANSHIP - Patterns will consist of walk and trot/jog gaits. Other maneuvers that may be included are halt, back up, turns, pivot turns, circles, and set up for inspection. Often the member is will also be asked to identify parts of the horse.

3 SHOWING AT EXHIBITIONS Any member who has completed all of their Horse & Pony project Achievement Day requirements for the current year is eligible to participate at exhibitions in 4-H Horse & Pony classes. Members show their horse or a borrowed horse. The member must have their 4-H exhibitions entry form in by July 15th of each year. Entry forms and patterns can be found each May on the PEI 4-H Website on the Fairs & Exhibitions page: Please note: Animal ID forms are not required for the Horse & Pony Project. Members should KEEP A NOTEBOOK (preferably a ring binder so they can add sheets to it) to record the information they learn. It is also a great way to save handouts or other resource materials they may acquire throughout the year. It is also beneficial to save the information from year to year because they may need to refer back to it at some point. WHERE TO FIND INFORMATION Copies of the Alberta 4-H Member s Horse Project Book is available for order from the PEI 4-H Office for a fee of $10. This is a great guide that can be used not just for the Introductory Year of the 4-H Horse & Pony Project, but for all years the member participates in this project. Call (902) or pei4h@gov.pe.ca to place orders. These are big books so for large orders please allow at least one week for 4-H staff to print them off for you. YOUR 4-H LEADER Your leader has the information required to complete all of the project. The best way to make sure you have all of the correct information is to attend your regular project meetings! THE 4-H HORSE & PONY FACEBOOK PAGE... There is a Facebook group dedicated to PEI 4-H Horse & Pony. Search 4-H Horse & Pony PEI in Facebook to find the group s page. Join this group and you can post any questions you may have and have leaders from across the island help you. THE INTERNET Another great source of information is the internet (especially Youtube). We encourage you to explore the vast amount of information about horses and ponies that is available on the world wide web. However, you should be aware that not all information on the internet is correct information. Make sure to double check with your leader or riding instructor before using any information or advise found online. THE LIBRARY Books are a great source of information. The University of Prince Edward Island student library, in particular, has a huge collection of equine related books available, as well as many equine related articles in their computer archives. PEI 4-H Office! The staff at the PEI 4-H Office are here to help you. please contact us if you have any questions, concerns or ideas. Website: Phone: (902) pei4h@gov.pe.ca

4 SHOWING A PROJECT ENROLLMENT DIRECTORY From time to time throughout the 4-H year, you may wish to contact your leader(s) or another project member for one reason or another. Just fill in the information below, and you will have a handy Project Member Project Leader Directory! MEMBERS NAMES PHONE NUMBER LEADERS NAME PHONE NUMBER

5 PROJECT MEETINGS DIARY Most projects will require at least six to eight project meetings to complete the project. Meeting Date Location Time At this meeting, we...

6 JUDGING Is a fun and educational activity where the members learn to hone their critical thing skills and learn about the ideals of various equestrian disciplines, horse breeds, equipment, etc. Some examples of equine related judging topics could be: reining or dressage patterns, pleasure classes, conformation of various horse breeds, braids, hay, grain, work gloves, tack, fencing. really anything equine related. The project leader(s) will make arrangements for the judging class. The members will be instructed by the official judge (this may or may not be your leader) on what to look for when judging the item, discipline or type of horse/pony being used for the class. The members will then be given 10 to 15 minutes to judge and place the class or classes themselves (usually 4 items or horses/ponies per class), giving reasons to the official judge for their choices. Once all members have had a chance to judge the class and give their reasons then the official judge will reveal how they actually placed the class this gives the members a chance to compare their placings to the judges placings. Note to leaders: The items/horses/riders being judged will need to be identified either by numbers or letters for the member to be able to fill out the score card below. Learn more about judging: The PEI 4-H Office has guides to improving your judging skills available for all members in leaders who are interested. We can you a digital copy or send you a hard copy. Call or the office if you would like one of these. Each year PEI 4-H holds a Provincial 4-H Judging Competition that is open to all members ages 9-21 to participate in. It is a great way to learn more about judging and enjoy some friendly competition with members from other clubs. There are cash prizes for all ages, but for members ages participating in the competition the grand prize is a trip to Agribition in Regina, Saskatchewan, to compete as a member of the Maritime 4-H Judging Team! Score Card for Judging Class of: (item, horse, discipline, etc.) My Placing: First Second Third Fourth Reasons for placing over. Reasons for placing over. Reasons for placing over.

7 Stable Management Knowledge Checklist Safety: Describe proper attire to be worn when handling horses. Know what to look for when buying a riding helmet. Show how to adjust halter to fit the horse properly. Demonstrate how to do the following safely: approach a horse (identify the horses blind spots) catch & release a horse in both a stall and in a paddock hold a lead line, lead a horse, and turn a horse while leading do a pull turn (describe when this type of turn should be used) Demonstrate how to tie a quick release knot. Explain basic horse tying safety. Explain how a horse would use their body language to express the following emotions: happy/relaxed angry nervous excited Describe two signs that a horse may give if it is about to bite or kick. Grooming: Give 5 reasons for grooming your horse & 3 reasons for cleaning out their hooves. Be able to identify and show how to use the following grooming tools properly: hoof pick (leader can assist with hoof cleaning) mane/tail comb/brush plastic or rubber curry dandy brush 2 sponges or 2 rags (different colours) body brush Facilities: Explain why shelter is important for horses. Describe what a safe stall and barn aisle should look like (size, equipment storage, etc.). Know what types of fencing are suitable for horses and which ones are unsafe. Describe potential hazards that should be looked for in a horses turn out area. Describe common causes of fires in horse barns and how to prevent them. Briefly explain what the fire plan is for your stable. Know what fire safety equipment all barns should have on hand. Feeding: Identify hay, grain and salt/mineral block and name two types of forages. Name the three most important things in a horses diet. (water, forages, salt/mineral block) Review the ten basic rules of feeding horses. Explain how to introduce grass into the horses diet in the spring. Know how to properly store feed and hay. Have a basic understanding of the horse body condition scores. Describe five signs that the horse may need their teeth seen to by a vet. Conformation: Be able to identify the following parts of the horse: flank nostril hock muzzle cannon bone fetlock pastern poll hoof neck barrel withers coronet band back chest elbow forearm knee thigh croup gaskin shoulder loin chestnut belly (or abdomen) forehead crest ergot throat latch stifle

8 I will: Be kind to my animals. I will not take my frustrations out on animals. I will be patient while training my animal. I will never physically abuse my animal and I will only use low-stress handling methods and tools. I will: Provide comfortable and sufficient housing for my animals. I will house my animal with enough space to prevent crowding and fighting. When I tie my animal, I will make sure the rope is not too tight and that there is nothing nearby that can harm the animal. This also means that I will help to prevent my animal from being too hot or too cold, both at home or during transport. I will: Feed my animal on time each day. I will make sure that I can financially afford to feed my animal the right amount and type of feed every day on a regular schedule. This will provide the nutrition my animal needs and ensure the daily comfort of my animal. I will: Provide my animals with clean water. Every day I will check that the water supply for my animal is clean, free of ice, easily accessible and working properly. I will: Keep my animals free from disease and parasites. To ensure the good health of my project animal, I will observe it carefully every day, to see that it is eating and behaving normally. If my animal appears unhealthy, I will see that it receives immediate attention. I will keep accurate and complete records of any health problems that occur. I will never subject my animal to undue suffering. I will: Learn as much as possible about the best methods of feeding and caring for animals. By learning about different methods, my animals will benefit from new ideas that help to ensure that my animals receive the best possible care. I can explore new animal husbandry ideas through reading, asking questions, attending workshops and participating in 4-H activities. I will: Strive to improve the breeding and quality of my animals. The more structurally sound, efficient and productive our animals are, the less stress will be placed on them. I will: Always be a good sport in competition. Events, including Achievement Days, are one way that the public can see how important proper care of our animals is to us. Good manners and a courteous disposition go a long way in presenting a good impression to my fellow members and the public. I will: Talk to my 4-H volunteers or fellow members about others who are not following this creed and are not setting a good example of animal care. I will: Complete my project and take part in all the activities of my 4-H club each year. By taking part in all the activities and completing the project each year, I am allowing myself to learn and experience all that I can about my project. This will help me to improve my understanding of animals and my methods of caring for them. SIGNATURE OF MEMBER: The Five Freedoms Farmers, 4-H members, animal owners and caretakers are all responsible for providing their animals with these five freedoms: Freedom from thirst, hunger and malnutrition by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigor. Freedom from discomfort by providing a suitable environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area. Freedom from pain, injury and disease by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment. Freedom to express normal behavior by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal s own kind. Freedom from fear and distress by ensuring conditions that avoid mental suffering.

9 1. If possible, feed smaller amounts more often. A horse grazes (eats grass) a little at a time throughout the day and night. This is because the horse has a small stomach for its size. Therefore, it needs a little food in the stomach at all times to allow proper digestion. The number of times you feed your horse will depend on the type and amount of feed he requires to do the work expected of him. Horses should never be fed more than four pounds of concentrate (grain) per feeding. 2. Feed plenty of bulk food. Hay is the main source of food for a stabled horse. It ensures, as with grazing, that the digestive tract functions properly. Successful digestion cannot take place without adequate bulk. Forage is the basis of all horse diets. Forage can be provided as hay, pasture, or high fibre feed. When feeding straight forage, allow approximately 2 2 ½% of body weight per day. When concentrated feeds are included in the diet, make sure they get at least 1% of their body weight of forage per day. 3. Feed according to work done. This is especially important for concentrated foods (grains). Increase the amount of feed if work is increased, reduce it if the horse is doing less work. Grain is used to increase the energy in the diet if hay will not meet the needs or if the activity requires less bulk in the diet. 4. Make no sudden changes. Changes in the type of food or the feeding routine must be gradual. Alter it gradually over a 7-10 day period. This includes putting horses out on pasture in the spring. Do it gradually so their digestive system will adjust. 5. Keep the same approximate feeding times. Horses are creatures of habit and a slipshod feeding schedule can affect their disposition. On the other hand, if too much routine is causing your horse to become impatient and demanding, you may need to vary feeding times. 6. Feed only clean and good quality hay. Mouldy, musty or dusty hay can have a bad effect on the health and well being of your horse. Feed only mould free hay and grains, and make every effort to minimize dust. Lightly watering the feed will help reduce dust in some hay. Keep feed tubs, water buckets and mangers clean. Saliva, feed particles and warmth provide an excellent environment for bacterial growth. 7. Provide free choice access to salt. 8. Do not work your horse hard immediately after a full feed. When the stomach is full, it affects the working of the heart. How long between the feeding time for your horse and his work depends upon how hard he will be working and what you are asking him to do. For example a race or roping horse should finish eating four hours before the competition. However, an endurance horse would eat hay right up to the competition to help store water. In general, allow at least 1 hour after feeding before working a horse and do not feed afterward until he is cool. 9. Provide free choice clean water at all times and in all seasons. An adult horse will consume an average of gallons daily; hot weather, hard work and lactation can nearly double this amount. If water is not available at all times, horses should be watered three times per day before feedings. Eating snow is not sufficient to satisfy horses water requirements. Horses will drink more from a waterer in the winter than from an ice cold dugout or creek. 10. Feeding the Senior Horse Start feeding the elderly horse a highly digestible ration before he starts declining in health. Once an older horse has lost condition, putting weight back on him is often difficult. A horse s ability to digest feed, especially protein, fibre and phosphorous declines as he reaches and exceeds 20 years of age. Feed a ration that is at least 12 14% protein. An ideal ration would be good quality grass/alfalfa hay, a vitamin supplement and free choice clean water and salt. Many feed companies make a complete ration designed for the older horse. Care, and not fine stables, makes a good horse. Danish Proverb

10 1 = POOR: Horse is extremely emaciated. The backbone, ribs, hipbones and tailhead project prominently. Bone structure of the withers, shoulders and neck easily noticeable. No fatty tissues can be felt. Deep cavity under the tail and each side of the croup. 2 = VERY THIN: Horse is emaciated. Slight fat covering over vertebrae. Backbone, ribs, tailhead and hipbones are prominent (deep depression under the tail). Withers, shoulders and neck structures are discernible. 3 = THIN: Fat built up about halfway on back bone. Slight fat layer can be felt over ribs, but ribs easily discernible. The tailhead is evident, but individual vertebrae on the back bone cannot be seen. The hipbones are rounded but visible. Withers and shoulders are emphasized. Neck has thin, flat muscle covering. Depression under the tail. 4 = MODERATELY THIN: Negative crease along back. Faint outline of ribs can be seen. Fat can be felt along tailhead. Hip bones cannot be seen. Withers, neck and shoulders not obviously thin. The rump is flat on either side of the backbone. 5 = MODERATE: Back is level. Ribs can be felt but not easily seen. Fat around tailhead beginning to feel spongy. Withers are rounded and shoulders and neck blend smoothly into the body. Croup is well-defined. There is a slight cavity under the tail. 6 = MODERATELY FLESHY: May have a slight crease down the back. Fat on the tailhead feels soft. A thin layer of even fat over the ribs feels spongy. Fat beginning to be deposited along the sides of the withers, behind the shoulders and along the neck. 7 = FLESHY: A crease is seen down the back. Individual ribs can be felt, but noticeable filling between ribs with fat. Fat around tailhead is soft and rounded off. Noticeable fat deposited along the withers, behind the shoulders and along the neck ( no crest). 8 = FAT: Crease down back is prominent (forms a gutter to the base of the tail). Ribs difficult to feel due to fat in between. Fat around tailhead very soft and flabby. Area along withers filled with fat. Area behind shoulders filled in flush with the barrel of the body. Noticeable thickening of neck (slight crest which is wide and firm). Fat deposited along the inner buttocks. 9 = EXTREMELY FAT: Obvious crease down back. Fat is in patches over rib area, with bulging fat over tailhead, withers, and behind the shoulders. A marked cresty neck which is very wide and firm. Fat along inner buttocks may rub together. Flank is filled in flush with the barrel of the body. Ideal scores The average horse is healthiest with a body condition score between 4 and 6, which indicate that the horse has a proper balance of feed to exercise. An easy keeper or hard keeper should be watched closely as they are prone to either being overweight or underweight, respectively. A chart showing where and in what order fat deposits generally accumulate.

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12 This system of showmanship is easy to remember: When the judge is viewing the front half of the horse, the exhibitor should be on the opposite side. When the judge is viewing the rear half, the exhibitor should be on the same side. Divide the horse into four. A, B, C and D Diagram #1 When the judge is viewing the front of the horse in section A or B, the exhibitor should be on the opposite side. This gives the judge a clear view of the horse. Diagram #2 The judge is now viewing the rear of the horse, section D. The exhibitor moves to the same side as the judge. Diagram #3 While the judge is viewing the horse from the direct rear, the exhibitor maintains his position. Diagram #4 When the judge moves into section C, crossing over the imaginary line directly behind the horse, the exhibitor moves to the same side of the horse as the judge. Diagram #5 Until the judge crosses over the imaginary line, the exhibitor remains on the same side of the horse as the judge. Diagram #6 As the judge move into section B, the exhibitor moves to the opposite side to avoid obstructing the view of the judge. Note: Miniature Horses do not use the four quarter system of showmanship because of their small size. The handler simply has to be on the opposite side of the horse as the judge. Note: In showmanship classes at regular open horse shows English horses are shown in bridles while Western horses are shown in a halters. However it is acceptable at 4-H events for everyone to use only a halter and lead if they prefer without affecting their score. The only mandatory attire for the handler (for both Western & English) is a closed-toe boot & a long pant (and no tank tops!). However all of the handlers are expected to dress in neat & presentable clothing. If you do not have Western or English show attire try to at least find a shirt with a collar (i.e. a polo, blouse, dress shirt, etc.) to wear with a pair of jeans (without holes), breeches or dress pants (please avoid wearing sweat/track pants, etc.).