Horse Project Handbook

Transcription

1 CHISAGO COUNTY 4-H Horse Project Handbook We are embarking on an exciting year for Chisago County Horse Project and are glad that you re a part of this experience! Please review this packet carefully as it contains a lot of information, addressing many of the questions you may have. Please know that the Horse Project Development Committee (PDC) members are available for questions also. This guide conveys the heart of why we do what we do and what opportunities are available through this project area. Since it encompasses the guidelines set for our county s horse project we want to ensure all participants receive a copy. There are so many ways to be involved, with or without a horse! Events such as the county fair should be considered one aspect of youth development; rather than the purpose of the 4-H Horse project program. Horse project is just one of many exciting project areas within 4-H. We wish for you a fun, educational, and inspiring year full of accomplishments big and small! Sincerely, Horse Project PDC Members For additional information about 4-H: Jeremy D. Freeman Chisago County 4-H Program Coordinator Third Ave North Branch, MN Phone: jeremyf@umn.edu 2017 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. University of Minnesota Extension is an equal opportunity educator and employer. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, this material is available in alternative formats upon request. Direct requests to the Extension Store at Printed on recycled and recyclable paper with at least 10 percent postconsumer waste material.

2 COME HORSE AROUND WITH CHISAGO COUNTY 4-H! TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION 1: PURPOSE OF THE CHISAGO COUNTY 4-H PROGRAM...3 SECTION 2: HORSE PROJECT OVERVIEW...3 SECTION 3: ENROLLMENT & ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION TIMELINE/PROCESS...4 SECTION 4: PROJECT PROGRAMS AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES...5 SECTION 5: COUNTY PROGRAMS AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES...8 SECTION 6: STATE PROGRAMS AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES...9 SECTION 7: GENERAL HORSE SHOW RULES...10 SECTION 8: ENCAMPMENT-CHISAGO COUNTY HORSE CAMP...12 SECTION 9: COUNTY FAIR...13 SECTION 10: COUNTY FAIR HORSE SHOW...17 SECTION 11: STATE HORSE SHOW TRIP RULES AND REQUIREMENTS...20 SECTION 12: NATIONAL TRIP INFORMATION...22 SECTION 13: GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES...23 OTHER DOCUMENTS: CHISAGO COUNTY 4-H HORSE PROJECT REGISTRATION CHISAGO COUNTY PDC AND COMMITTEE CONTACT LIST CHISAGO COUNTY 4-H ENCAMPMENT REGISTRATION CHISAGO COUNTY 4-H ENCAMPMENT SCHEDULE AND SHOW BILL COUNTY FAIR CAMPER FORM COUNTY FAIR SCHEDULE CHISAGO COUNTY 4-H HANDBOOK CHANGE REQUEST 2

3 SECTION 1: PURPOSE OF THE CHISAGO COUNTY 4-H PROGRAM Chisago County 4-H Horse Project s mission is to help young people: Develop leadership abilities, build character, and encourage citizenship responsibilities. Become self-directed, productive, contributing members of society. Experience the pride of owning and/or interacting with a horse or pony and being responsible for its management. Develop an appreciation for horseback riding as a healthy and wholesome form of recreation. Learn skills in horsemanship and understand the business of breeding, raising, and training horses. Increase knowledge of safety precautions needed to prevent injury to themselves, others, and their mounts. Promote a greater love for animals and a humane attitude toward them. Be better prepared for citizenship responsibilities by working in groups and supporting community horse projects and activities; finding equity and promoting inclusion of all members as a goal of this group. Teach good sportsmanship in a friendly, competitive atmosphere. The purpose and objective of the 4-H program is positive youth development. Events such as the county fair should be considered one of many fun activities available within 4-H rather than the purpose of the 4-H program. SECTION 2: HORSE PROJECT OVERVIEW Who is horse project for? 4-H members ages kindergarten through one year past high school and their families. The guiding council is the Horse Project Development Committee (PDC), which is made up of youth and adults. Horse project dues must be paid by May 15th. 4-H members may pay dues themselves or seek out a scholarship from the extension office. All 4-H members are strongly encouraged to participate in the PDC and its sub-committees. The objective of each sub-committee is to plan, coordinate, and implement Horse Project activities. Key Step! Mentoring and Volunteering. Everyone, has something valuable to share to positively impact others. Mentorship is key to developing connections and having additional support in project areas. Be a mentor! 3

4 SECTION 3: 4-H ENROLLMENT, HORSE PROJECT ENROLLMENT & ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION TIMELINE/PROCESS Becoming involved in the 4-H horse project involves multiple steps in order to maximize opportunities. STEP 1: ENROLL IN 4-H ONLINE 4-H is for youth, grades Kindergarten to one year past high school. Detailed information regarding online enrollment and re-enrollment is available at You must enroll prior to participating with us in an event. You will not be allowed to participate until you are enrolled and ACTIVE. If you need assistance, contact the Extension Office. During the enrollment process, you will be asked to select projects you may be interested in. Be sure to select horse project so that you receive information about that project area and activities. By signing up for a project, you are not committing to doing the project, but would be eligible to participate at the fair. STEP 2: ONLINE ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION PROCESS - DUE MAY 15 Each 4-H member taking part in activities with their horse must have identified their 4-H horse(s) by May 15 of the current year. That means one Horse Identification form is required for each horse/rider combination. You may ID as many horses as you would like. Horses ID d after May 15th may show but are not eligible for champion awards or the State 4-H Horse Show trips. Each 4-H member is eligible for a one-time exception. See the deadline policy for more information at h/policies/. A. 4-H Family completes the ID worksheet for NEW project horses. The form can be found here: B. Existing project animals that are being carried over from the previous year must be reactivated by May 15. Instructions can be found in the document Animal ID Data Entry by Families, page 5 at C. 4-H family self-enters information for ALL project horses into 4HOnline and prints entry report for personal record. Additional Notes: One horse can be ID'd by multiple members. The same animal must be entered under EACH member ID'ing that animal. Families should refer to the Minnesota 4-H Horse Rule Book at for details and limitations. If an animal is leased, the lease agreement must be scanned and uploaded into 4HOnline. The lease form is available at Photos (.jpg format) are a required part of the ID and should be uploaded into 4HOnline. 4

5 STEP 3: COGGINS FORM - DUE BEFORE THE HORSE CAN PARTICIPATE IN ANY 4-H EVENT Coggins is a blood test that horses must have annually to verify that they do not have Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA). The test must be completed by an equine vet and a negative test result is required. The results form must be uploaded in the 4HOnline system or submitted to the Extension office prior to taking part in any 4-H activities. One can complete the online ID process prior to having completed the Coggins test, but a valid Coggins form must be uploaded or submitted BEFORE the horse can participate in any 4-H event. STEP 4: HORSE PROJECT DUES To subsidize horse project activities, annual dues must be paid by May 15 to the Extension Office. STEP 5: CHISAGO COUNTY 4-H HORSE PROJECT HANDBOOK LETTER OF UNDERSTANDING All 4-H members must indicate on the fair sign up that they have read and understand the rules and requirements as presented in this handbook. STEP 6: FAIR REGISTRATION Fair Registration will take place online this year. Remember to sign up for the horse project interview, horse achievement book, and all horse show classes you think you will participate in. Speech/Demo/horse related projects, horseless horse and horse training are some other options. Additional projects/activities/classes cannot be ADDED after deadline. The updated Premium Book will be available on the county website. STEP 7: HORSE MEMBER ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM/RECORDS It is recommended that all 4-H ers enrolled in any phase of the 4-H horse project participate in the Horse Member Achievement Program. The Achievement Program and Records can be reviewed and judged at the County Fair. For additional information see the Horse Project website. SECTION 4: PROJECT PROGRAMS AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Opportunities available whether you do or do not own/lease a horse: CLOVERBUDS Cloverbuds are youth Kindergarten through second grade. Per state rules, Cloverbuds may show a horse in 4-H with assistance. A responsible person must be in control of the animal at all times and never turn the control over to the Cloverbud. At all times includes, but is not limited to, all of the following situations: to and from the trailer, to and from the wash rack, to and from the barns, in the barns, in the stall, to and from the show arena and in the show arena. It is not acceptable to use more than one lead rope or halter with any animal as this turns at least some control over to the Cloverbud. Cloverbuds may participate with a horse in three classes at the 4-H County Fair horse show: Cloverbud Showmanship at Halter, Cloverbud Western Pleasure, and Cloverbud Barrels. 5

6 During showmanship class judging, the Cloverbud should walk next to the responsible person. If the horse is used in a riding setting, the Cloverbud may sit in the saddle with a responsible person in control of the horse at all times. Helmets are required for the Cloverbud in any riding setting. HORSELESS HORSE/HORSE PARTNER SHOWING The Horseless Horse program provides youth whose household does not own or lease a horse an opportunity to work with a horse. Under the supervision of a Horse Project member, there will be hands on learning. The partners should concentrate on groundwork, such as grooming and showmanship. Time commitment should involve two to three meetings minimum. The Horseless Horse Partner should at no time be pushed to go beyond their comfort level in working with the horse. Partners will register for and show at the County Fair. The partners will enter the arena together with the Horseless Horse partner doing all demonstrating and answering of questions. The Horseless Horse partner may indicate to the judge that he/she would like to demonstrate a showmanship pattern, groom the horse, show how to appropriately pick the horse s feet up or whatever they have learned that they are comfortable showing the judge. The judge may ask questions about the horse s breed/characteristics of the breed, feeding, care, grooming, etc. Both partners should be dressed in appropriate western wear (long sleeve shirt, western pants, belt, boots, and hat.) For additional information see the Horse Project website. FOUR HORSESHOES 4-H EQUESTRIAN PROGRAM FOR RIDERS WITH DISABILITIES This 4-H program provides opportunities to individuals who, due to physical or mental disabilities, are unable to show or ride a horse without the assistance of another. This program strives to promote a safe and enriching bond of accomplishment between horse, rider with a disability, and mentor/volunteer. For additional information see the Horse Project website. HORSE LEASING If you don t own a horse but are able to lease one for 4-H, you ll need to fill out and return the Animal Science lease form. A horse may be leased by more than one 4-H member, but limitations apply. For additional information see the Horse Project website. HORSE RELATED EXHIBIT Animal Science Projects are created by youth with the purpose of learning more about horses or other animals. Educational displays on horse-related topic are acceptable. The exhibit may include a poster, models, scrapbook, game, essay or other articles. The exhibit should emphasize something the member has made, participated in, or learned in the horse project area. Please see the fair guide for poster/exhibit dimensions in the fair premium book. The 4-Her must sign up their project by the June fair entry date and bring their exhibit to the general 4-H projects building the Wednesday of fair week. The 4-H exhibit hall is located on the East end of the fairgrounds. SPEECH/DEMONSTRATION Speeches and demonstrations are a great way to share your enthusiasm for horses and grow in your skills in speaking in front of an audience. Speeches (also known as illustrated presentations) speak about something and demonstrations show steps of how to do something. Both should include the use of visual aids and must cite their sources. Youth 6

7 may speak in an individual presentation or by teams of two. Youth could sign up to give an illustrated presentation or demo at county fair through the fair registration process. Youth who have completed sixth grade may present the same speech or demo at the State Horse Show. HORSE BOWL Horse Bowl is a knowledge contest for 4-H ers which aims to increase participant s equine education level through fun team activities, practices, and regional and state competitions. The 4-H ers develop additional skills such as teamwork, study skills, and confidence in speaking. The questions are taken from a set group of reference materials. Teams compete in two divisions, Junior (3rd - 8th grade) and Senior (9th - 13th grade) and may include three to six members, although only four actively compete at a time. All teams representing Chisago County must attend the same regional contest (held annually in March). Top teams from each regional contest advance to the state competition in April. WESTERN HERITAGE Minnesota 4-H Western Heritage is an activity within the horse project designed to help youth explore and preserve our Western Heritage through traditional western activities such as: calf roping, goat tying, individual/team penning/sorting, round pen roping, breakaway arena roping, team roping, and ranch cutting. As you move through the program, you will explore our Western Heritage and develop an appreciation for it; learn to balance competition and education; learn safety skills, develop tools for good sportsmanship and realistic goal setting, and have fun. Participants MUST be enrolled in 4-H and the Horse project by the enrollment deadline. 4-H horse ID forms and negative Coggins papers are required on all horses participating. Participants must attend a safety clinic (put on by a MN 4-H certified instructor). For additional information see the Horse Project website. HORSE TRAINING PROGRAM The Minnesota 4-H Horse Training Program has been designed to challenge and help members train an untrained horse using a step-by-step process. All training must be done by the 4-H member. Each step builds on the previous one. As you work through the steps to become more proficient at training horses, you will develop skills that will be of use to you throughout your life. State 4-H Horse Show trips are awarded in this program. The horse must be brought to the county fair for this class and, if stalling is not available, return home the same day (unless the training horse is the 4-H ers regular project horse). A helmet is to be worn at all times whether riding or doing ground work with a training horse. For additional information see the Horse Project website. 4-H ers enrolled in the Horse Training Program are REQUIRED to participate in the Horse Member Achievement Program. Bring your Minnesota 4-H Horse Member Training Record Book to the county fair. It should completed, signed and ready to be evaluated. You must have this in order to exhibit - no exceptions. Training booklets are available on the Horse Project website. ACHIEVEMENT LEVEL 6 Members who earn a state trip and are working on level 6 may exhibit at the State Horse Show with the 4-H Program Coordinator s approval. 7

8 SECTION 5: COUNTY PROGRAMS AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES 4-H RUN WILD Chisago County 5K Run, Walk, Ride (your horse) at Wild River State Park in Almelund. This fundraiser is to generate money for Chisago County 4-H and occurs annually in June. ENCAMPMENT Encampment is Chisago County Horse Project s three day camp held at the Fairgrounds in Rush City, MN, in May. See the Encampment section for more information. COUNTY FAIR At the County Fair youth will have the opportunity to show their projects through general exhibits and livestock/horse shows. Chisago County Fair is held at the Fairgrounds in Rush City, MN, in July. See the County Fair section for more information. CHISAGO COUNTY HORSE PROJECT COMMITTEE (PDC) The purpose of the Project Development Committee (PDC) is to oversee the development, planning, promotion and implementation of educational programs and events in regard to horse science for Chisago County 4-H youth and their families. We encourage participation on the PDC or one of the subcommittees. Doing so is a great way to learn more about an area and make a positive impact. The goal of the committees is to provide leadership and organization, generate ideas, delegate responsibilities, secure volunteers and manage the event or area. The different committees are: County Fair Horse Show Oversee the activities at the county fair including, but not limited to, animal science night, barn/stall management, vet check, horse show, Horseless Horse and Riders with Disabilities. Encampment - Oversee and promote this annual educational event. Fundraising - Oversee and promote fundraising events including, but not limited to, Run Wild 5K Run, Walk, Ride Events. Grounds Oversee and work with the Chisago County Fair Board to maintain and improve the horse barns, arena, and grounds around the arena. Handbook and Bylaws Oversee that the handbook and bylaws are up to date. Horse Training and Education - Oversee and promote educational activities including, but not limited to, open ride night, activities at monthly meetings, demonstrations, etc. Program Development and Promotion Oversee the Horseless Horse, Horse Related and Cloverbud programs. Project Meetings and Activities Oversee the horse project meetings that are held the second Thursday of the month March thru November. Team/Individual Contests Oversee and promote local, regional, state and national Horse Bowl, Hippology, Horse Judging, Speech & Demo teams and coaches. 8

9 SECTION 6: STATE PROGRAMS AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES WINTER ROUNDUP Winter Roundup is held in January. It is an exciting three day, two night conference focused on developing youth and adult leadership in the 4-H Horse Project. The conference is packed with speakers and educational workshops with an emphasis on learning, sharing information and having fun. The Chisago County 4-H Horse Project offers a refund of 50% back for first time and 25% back after that. For additional information see the Horse Project website. 4-H HORSE EXPO TACK SALE Come volunteer with us and get into the Horse Expo for free! The tack sale is held each April at Minnesota's Horse Expo in St. Paul at the state fairgrounds. The sale is staffed by Minnesota 4-H Horse project volunteers and friends. This is the group's major fund raising event. For additional information see the Horse Project website. DAN PATCH AND YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARD The Dan Patch and Youth Leadership Award Programs focus on 4-H members in the Horse Project who have excelled in youth leadership both within 4-H and in their community. Awards are based on overall achievement, leadership, and service. The Youth Leadership award is intended for youth grades 6 through 9. The Dan Patch award focuses on youth in 10th through one year past 12th grade at the start of the contest year. For the Dan Patch program, an application, portfolio, and resume must be submitted by April 1. The top 20 applicants are invited to phase two of the competition, where an individual interview, team interview, and horse industry presentation are conducted and judged. One winner is selected each year, along with a runner-up, second runner-up and seven other finalists, to represent their counties at the Minnesota State 4-H Horse Show. These individuals will stall in the center aisle of the Horse Barn and are eligible to participate in any class in which they received a blue ribbon at their county show. For the Youth Leadership Award Program, an application, portfolio and resume must be submitted by April 1. The Youth Leadership Program is similar to the Dan Patch Program with a less rigorous application process. Recipients represent their counties at the State Horse Show and may participate in any class in which they receive a blue ribbon at their county show. For additional information see the Horse Project website. CENTRAL AREA 4-H HORSE CAMP Increase your horsemanship skills by attending the Central Area 4-H Horse Camp! Classes are offered for both 4-H youth and adults on a variety of topics. This camp is held annually in June, at Camp Shamineau, in Motley, MN. See the following link for more information: 9

10 MINNESOTA QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION (MQHA) BOOT CAMP MQHA's popular Boot Camp is held each year in June at R & J Arena in Verndale, MN. The camp involves three intense days of hands-on learning for 4-H'ers. For additional information see the Horse Project website. SPEECH/DEMONSTRATION Speeches and demonstrations are a great way to share your enthusiasm for horses and grow in your skills in speaking in front of an audience. Speeches (also known as illustrated presentations) talk about something and demonstrations show steps of how to do something. Both should include the use of visual aids and must cite their sources. Youth may speak in an individual presentation or in a team of two. The MN State 4-H Horse Show speeches/demos must pertain to the horse industry. Speeches must be 7-10 minutes. Demonstrations must be 9-12 minutes for individual demo, minutes for a team demo. The state fairgrounds demo area does not allow for the use of live horses, but you can use a live horse in your demo at county fair. Videos can be used. Exhibitors will be judged on their introduction, organization, content and summary, with an emphasis on stage presence, delivery, and effect on the audience. For additional information see the Horse Project website. HIPPOLOGY & HORSE JUDGING Hippology and horse judging are activities at the State 4-H Horse Show for youth who have completed grade 6 and above. Participation can make learning fun for 4-H members by letting them exhibit their knowledge and understanding of equine science and husbandry in a friendly but competitive setting. SECTION 7: GENERAL HORSE SHOW RULES For additional information and show rules, please refer to the Horse Project website. All horses must be serviceably sound. Members must own or lease the horse/pony. Mares, male foals and geldings can be shown. Stallions and yearling males or older may not be shown in 4-H. The same horse may be used by more than one member as long as all requirements for identification, record keeping and care are met by all members using the animal. A horse may be used only once in any event per show. Age, grade, or type divisions are consider class divisions and not separate events. The exception being if a horse is shared between riders where one is showing in State qualifying classes and one is showing in non-qualifying classes. The horse may then be shown by both youth in the same event. 10

11 Participants may exhibit two horses, but can only show one horse per discipline (Performance or Games). For example, if you bring two horses you can ride one in Western Pleasure classes and the other in Games. The exception to this rule would be a training horse. Exhibitors riding one horse in both Performance and Games classes and/or an exhibitor riding two horses (one in performance and one in games) must select which discipline they intend to represent at the State Horse Show when registering for the county fair. Properly worn and fitted ASTM/SEI approved headgear is required any time the rider is mounted. Helmets are also required for those participating in the Training program when working horse on the ground and while mounted. Any member not meeting the helmet requirements will be disqualified as outlined in the state rule book. The Center for 4-H & Community Youth Development has also extended this policy to 4-H volunteers when they are working in a volunteer role during mounted activities. Suitable, neat attire as stated in the state show rules must be worn in all classes and events. Any person entering the arena not meeting the approved attire guidelines will be disqualified as outlined in the state rule book. Riding exhibitors must wear double exhibitor numbers, one on each side of the saddle pad. You are required to have a show number on you back for Showmanship. If the exhibitor has the wrong number on, OR fails to properly display the numbers, the exhibitor will be disqualified from that class. All grooming, fitting, and show prep of a horse shall only be done by the exhibitor, members of the exhibitor s immediate family, or other 4-H members from Chisago County. No non-4-h people or trainers allowed. All exhibitors must have their horses under control at all times. The gate must be closed before starting the class. Riders will not be allowed to leave the ring until their horses are walking and under control. Riders having difficulties in the ring and desiring to leave should request permission to be excused from the ring master or judge. For the safety of the handler or other exhibitors, show officials have the authority and must dismiss from the ring any entry that is unruly or not in sufficient control. Show management reserves the right to refuse an exhibitor entry into any class or event if they deem that entry unsafe for the exhibitor or other exhibitors or animals. Good sportsmanship must be exhibited at all times. Adults will conduct themselves in a manner that reflects a positive model for 4-H youth. Minnesota 4-H Code of Conduct for Youth and Parents will be followed. The decision of the judge is final. The decision should be accepted in the true spirit of sportsmanship and 4-H. Upon completion of a class, 4-H members, parents, or other persons may not approach or communicate with the judge. If you have questions for the judge, the show committee or 4H leaders will be happy to assist. 11

12 A copy of all class results/placings will be available in the announcer s both during show hours. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable adaptations shall be made for any horse project member with a mental, physical or emotional challenge. Adaptations are approved in writing by an Extension Educator using a school IEP (Individual Education Plan) or a doctor s diagnosis. Show management must be informed of the adaptation prior to the start of their show. The show committee and the presiding 4-H judge have the right to combine or split classes due to size. You will be judged with your grade appropriate class. Cruel or rough handling of horses will not be allowed at any show or event. A horse and exhibitor may be excused from the ring, show, or event, for lack of control, cruelty, rough handling, or unsportsmanlike conduct. The 4-H judge has the right to disqualify anyone mistreating an animal or demonstrating unsportsmanlike conduct. FAILURE TO ADHERE TO THE ABOVE RULES WILL RESULT IN THE LOSS OF PREMIUMS AND/OR THE FORFEITURE OF CHAMPION AWARDS AND STATE TRIP SCHOLARSHIPS. SECTION 8: ENCAMPMENT CHISAGO COUNTY HORSE CAMP County 4-H Horse Encampment is held annually in May, at the Chisago County Fairgrounds, in Rush City. All county 4-H Horse Project members including Cloverbuds, Horseless Horse, Horse Related, Western Heritage and Training participants and their families are encouraged to attend. Participants will improve their horsemanship skills and equine knowledge while making friends and having fun. The camp includes educational sessions, riding sessions, and training demonstrations in addition to fun camp activities. Each 4-H youth may bring one horse, but it is not required. Come watch or take part in all of the activities! You can camp overnight or drive back and forth. Horses may stay in the barns or travel back and forth with you. If you are camping, there MUST be an adult staying overnight with the 4-H er. Only 4-H members may ride horse this weekend. This is a great opportunity to learn about horses, get together with other 4-H members, and talk horse for a weekend. Preregistration is required with the 4H Office. What to bring: Personal camping equipment. Appropriate clothing and footwear - recommend rain gear and muck boots if you have them. Horse supplies- large water bucket, feed & feed bucket, hay & hay bag, bucket hangers, manure fork, shavings, shovel, combs, brushes, hoof pick, fly spray, saddle, blanket, bridle, and halter. 12

13 Tack you want to sell. The following will be observed & enforced: Proof of current negative Coggins is required (Must have these turned in by May 1st to participate in this event.) 4-Her s must have parent or guardian present overnight to camp. Members and adult volunteers MUST wear a helmet at all times while riding. 4-H'ers must be properly attired around the horses, boots required. Stalls should be clean and well bedded. Water and buckets should be hanging chest high. Hay bags should be hung SAFELY out of hooves reach. (Net hay bags NOT recommended, with the exception of slow feed hay nets) Stall fronts and aisles must be kept free of obstacles. All stalled horses must have a halter hanging on the front of stall. Each youth will be held responsible for the care and feeding of his/her horse while at camp. Only 4-H members are allowed to ride. Cloverbud rules apply. STALLS WILL BE AVAILABLE AS YOUR HORSE ARRIVES AT THE GROUNDS FRIDAY. NO HORSES IN THE BARN BEFORE 4PM. NO STALL RESERVATIONS. STALL MUST BE COMPLETELY CLEANED OUT BEFORE YOU LEAVE. SECTION 9: COUNTY FAIR Chisago County Fair is held at the Fairgrounds in Rush City, MN in July. At the fair, youth have the opportunity to show their general and livestock exhibits, and participate in the 4-H horse show which includes Western & English pleasure classes, showmanship, games, and a trail class. A. WHAT TO BRING: Feed & Feed Bucket Hay & appropriate hay bag. Hay nets are not recommended. Wheelbarrow or muck bucket (there should be one wheelbarrow for every 10 horses per club.) Two wheelbarrows are provided by the horse project. 13

14 1-2 Large water buckets and bucket hangers. (No ice cream pails in the stalls.) Bedding: You will need at least 2 bags for smaller stalls and at least 3-4 for larger stalls. Additional shavings may be needed throughout the weekend. Stall must be clean and free of manure and urine at ALL times. When fairgoers, fair board members, and fellow 4-H ers walk through the barn, have it clean! Tack, grooming kit, first aid kit, and fly spray. Shovel and fork to clean the stalls. A rake for the aisle is good also. The aisle must be free of all horse items (feed, hay, buckets, tack, rake, fork, etc.) Appropriate clothing, footwear, helmet. Camping equipment if staying onsite. WHAT NOT TO BRING: Fans & Flip Flops. Personal fans are not to be used in the barn due to safety issues. Fans will be provided and installed in the barns by the fair board. B. CAMPING, DORMS AND PARKING AT THE FAIR The following rules will be enforced by the Chisago County fair board and parking superintendents: Parking and camping will be allowed IN DESIGNATED AREAS ONLY. Camping for 4- H horse project families will be allowed north, west and east of the horse arena. Sites are available on a first-come, first served basis. All vehicles, including towing vehicles, MUST purchase a parking pass and have it displayed on their windshield. Per Fair Board rules, dogs are not allowed on the fairgrounds. Dorm accommodations for 4-H members are available in a pole barn on the fairgrounds. There are separate bathrooms and sleeping areas for girls and boys. The dorm is staffed by 4-H volunteers from the general exhibits area. C. ARRIVAL/VET CHECK AT THE COUNTY FAIR No horse will be allowed on the fairgrounds until Thursday morning of the County Fair. The vet will begin checking horses in at 10 AM on Thursday which is the time at which you should arrive. If you are delayed due to an emergency contact the Extension office or a PDC member. Horses shall not be put in the stall until checked by the official fair vet. Horses must be serviceably sound in order to participate in activities. 14

15 The official fair veterinarian shall refuse admission to any horse exhibiting symptoms of any infectious or communicable disease. He/She is the final authority on the condition of the horse. (Rule , State of Minnesota Board of Animal Health) Horses ordered to be removed by the vet will be kept in a designated quarantine area until removed. Quarantined horses will be removed within a reasonable amount of time. Transportation must be available until after vet check. All 4-H horses at the fairgrounds must have uploaded in 4HOnline a current year s negative Coggins test. Drugs: The use of any stimulant, depressant, tranquilizer, local anesthetic, psychotropic (mood and/or behavior altering) substance, or drug which might affect the performance of a horse and/or pony (stimulants and/or depressants are defined as substances which stimulate or depress the cardiovascular, respiratory or central nervous systems), or any metabolite and/or analogue of any such substance or drug is prohibited. The use of phenylbutazone is allowed provided that the maximum permitted plasma concentration does not exceed 15.0 micrograms per milliliter, and the maximum permitted trace level is 2.0 micrograms per milliliter. D. STALLING No horses will be allowed on the fairgrounds until Thursday morning of the county fair. No horses will be allowed in stalls until checked by the official fair veterinarian. The barn coordinator will assign stalls, with priority given to larger horses when possible. Tack stalls are limited and are not guaranteed. Training program horses and Cloverbud horses will not be required to stall if they are only present for the day. Horse stalls may be decorated beginning Tuesday of fair week. 4-Hers do not have to decorate their horse stalls as Herdsmanship is based on the cleanliness of the stall and the care of the animal, NOT the decorations. Net hay bags are discouraged. Water buckets should never be empty. Remove empty feed pans and hay bags. After the fair, stalls are to be returned to the same (or better) condition as before use: cleaned, all nails in walls removed, etc. Stalls must be checked out with the barn coordinator before leaving. You will be charged a $20 fee if your stall is not cleaned. If this fee is charged to you, it must be paid by August 1st of the same year it occurred. 15

16 E. HERDSMANSHIP AWARD 4-H Horse Exhibitors are expected to keep their stalls, barn, area around the ring and trailer location orderly, neat, and as attractive as possible. Herdsmanship duties are the responsibility of the 4-H Horse Exhibitors, rather than the leaders and parents. The entire barn area will be inspected throughout the day and each club will be rated on their Herdsmanship. Clubs will be scored in each of the following areas: Animals are to be clean at all times with grooming apparent. Animals are to be adequately cared for with appropriate bedding, proper feeding equipment (hay bag, grain bucket - removed if empty), and water - kept full at all times Shared common areas (aisles in barn, show office, grounds around barn and arena, and manure pit) are to be kept clean and neat. No extra grooming supplies, tack, or feed are to be left in alley way or front of stall/outside of trailer when not being used. Proper courtesy and conduct is to be shown by exhibitors at all times and in all places. This includes offering information and demonstrating horse knowledge to other 4-H horse exhibitors or fair guests when appropriate. Safety is demonstrated when handling horses and appropriate attire is worn, including helmet, jeans, and boots when mounted. The winners of the Herdsmanship contest will be determined by daily horse barn inspectors. Winners will be announced Sunday. F. BARN/EXHIBITOR RULES These rules are established and enforced for the safety of 4-H members and the public at the fair. Failure to abide by these rules will result in the loss of premiums and removal from the show and/or the forfeiture of state trip awards. The barn will open at 5am and close at 10pm. NO ONE will be allowed in the barn when it s closed. No discourtesy, fighting, swearing, etc., by any 4-H members, family, or friends will be tolerated. Horses must be ridden with a bridle or hackamore and a saddle. No bareback riding or tandem riding allowed. All riders will wear boots, pants and a helmet. An ASTM/SEI APPROVED HELMET PROPERLY FITTED, WORN AND FASTENED IS MANDATORY WHILE RIDING YOUR HORSE AT ANY 4-H HORSE PROJECT FUNCTION, AND WHEN WORKING A TRAINING HORSE ON THE GROUND. For additional information see the Horse Project website. 16

17 Riding is permitted in designated areas ONLY. NO riding in the barn, on the road between the barns and arena, through the carnival or exhibit area. No racing of horses around the outside of the arena. Game horses may be warmed up in the practice arena or show ring when it is not in use. Horses should be fed and watered and stalls cleaned by 8am. All manure is to be removed from the barn and placed in the designated area only. 4-H members are expected to honor County Fair Board Rules including, stall maintenance, cleanup, animals staying in place until 5pm Sunday, animal health rules, etc. Failure to comply could result in the loss of premiums and/or forfeiture of state trip awards. No smoking or use of alcohol. G. INTERVIEWS Interviews will be held on Thursday of county fair week. Judge(s) will interview 4-H ers on their knowledge of the horse. Interviews will take place in the old stage behind the announcer s booth. H. ACHIEVEMENT BOOKS 4-H ers should complete one half level in their achievement books each year, with the Achievement book brought to the interview to be reviewed and recorded as complete. SECTION 10: COUNTY FAIR HORSE SHOW A. GUIDELINES FOR CLASS DIVISIONS: Classes at the Chisago County Fair are designed to accommodate the experience level of the 4-H member. Chisago County 4-H has divided up the age categories as follows: Cloverbuds completed kindergarten 2nd grade Junior- completed 3rd-5th grade Intermediate- completed 6th-9th grade Senior completed 10th-13th grade Disciplines: Performance (English/Western), and Games. B. ATTIRE AND EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS 4-H ers must wear boots, helmet, long pants, belt, and a long sleeve collared shirt to exhibit their horse. Your shirt must be tucked in and you are required to have a show number on your back for showmanship and on both sides of your saddle for riding classes. An ASTM/SEI APPROVED HELMET PROPERLY FITTED, WORN AND FASTENED IS MANDATORY WHILE RIDING YOUR HORSE AT ANY 4-H HORSE PROJECT FUNCTION, AND WHEN WORKING A TRAINING HORSE ON THE GROUND. 17

18 All classes will follow the rules/ guidelines set forth by the State on show attire and show equipment. For additional information see the Horse Project website or refer to the MN 4-H Horse Program Rulebook. C. SCORING PROCESS FOR PERFORMANCE CLASSES Scoring Showmanship Appearance of exhibitor and equipment 20% Fitting and grooming of the horse 30% Method of showing (leading and posing) 50% Scoring Horsemanship and Equitation Horse members will be asked to walk, trot, canter or lope, stand and back as requested by the judge. The rider s method of achieving good horse performance is considered more important than the performance of the horse. The conformation of the horse is not considered unless it impairs the required performance. Scoring Pleasure Horses will be judged on manners, performance, and ability to give a pleasurable ride. D. SCORING PROCESS FOR TRAIL CLASS Trail class is an opportunity for the horse to show how well it can be handled in an everyday trail situation. A number of everyday objects will be set up for the rider to maneuver the horse through such as gate, logs, mailbox, bridge, etc. Patterns for the trail classes will be posted the day of the show, a minimum of one hour prior to the first trail class starting. Trail is judged as a performance class and exhibitors must select Western or English attire, no mixing of the two. For a maximum of 10 minutes prior to the start of the class, members will be given the opportunity to walk the course on foot (without horses). Trail class is not counted in our county points for state qualification. E. SCORING PROCESS FOR TIMED CLASSES A game pattern may be run only one time, except in the case of a timer failure, in accordance with State rules. 18

19 In all timed events (Barrels, Keyhole, Pole Weaving, and Jumping Figure 8) two electric timers or two stopwatches will be used. In the case of a timer malfunction, a rider will be given the opportunity to re-ride at the end of the class run. In all timed events, the fastest time wins. Knocking an obstacle down is a three (3) second time penalty. Touching or steadying an obstacle with a hand shall be a disqualification and any break in pattern will mean disqualification. The arena will be dragged at ring crew or judge s discretion. For safety reasons, the gate is to remain closed until the judge has motioned the rider in. After the run, the gate is to remain closed until the rider has full control of their horse and has motioned for the gate to be opened. For more information on scoring in various classes, please refer to the MN 4-H Horse Program Rule Book which can be found on the Horse Project website. F. SIGNIFICANCE OF 4-H RIBBONS When the work of 4-H members is judged in 4-H programs or events, the Danish system of awards is used. Unlike other systems that select the one best or rank the top winners, this system rewards all youth who reach a standard level of quality. 4-H premium ribbon (Blue, Red or White) placings are used to indicate the judge s opinion. Keep in mind that each judge may have a different opinion, placing, and judging style. The judge s decision of placing and points (score) is final. A Blue ribbon is awarded when the performance meets all class requirements. There were few flaws and the performance was well above minimum standards. A Red ribbon is awarded when the performance meets most of the class requirements. The performance was above minimum standards, but there is room for improvement. A White ribbon is awarded when the performance fails to meet the class requirements. The performance was below minimum standards. There were significant flaws and there is considerable room for improvement. G. SHOWMANSHIP ROUNDUP The Showmanship at Halter Champion will receive the opportunity to represent the horse project at the Showmanship Roundup competition on Sunday of the County Fair. The top showmanship exhibitors from each age group will compete with an overall champion selected. If that champion is unable to compete, selects a different animal project with which to compete, or has previously won showmanship roundup, the opportunity would go to the reserve champion winner. H. COUNTY FAIR HIGH POINT The following classes will count for County Fair High Point Awards: Performance: Showmanship, English Equitation, English Pleasure, Western Pleasure, Western Horsemanship, Trail, Egg & Spoon. 19

20 Games: Game Showmanship, Barrels, Poles, Jumping Figure 8, Key Hole, Trail, and Egg & Spoon. The County Fair High Point Trophies will be award to the person with the most Performance points and the person with the most Game points. There will also be an All- Around Trophy that will be awarded to the person with the most points in pleasure and games combined. I. THE FOLLOWING IS HOW TIES WILL BE BROKEN: 1. Person with the most 1st places 2. Person with the most 2nd places 3. Person with the most 3rd places 4. Draw out of a hat J. OTHER HORSE PROJECT AWARDS The Chisago County 4-H Horse Project will give the following awards: Pins for those who have competed at project bowl. Pins for those who have taken part in the hippology, speech, demonstration, judging, Youth Leadership or Dan Patch at the state show. SECTION 11: STATE HORSE SHOW TRIP RULES AND REQUIREMENTS A. ELIGIBILITY To be eligible to win a trip to the State Horse Show, the 4-H member must complete the following requirements: Must be enrolled in 4-H before May 15 and have completed 6th grade. Must have Horse ID Forms submitted by the May 15th deadline. Must have the County Fair paperwork completed by deadline. The one-time exemption policy gives 4-H members a ONE TIME opportunity to remove the consequence of a missed deadline. For animal IDs the request must be made within 1 week of the deadline. For more information see: download/one-timeexemption-form.pdf. State trip winners are required to represent Chisago County at the State Horse Show in all blue premium events. 20

21 B. POINT TABULATION Point System for determining State Performance Trip Winners is as follows: Points are counted on blue premium placings only. 6 points are awarded for 1st place, 5 points for 2nd place, 4 points for 3rd place and so on through 6th place. Points will be counted for Showmanship at Halter, Western Horsemanship, Western Pleasure, English Equitation, and English Pleasure. Points system for State Game Trip Winners: Points are counted on blue premium placings only. 6 points are awarded for 1st place, 5 points for 2nd place, 4 points for 3rd place and so on through 6th place. Times will be used to break a tie. A knock will result in a 3 second penalty not a disqualification. Points will be counted for Barrels, Jumping Figure 8, Poles, Key. If an individual who is not state trip eligible competes and places within the top six placings, their points go unassigned. For example, if the non-eligible individual placed second, first place would receive six points and third place would receive 4 points. C. QUALIFYING CLASSES Performance: Showmanship at Halter, Western Horsemanship, Western Pleasure, English Equitation, English Pleasure. Games: Pole Weaving, Barrels, Key Race, Jumping Figure 8. Trail: If you win a performance or game trip to State and received a blue premium in Trail, you may be eligible to compete in Trail at the State Horse Show. The State Trip Winners with the highest placings in Trail will have the option to compete in this event. State Horse Training Trip winners may also take a Performance or Games trip if achieved, thereby winning two state trips. This is the only situation in which a 4-H member from Chisago County could take more than one horse to the State Horse Show. D. SELECTION PROCESS PER STATE RULES The total number of trips awarded to 4-H Horse project in Chisago County is based on overall project enrollment. County quotas are posted on the MN State 4-H Horse website. 21

22 Trips are divided 50:50 between Performance and Games. In the event that an odd number of trips is awarded, the discipline with larger participation will receive the additional trip. State rules say that riders must have completed 6th grade to qualify for a State trip. A Grand Entry rider will be elected by the State team. Should a tie vote occur, the 4- H Program Coordinator will vote as a tie breaker. Trail, Training, Horse Related, and Horseless Horse Trips are awarded separately per the state quota. E. ACCEPTING A STATE HORSE SHOW TRIP All State Horse Show trip winners will be posted in the 4-H Building. All State Horse Show trip winners are required to notify 4-H Extension Staff of their intent to accept or decline the trip prior to the deadline of 2 PM on Sunday of Fair. If winner declines, the next highest placing member will be awarded the trip. There will be a State Trip Team meeting in August. At this meeting, we will go over expectations, assign responsibilities and take group pictures. Cancellation Policy: all fees are non-refundable unless an alternate is found for the trip. State 4-H Horse Show trip winners are final ONLY after they have been posted by the 4-H Program Coordinator. State Show Trips awarded by judge are Training Program and Horseless Horse. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT HOW STATE SHOW TRIPS ARE CALCULATED, CONTACT THE 4-H EXTENSION OFFICE PRIOR TO THE COUNTY FAIR SECTION 12: NATIONAL TRIP ACCEPTANCE PROCESS Scholarship funds are available for Chisago County 4-H youth attending a national trip to help offset the cost. To apply for a scholarship: 1. Obtain a scholarship request form online at the Chisago County 4-H website: www3.extension.umn.edu/county/chisago. 2. Review expectations on scholarship request form for receiving scholarship funds. 3. Send scholarship request form and anticipated budget to the county extension office H program coordinators will present your request at the Management Board meeting. 22

23 5. 4-H program coordinators will contact you to inform you of the board s decision. If approved, you will be expected to present at the next Horse Project meeting to solicit funds for your trip. You will be asked to present your budget for the trip, give a short talk on how you received the trip and share why you would like to go to the competition. 6. Contact the 4-H program coordinator two weeks prior to the Horse Project meeting so that you can be added to the agenda. 7. Following the national trip, please turn in your receipts to the 4-H program coordinator within one month. 8. Contact the program coordinator to schedule your 4-H malt stand or lunch stand shift at the county fair. 9. Send thank you note for scholarship to the Chisago County 4-H Management Board. SECTION 13: GRIEVANCES The yearly program for the horse project will be decided by the PDC. Because aspects of horse project, including county fair are complex; rules, regulations, and policies are not all encompassing. Any complaint must be brought to the attention of the 4-H Project Coordinator by the youth 4-H member. The Chisago County 4-H Program Coordinator will have final say in any rule clarification. The grievance process provides a vehicle to respond to 4-H member concerns related to Chisago County 4-H activities. A grievance may be filed and a local volunteer grievance committee convened to address rule violations and alleged wrongdoings. A grievance committee will not be convened for the following situations: a) decisions made by judges, which are final; b) missed deadlines which are covered through the one-time member exemption process; and, c) code of conduct related violations which will be addressed by staff according to an established process. Chisago County 4-H members have the right to file a grievance and they must be filed within 24 hours of the grieved event occurring. There is a deposit of $50 required for county grievance filing. The check is nonrefundable and will not be returned unless a finding for the 4-H member occurs. The deposit will be forwarded to the respective PDC for education. Grievance forms and additional grievance committee procedures can be found at the county website or obtained from 4-H extension staff. Please see the link for additional information: H/policies/docs/grievance-process-grievance-committee-process.pdf 23