HENNEPIN COUNTY 4-H 2019 Horse Project Handbook Dates and times are subject to change Welcome... 1 Calendar of Events... 2 4-H Pledges / Staff / Websites/Bi-Weekly News... 2-3 All Horse Project Members... 3-4 4-H Youth Record Keeping... 5 Cloverbud... 5 Horseless Horse / Horse Related... 5 Horse Training/Drill Team... 6 Horse Project Member Achievement Program... 7 Horse Project Bowl / Hippology... 7 Speech & Demonstrations / Horse Judging... 8 Clinics / Practice Nights... 8-9 County Show Points / Awards/ State Show Trip Eligibility... 9-10 State Show Trip Eligibility Point System... 11-12 State Show Herdsmanship Contest... 12 Youth Leadership and contacts... 13 Glossary of terms... 13 Welcome Welcome to the Hennepin County 4-H Horse Project, including Horseless Horse, Horse Related and Horse Training. The mission of the Hennepin County 4-H Horse Project is to promote and encourage fun, teamwork, friendship, sportsmanship, Fair competition, leadership, education, responsibility, and organization skills. The final outcome is to develop a well-rounded youth. The Hennepin County 4-H Horse Project Handbook is a guide for the Hennepin County 4-H Horse Project member. A team of 4-H members, volunteers, and staff have worked together to provide this helpful information. Every effort has been taken to ensure its accuracy. If there are questions, please contact the Extension Office. Watch for updates, changes, and additional Horse Project information in emails, mailings, and 4-H articles.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS - 2019 January 21*... 7-8:30 pm Educational meeting subject TBD February 18*... 7-8:30 pm Educational meeting subject TBD March 18*... 7-8:30 pm Educational meeting subject TBD April 15... 7-8:30 pm Educational meeting subject TBD May 15... 4-H Enrollment to compete in county show Deadline May 15... 4-H Horse IDs and Leases Due May 20... Mounted meeting 6:30-8:00 p.m. Silver Buckle Arena May 29... Hennepin County Fair project sign up due date June 17... Mounted meeting 6:30-8:00 p.m. Silver Buckle Arena June... Hoofbeats Fundraiser TBD July 15... Mounted meeting 6:30-8:00 p.m. Silver Buckle Arena July 27...County Show at Silver Buckle Arena 9am July 28... County show rain date August... Hoofbeats fundraiser TBD August 19... Mounted meeting 6:30-8:00 p.m. Silver Buckle Arena September 14-17... State Show Sept Oct... Silly Show Date TBD October 21... Year-end business meeting 7-8:30pm November 18*... Educational meeting subject TBD 7-8:30pm December*... Holiday get together date TBD *Winter meetings are held at Beautiful Savior Church, 5005 Northwest Blvd., Plymouth MN 55442 Silver Buckle Arena - 16700 County Rd 47, Plymouth, MN 55446 PLEDGES 4-H Pledge I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, my health to better living, for my family, my club, my community, my country and my world. 2
4-H STAFF AND WEBSITES The Hennepin County 4-H Horse Project is part of the Hennepin County 4-H Youth Development program. The 4-H Youth Development program is part of the University of Minnesota Extension, Hennepin County. Extension Staff is responsible for administering the 4-H program. University of Minnesota Extension, Hennepin County 479 Prairie Center Drive, Eden Prairie, MN 55455 Phone (952) 466-5300 / Fax (952) 466-5301 Hennepin County 4-H Program Coordinator: Katherine Nguyen, 612-596-2115, nguy1518@umn.edu Amy Collura, 612-596-2434, hughe534@umn.edu Hennepin County 4-H Support Staff: Askia Luminae, 612-596-2128, aluminae@umn.edu Hennepin County Extension website: www.extension.umn.edu/county/hennepin Minnesota 4-H website: www.4-h.umn.edu MN 4-H Horse Project website: https://z.umn.edu/horseproject [Horse ID forms, Horse Rule Book, Achievement Book, Training Book, Horse Bowl, Horse Judging, Horse Hippology, etc.] Volunteer Spot: Updated links associated with specific signups will be communicated via email. HENNEPIN COUNTY 4-H BIWEEKLY NEWS Hennepin County 4-H Biweekly News is a collection of thorough information regarding upcoming events and happenings within the Hennepin County 4-H Program. Instead of sending out many different emails with project/event information, members receive one email twice a month. If there is important or special project information, there may be additional emails. HORSE PROJECT DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (PDC) Horse Project Development Committee (PDC) promotes the Horse Project in Hennepin County and assists all members with their project needs. Meetings are held periodically throughout the year. All 4-H Horse Project volunteers, parents, and members 6 th grade and older are encouraged to participate. PROTECTIVE HEADGEAR POLICY 4-H Horse Project members are required to wear ASTM/SEI approved protective and properly fastened headgear. 4-H members not wearing properly fastened protective headgear will not be able to participate in 4-H Horse Project events and activities. Per MN State 4-H policy, if a rider s helmet comes off of his or her head during competition, the rider is automatically disqualified. The helmet policy is available at: https://z.umn.edu/horsehelmetpolicy 3
NEGATIVE COGGINS POLICY A Coggins test is a blood test performed on a horse by a veterinarian to test for Equine Infectious Anemia. MN 4-H policy is that any horse participating in any 4-H event must have a current ID and negative Coggins documentation on file at the local Extension Office. Negative Coggins documentation can be uploaded, along with the horse identification form, to a specific 4-Her s online profile. Coggins test results are due to the Extension Office prior to participating in any 4- H event or activity. HEALTHY ANIMALS POLICY Strangles is a bacterial infection of the upper respiratory tract of horses, causing enlargement of the lymph nodes in the throat, which may impair breathing. If your horse is showing any of the symptoms listed below, you must keep your horse at home: High fever Poor appetite Depression Discharge from the nose Swollen lymph nodes Difficulty breathing If Strangles has been detected at your barn or where your horse is boarded, you must have your veterinarian write an official note stating that your horse if free and clear of Strangles and may comingle with other horses. Submit this note to the Extension Office. OTHER INFORMATION Participants bring their animals to the 4-H Events/Activities and the Hennepin County Show at their own risk. 4-H events, involving horses, are designed for 4-H youth riders only. Adult 4-H or non 4-H volunteers or guardians are not allowed to ride in the ring during practice nights or clinics. Non 4-H friends and/or 4-Hers outside of the Horse Project may not participate in Hennepin County 4-H Horse Project Clinics or Practices. Alcoholic beverages and the use of tobacco products are prohibited at all 4-H events and activities. Parents are expected to uphold the MN 4-H Code of Conduct which includes being courteous and respectful and exhibiting good sportsmanship. 4
4-H DOCUMENTATION RULEBOOKS / PROJECT RECORDS / ACHIEVEMENT BOOKS / FORMS Rulebooks, project records, achievement books and other forms are available at the Hennepin County Extension Office or online: https://z.umn.edu/recordsfactsheet 4-H YOUTH RECORD KEEPING Record keeping encourages youth to reflect on their experience so they can share it with others. All 4-H members are encouraged to maintain Project Records on their projects. Project Record forms are available at: https://z.umn.edu/youthrecordkeeping CLOVERBUD Cloverbud (grades K-2 or 3) activities involving a horse require an adult or responsible person to be in control of the animal at all times. Control means to handle and/or lead the animal. Cloverbud horses must be on a lead line in all activities. Cloverbuds can participate in up to 3 Cloverbud Horse classes at the Fair. A copy of the Cloverbud policy is available: https://z.umn.edu/cloverbudparentfactsheet HORSELESS HORSE, HORSE RELATED 4-H Horseless Horse offers the opportunity to study and learn about the horse for members who do not own or lease a horse. 4-H Horse Related project members will learn about horses and will create an exhibit for the Hennepin County Fair to demonstrate what they have learned. Horse Related project members own or lease a horse but do not need to bring an animal to the Fair to present a project in this area. HORSE TRAINING 4-H Horse Training is designed to help a 4-Her train his or her untrained horse using a step-bystep process. The Horse Training book is a guide through the process and provides the opportunity to track progress. Horse Training project books are available from the Hennepin County Extension Office or can be accessed at https://z.umn.edu/horsetrainingguide MN 4-H Horse Training project website: https://z.umn.edu/horsetraining 5
Helpful Information: The horse being trained may not have been previously trained. The only trainer allowed to train/work with the horse, during the project, is the 4-H member. Horses worked with by trainers will be disqualified from the project. Any age horse may qualify provided that it has had no training beyond lunging. A horse may not have been previously ground-driven or ridden. A 4-H Member may not complete more than 3 levels per year. The levels must be completed in order. Horses in the Horse Training project may not be ridden in the County Fair until level 3 training has been completed and reviewed by an approved 4-H Horse Project Volunteer. DRILL TEAMS Drill team provide an opportunity for youth to develop drill team skills as well as leadership and teamwork skills and to enhance the 4-H Horse Project while creating a positive environment for the youth to develop mentoring skills with other youth. Drill team incorporates coordination and timing with briskness or movement in a manner that is synchronized with others in the drill team. Variety and creativity in attire and routine are allowed to be developed by the team and their drill leader. MN 4-H Drill Team Rule Book can be found in the MN 4-H Horse Program Rule book starting on page 15: https://z.umn.edu/horsedrillteam 4-H HORSE PROJECT MEMBER ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM The Achievement Program is designed to help youth explore many exciting and fun parts of the 4- H Horse Project. There are two parts to the Achievement Program the Achievement Book and the Horse Interview. The Achievement Book is a prerequisite to the Horse Interview. As a 4-Her moves through the program, he or she will: Develop knowledge and understanding necessary for proper care, maintenance, and handling of horses Develop Project skills and personal skills Advance according to his or her individual abilities and interests Become eligible to earn Hennepin County Fair Show Points It is recommended that all Hennepin County 4-H Horse Project members participate in the Horse Member Achievement Program in addition to keeping Project Records but is not required. This recommendation does not include Cloverbuds or Horseless Horse Project members. 6
ACHIEVEMENT BOOK Each level must be completed in order. As you accomplish each skill, check it off in the space provided. You may take up to two years to complete each level. A designated Hennepin County 4-H Horse Project Volunteer must review and screen each skill. 4-H youth should be prepared to demonstrate their skills, on a horse, for the volunteer. A list of Hennepin County 4-H Horse Project Volunteers is listed at the end of this document. 4-H Youth are responsible for having their Achievement Book reviewed and signed off by a 4-H Volunteer. 4-H youth are also responsible for presenting their signed and dated Achievement Book at Horse Check-In at the Hennepin County Fair to prove completion. Level 6 must be approved by an Official Judge at the MN State 4-H Horse Show. 4-H members working on Level 6 will be eligible to go to the MN State 4-H Horse show to be tested. A recommendation from your County Project Leader or Program Coordinator is needed for this level. Horse Member Achievement Books are available from the Hennepin County Extension Office. They can also be accessed at https://z.umn.edu/horseachievementbook 4-H HORSE PROJECT BOWL Project Bowls are an exciting way for youth to explore the Horse Project. Teams participate in Horse Bowl competitions consisting of a game-style question/answer format. Winners of the Regional Bowls advance to the State Bowl. Teams begin to form in January. Practices begin in the winter. Regional Bowls are held in March and April. For more information, contact the Extension Office. MN 4-H Horse Project Bowl website: https://z.umn.edu/horseprojectbowl 4-H HORSE HIPPOLOGY Hippology is an activity that 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. Youth compete in teams or individually at the State 4-H Horse Show. Winning teams represent Minnesota in National Competitions. Teams compete in phases, as follows: 1. Examination Phase 2. Station Phase 3. Judging Phase 4. Team Problem MN 4-H Horse Hippology website: https://z.umn.edu/hippologycontest For more information, contact the Extension Office. 7
4-H HORSE SPEECH AND DEMONSTRATIONS This event is held at the State 4-H Horse Show. Youth in grades 6 th and older, and younger than 19, are eligible to participate. Speech and Demonstrations must pertain to the horse industry. Demonstrations may be an individual presentation or by a team of two. Live horses are not allowed. MN 4-H Horse Speech and Demonstrations website: https://z.umn.edu/speechdemonstrationcontest For more information, contact the Extension Office. 4-H HORSE JUDGING In this event, 4-H youth will make a careful study of a horse, measuring it against an accepted ideal. Horse Judging is an art in which a knowledgeable person expresses his or her opinion of a class of animals by placing them in ranking order and must be able to orally defend the order of placement. Participants may enter the contest as a team or as an individual. The contest takes place at the MN 4-H State Horse Show. MN 4-H Horse Judging website: https://extension.umn.edu/4-h-events/horse-judges-certification For more information, contact the Extension Office. 4-H CLINICS AND PRACTICE NIGHTS Horse Project members are invited to practice and participate in Clinics over the summer which occurs between May and August at the Silver Buckle Arena in Plymouth MN to improve their skills. Hennepin County 4-H Horse Project Volunteers lead and supervise these activities. Activities will be canceled if 2 Hennepin County 4-H Horse Screened Project Volunteers are not present. Cloverbuds must follow the MN 4-H Cloverbud Animal Policy. Clinic and Practice night information will be distributed to 4-H Horse Project members via email. Please watch for email from your Project Leader or 4-H Bi-weekly Newsletter. Practice nights and Clinics are designated for 4-H youth riders only. Non 4-H friends and/or 4- Hers not in the Horse Project may not participate in Hennepin County 4-H Horse Project Clinics or Practices. Practice Nights may be canceled due to inclement weather or poor arena conditions. Notification will be sent with as much advance warning as possible given the circumstances. All riders must follow the 4-H Headgear Policy in order to participate. 8
Stay alert and practice courtesy. Proper ring etiquette consists of always keeping at least one horse length between your horse and any other horse around you. Think left-left when passing from the opposite direction. At most arenas, the rule is to pass left shoulder to left shoulder if going in the opposite directions. Riders moving at a faster gait have priority on the track. If you are walking or riding slower, move to the inside of the track. Communicate with other riders. If someone falls off stop. If you re the closest rider, dismount, and offer assistance. Wait for an Adult Volunteer before moving an injured rider. Help the person and catch his or her horse if it is loose. If the rider is injured, appoint someone to call for help. No talking or texting on cell phones while riding. Keep gates closed while riding in an arena. Please pick up after yourself and your horse. HENNEPIN COUNTY HORSE SHOW Show registration: The registration forms will be sent to all youth through email. They must be sent back to the office by the due date. Participants bring their animals to the Hennepin County Horse Show at their own risk. 4-H members may only exhibit their own or leased animal. An owned-horse may be used as a project animal by more than one member as long as all requirements are met. A leased-horse may not be shown by another person during the lease period. With safety in mind, only stallions foaled in the current 4-H year will be allowed at the county Fair. Male foals may be shown but yearling and older stallions are ineligible as 4-H projects. The age of the horse shall be computed on the basis of a calendar year starting January 1 st of the year foaled. It is considered to be a weanling during the first calendar year following its foaling date. 4-H members may show only one horse in each class. An exhibitor may show multiple horses in separate divisions/classes. State Show Trip and award points will be applied per horse/rider combination. Trainers and adults are not allowed to exercise, work out, or ride 4-H members animals at the Hennepin County Horse Show. In case of inclement weather arena conditions at the Hennepin County Show will be evaluated by the Hennepin Hoofbeats 4-H Club while makeup date will be Sunday, July 28 th at the Silver Buckle Arena (16700 County Rd 47, Plymouth, MN 55446) 9
HENNEPIN COUNTY HORSE SHOW AWARDS In each class, each participant will be placed into a blue, red or white group based on the Danish system for awards used by 4-H. Only the blue group will earn points to be considered for State Show trips. Ribbons (first-sixth place) are awarded in all classes as well as the Egg and Spoon and Trail Classes. Cloverbud leadline will all receive participation ribbons. Points are given for pleasure and games classes that are offered at the State 4-H Horse Show. As they are not in the State Horse Show, no points are awarded for Egg and Spoon and Walk/Trot. Trail is not counted towards a State Show trip. Place 4-H Ribbon Points 1st Blue 6 2nd Blue 5 3rd Blue 4 4th Blue 3 5th Blue 2 6th Blue 1 In the case of a tie, the tie breaker is determined as follows: a. The person with the most first places wins the trip b. The person with the most second places wins the trip c. The person with the most third places wins a trip d. Draws out of a hat STATE SHOW TRIP ELIGIBILITY MN 4-H determines the number of State Horse Project (State Show) Trips for each county. Hennepin County State Show Trip winners are determined by a point system. Points are earned during the Hennepin County Show. To be eligible for a State Show Trip, the following criteria must be met: 1. Must be a 4-H member, grade 6 and older 2. All Hennepin County deadlines/obligations met including: a. Online enrollment in 4-H by May 15 th b. Horse ID, photo, and lease agreement (if applicable) by May 15 th c. Proof of negative Coggins provided 10
3. MN 4-H Horse Project rules and qualifications met. MN 4-H Horse Show rules are available from the Extension Office or at: http://www.extension.umn.edu/youth/mn4- H/projects/animal-science/horse/state-horse-show/index.html STATE SHOW TRIP POINT SYSTEM The quantity of State Trips (Games/Pleasure) is allocated by MN 4-H per the prior year s discipline participation of youth 3 rd grade and older, including Novice riders. Points are assigned by a point tabulator and verified by a second person at the Hennepin County Show. There are two separate point divisions and State Trip line ups: Pleasure and Games. The horse/rider combinations with the highest points receive State Trips in their respective divisions (Games or Pleasure). Points are applied by time (Games) or judge (Pleasure) to all eligible participants in grades 6 and above, not by placing in age classes. State Trip Qualifying Classes for Games Barrel Racing Jumping Figure 8 Key Hole Pole Weaving State Trip Qualifying Classes for Pleasure Showmanship English Pleasure Western Pleasure English Equitation Western Horsemanship State Show Trip Points will be awarded to participants who place 1 st through 6 th in classes at the Hennepin County Show. Only blue 4-H ribbon placings will be awarded points. The times for the Game Events will be scored as one group, grades 6-13. The number of points awarded for each placing will be as follows, regardless of the number of contestants: Place 4-H Ribbon Points 1st Blue 6 2nd Blue 5 3rd Blue 4 4th Blue 3 5th Blue 2 6th Blue 1 Red 0 White 0 A participant may ride 2 horses, but in different divisions (Pleasure and Games). If the exhibitor shows the same horse for both pleasure and games, two totals will be tabulated on the horse and rider combination (Pleasure and Games). 11
Upon determination, State Show Line Ups will be displayed in the 4-H Office. If an exhibitor is awarded two State Fair Trips, he or she must choose one Trip (either Pleasure or Games). The remaining Trip will be awarded to the next highest point earner. Bonus Trip Determination The winner of the Bonus State Trip will be announced after the shows have been completed and youth have exhausted the line up on either side. The 2 youth who are next in line for Pleasure and Games will be compared to see who has the most points. In case of a points tie, the Bonus Trip is assigned to the horse/rider combination with the most first places. If a tie remains, awards are assigned to the horse/rider combination with the most second places. If a tie remains, awards are assigned to the horse/rider combination with the most third places. If a tie still remains, awards are assigned by drawing names out of a hat. State Trail Class Hennepin County is given a limited number of Trail Class entries. The opportunity to enter the State Trail Class is awarded to the participant(s) who placed the highest in the Trail Class at the Hennepin County Show. This is not a separate trip. HERDSMANSHIP CONTEST AT THE STATE SHOW Herdsmanship should be a fun and educational activity. The purpose of the Herdsmanship Contest is to develop knowledge and skill in proper care, handling, and housing of animals on public exhibition. Herdsmanship should focus on teamwork, showing pride in exhibits, learning to pick up and take care of the area, interacting with the public and proper care and treatment of animals. Each county is entered into this contest during the state show and judged 2 to 3 times per day. Paper work is handed out in the state show sign in packet. 4-H members and volunteers are responsible for keeping the Horse Barn, including stalls and walkways, clean and presentable during the Hennepin County Fair. Examples include: a. Clean and picked stalls with fresh bedding b. No feed pans in stalls c. Clean water in stalls d. Walkways swept and clean e. Clean animals - free of manure stains Open tack spaces organized and free of clutter including hay and bedding 12
YOUTH LEADERSHIP President Sarah Schutt, grade 12 Vice President. Anna Stern, grade 10 Treasurer Adelle Won, grade 10 Secretary Jami Feist, grade 11 HOOFBEATS CONTACTS Kirsten Mees Katie Won Su Feist Sheila Stern Sherry Schutt kirstenswans@gmail.com Katie.won@outlook.com skmmjfeist@gmail.com sheilastern@yahoo.com sschutt100@yahoo.com GLOSSARY OF TERMS 4-H Program Coordinator: Designated Extension Staff member who administrates day to day activities for the Hennepin County 4-H youth development program. Hennepin County Fair 4-H Premium book: 4-H project list with schedules, rules and other helpful information for 4-H County Fair entries. Refer to this list when completing your Fair Entry. Regional Extension Educator: Designated 4-H Staff member who provides leadership and management of the County and Regional 4-H youth development program. The name and contact information for the current Regional Extension Educator is listed on the Hennepin County Extension website at www.extension.umn.edu/county/hennepin Novice Horse Project Member: A rider, of any age, who has minimal experience in horse show competition. If a member has won a 1 st place in any age class at a previous Hennepin County 4-H show, he or she will need special permission from the Extension Office to ride as a Novice. 2012 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 800-876-8636. Printed on recycled and recyclable paper with at least 10 percent postconsumer waste material.