Minnesota 4-H Horse Member Achievement Program

Image: Horses and logo.

Lyle Wick, Rae Ann Bartz, Lynn Watland, and Gladys Carlson

Welcome to the 4-H Horse Member Achievement Program.

This program has been designed to help you explore many exciting and fun parts of the 4-H horse program. As you move through the program you will:

Find the horse project more interesting and enjoyable
Develop knowledge and understanding necessary for proper care, maintenance, and handling of horses
Develop project skills and personal skills
Advance according to your individual abilities and interests
Become eligible for county and state awards

Who Is Eligible?

All 4-H'ers enrolled in any phase of the 4-H horse project or Horse Training Program are required to participate in the Horse Member Achievement Program in addition to keeping project records. The Horse Training Program is for members who are starting out with a horse that has not previously been trained. A 4-H'er who is working on the Horse Training Program will be evaluated on the Horse Training Program and the Horse Member Achievement Program at the same time.

How to Use the Program

Each level MUST be completed in order; do not skip around. As you accomplish each skill, check it off in the space provided. Once all skills have been passed and your project leader or county achievement program chair has approved the level, you are eligible for a completion certificate and ready to advance to the next level. Level 6 must be approved by an official judge and only at the State 4-H Horse Show. You may take up to two years to pass each level. You must complete at least one-half of a level each year that you are in the horse project. You must include this booklet with your horse project record in order to qualify for county awards and trips.

Resources to Use

Answers to most questions can be found in your project manuals. Public libraries, county extension offices, equine books and magazines, project leaders, University of Minnesota and the Minnesota 4-H Horse Project Memorial Library will also be good resources.

GOOD LUCK

This publication was developed by Lyle Wick, Rae Ann Bartz, Lynn Watland, and Gladys Carlson, 4-H Horse Project leaders.

Faculty Reviewers:

Bradley W. Rugg, Program Director - Fairs and Animal Science, Center for 4-H Youth Development, U of MN
Kristina G. Hostager, Regional Extension Educator - 4-H Youth Development, Regional Center - Rochester
Renee D. Kostick, Regional Extension Educator - 4-H Youth Development, Regional Center - Mora