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The emphasis of the horse and pony program is on equine selection, nutrition, management, riding, recreation, fun, and horsemanship. Horseback riding provides an outdoor sports fitness program for physical, personal, and emotional development, including confidence building.
THE 4-H HORSE CLUB PLEDGE
I pledge . . .
My HEAD to clearer thinking.
Working with animals provides mental relaxation from schoolroom studies and at the same time stimulates quick thinking and alertness.
My HEART to greater loyalty.
The close bond of comradeship that develops between a horse and his master and between young people planning and working together in a common interest is conducive to a deepening sense of loyalty and consideration of others.
My HANDS to larger service.
Skillful hands are a must for a horseman. It is the touch of the hands on the reins that telegraph the rider’s wish to his mount.
My HEALTH to better living.
Out-of-door activities affect every nerve, muscle, and organ
of the body in a healthful way.
For my CLUB, my community, my country, and my world.
The associations and varied activities in 4-H Club work provide many opportunities for young people to prepare themselves for active participation in the social and economic life of their community.
Projects are available for youth owning a horse,
having access to horses,
and even to youth without horses!
4-H HORSE PROJECT GOALS
To develop leadership abilities, build character, and assume citizenship responsibilities.
To experience the pride of owning a horse or pony and being responsible for its management.
To develop an appreciation of horseback riding as a healthy and wholesome form of recreation.
To learn skill in horsemanship and to understand the business of breeding, raising, and training horses.
To increase knowledge of safety precautions needed to prevent injury to one’s self, others, and their mounts.
Horsemanship Skills
Virginia 4-H’s Horsemanship Skills Program emphasizes safety in all equine activities, and aims to develop horsemanship skills and recognize individual achievement in a non-competitive, progressive program. As this program is further developed, additional levels and skill sets will be added.
All Virginia enrolled Junior and Senior 4-H Members must take and pass Levels 1 and 2 once to show at the State Show. A change of horse does not require passing Level 1 and 2 again, once the 4-H member has passed Level 1 and 2 on any project animal. Riders that have previously shown at the State Show do not have to re-test in order to be eligible for
the 4-H Championship Horse & Pony Show.
Please go to:
Virginia State 4-H Horse Program
For more information!
Virginia 4H All Stars
for more info:
https://ext.vt.edu/4h-youth/all-stars.html
2025 Events
Deadline for submission of qualifying shows and clinics
Jan. 31, 2025
Central District Horse Bowl
Date: Feb. 22, 2025, Snow date Mar. 1, 2025
Place: Cavalry Baptist Church
8408 Thomas Nelson Hwy
Lovingston VA 22949
Contact: Whitney Judge - wmjudge1@gmail.com
EquiSmartz -
April 4-6, 2025
Lexington, VA
State Educational Competition Competition to include:
Horse Judging,
Hippology,
Horse Bowl,
Presentation Contests
Deadline for Online Eligibility/Declaration in 4H Online
July 1st:
All horses that MAY be shown at the State 4-H Horse Show must be Declared in 4H Online
State Show Entry Deadline
July 31m 2025
Orientation Meeting/Checklist Completed by Club Leader or VCE Agent
All qualification requirements (ie. District Horse Show, Project Book, Horsemanship Skills) must be met or approved by the Club Leader and VCE Agent at this time.
4 -H State Show
Divisions to include Equitation, Showmanship, Hunter, Misc., Pleasure, Western, Gymkhana, Trail Class, Exceptional Rider, Dressage, Reining, Miniature
Sept. 4-7, 2025
Virginia Horse Center, Lexington, VA.
Please Join us! Everyone is Welcome!
Minutes from previous meetings are available below.
District Meeting
CALENDAR:
2025 Tenative dates for Central District Horse Council Meetings
June 17, 2025
7 PM
Zoom Meeting
Date subject to change
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