PA 4-H Horse Cloverbud Program

Sterling Buist Equine Extension Specialist Bethany Bickel Sterling Buist Donna Grey PA 4-H Horse Program Lew Trumble Lisa Witmer Andrea Kocher Lori Little Cloverbud Committee:

- Safe - Fun - Hands-on - Developmentally appropriate learning opportunities for youth 4-H age 5 to 7 years using horses. Mission of the PA 4-H Horse Cloverbud Program is to provide:

Summary of Differences Between the Cloverbud Program and the Traditional 4-H Program Cloverbuds4-H Program Type of Learning Activity–centeredProject-centered Type of Instruction Leader-directed Self-study, Individual, and Leader-directed Recognition ParticipationAchievement Recognition Goals ParticipationCompetition, achievement Learner Resources Activity manualProject manuals

Cloverbud Curriculum Member books are being developed, with Book A available as an electronic publication. Books will be used on a 3-year rotation with all Cloverbuds participating in the same book throughout the year. Designed to teach basic horse safety, science, and management skills for the 5-7 year old. Serves as the required Quality Animal Management training.

4-H Paperwork & Program Fees Horse Cloverbud members are considered part of the PA 4-H Horse Program and will need to : – Complete PA 4-H Member Enrollment requirements and fee; – Submit PA 4-H Horse Program Member Acknowledgement of Risk form; – Submit the annual PA 4-H Horse Program Fee.

Participation in 4-H Activities Proper authorized adult to youth ratio is critical for all Horse Cloverbud activities. – Recommended ratio is 1:6 – Policy AD39 mandates a minimum of two authorized adults at all times. – All hands-on activities involving horses will require: 1 parent, guardian, or authorized adult to every Cloverbud member

Appropriate Cloverbud Equine- Related Club Activities Learning basic horse safety rules Identifying horse breeds, and parts of a horse Selecting and identifying tack and equipment Grooming an animal Exploring what horses eat Touring a feed store Visiting a stable

Safety Attire Requirements Cloverbuds MUST wear ASTM/SEI-approved helmets at all times around horses. Mounted activities – long pants and sturdy boots or shoes with a definite heel. – Un-mounted activities – sturdy shoes or boots with closed toes.

Club Guidelines for Cloverbuds Riding Can ride at a walk or walk/jog Can participate on or off lead Must be in a fenced riding area ONLY Cloverbuds riding in the area during this time

Horse Cloverbud Evaluation Must be completed before participating in county events or activities. Designed to determine the readiness of the child to handle and ride a horse in a group setting. To be conducted by 3 knowledgeable adults (one an approved Level 1 & 2 Horsemanship Skills Examiner)

Horse Cloverbud Evaluation Skills evaluated include: – Safely leading, grooming, and moving around a horse – Basic safe walk-trot riding skills – Suitability of horse and rider

4-H Cloverbuds and Competition Events and activities WILL NOT be designed as peer competition where one individual or group is declared a winner or receives 1 st place. Are encouraged to participate in club recreational activities and informal games.

4-H “Exhibition Only” Cloverbuds may participate in “Exhibition Only” activities with horses, meaning: – Youth should be asked to demonstrate their skills but MAY NOT be ranked or placed. – All youth should receive the same ribbon or award, and; – Receive positive feedback from the judge or authorized adult.

PA 4-H Horse Cloverbud Book A

Games & Activities

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