4-H Horsemanship Skills Pat Comerford, Extension Horse Specialist Donna Zang, Butler County Extension Director Patty Kelly, Westmoreland Co. Volunteer

What is the Horsemanship Skills Program? Planned progression of horse handling and riding skills 4-H member evaluated and completes one level before advancing to next level Emphasis on safety and education, not competition!

Horsemanship Skills Program Optional! EVERY youth can participate Youth may share horses

Objectives of Program Develop horsemanship & safety skills Recognize individual member accomplishment & achievement of goals Educate youth, volunteers, & parents Promote cooperation and teamwork Develop life skills in youth

Why are we doing this? Key component of 4-H Horse Safety Program –Initiated in 1996 –Meetings, input from volunteers, agents and 4-H members

Skill Level 1 ALL members MUST start at Level 1 Emphasizes basic, correct and safe handling and riding Beginners Walk-trot only Examples: –Catch, halter, lead, tie, bridle, saddle –Stop, start, turn, circle –Emergency dismount

Skill Level 2 Builds a solid foundation of handling and horsemanship skills Introduces use of proper aids Introduces canter or lope and proper aids Examples: –Showmanship skills, bathing, clipping, etc. –Control of horse at canter or lope –Transitions - upward and downward –Begin lateral movements; leg yield, sidepass

Skill Level 3 Uses foundation skills to learn intermediate horsemanship skills Rider expected to be balanced while using aids and maintaining an even pace More advanced control and confidence Examples: –Lunge horse –Turns on forehand, hindquarter –More lateral movements; shoulder in, etc. –Counter canter

Level 4 Advanced Balanced horse and rider Exhibit calmness, rhythm, suppleness, coordination Examples: –Understands trailer safety –Lengthening and shortening of gaits –360 degree turns hindquarter, forequarter –Flying lead changes

Getting Started... OPTIONAL! Agent & volunteers decide whether or not to implement County-wide or club level? Could be used by: –Individual members –Local clubs –County programs

Next Steps… Identify volunteer committee to plan and implement program Good working relationship with agent!! Identify at least 3 volunteers for testing Identify one volunteer to coordinate records

Examiner Training Level Examiner Trainers will train and certify Level 1-2 examiners Process similar to 4-H horse measurer certification

Examiner Training Level Examiners: Screened 4-H volunteer MUST have agent approval & completed examiner form Attend certification training Demonstrate ability to evaluate skills

Level Testing County level 3 volunteers required for every test Mix volunteers from different clubs County sets testing dates

Examiner Training Level Examiners: Screened 4-H volunteer MUST have approval of PA 4-H Horse Program Development Committee Attend certification training Demonstrate ability to evaluate skills

Level Testing District, regional, or state level 3 volunteers required for every test Mix volunteers from different counties District or Development Committee sets testing dates

Level 3-4 Testing Penn State or another location to be determined District or state event? Will set testing as needed

County Implementation Volunteers and agent meet to develop county plans Need consensus on what is successful skill completion Set testing date(s) for Level 1 Allow at least weeks from introduction to first testing May cooperate with other counties

Introduce Members Member Packet –Information sheet –Member Skill Sheets –Reference list Attend meetings, educational activities

How do 4-H members learn skills? Practice skills at home Local club meetings Clinics, practice sessions, mock testing Member, adult demonstrations Use reference materials

Members can progress beyond these skills to more specialized areas Jumping Reining Contest classes Driving Competitive trail riding

Tips for success…. Progression through these skills will vary for every horse and rider Set no time limits Keep evaluations friendly & informative No one fails! –Just need to practice and retest

Awards Important to recognize member accomplishments! Suggested awards list Create your own! Level 3-4 in state show catalog –State awards?

In Summary…. Program focuses on member development, not competition! Emphasizes safety Enhances existing projects –Ties into existing skills and project requirements

Check web site for new information! Penn State Horse Program web site – –Click on horses - then 4-H Horse Program!