1. Learning about, and riding, horses are on a continuum of advanced abilities and risks.
1- Basic safety knowledge is important to learn. Interacting with horses is a higher degree of risk.
2- Being able to safely get a horse to respond to cues in a way to do things together is an even greater risk and a greater degree of safety is required.
3- Lastly, adding any other “3rd party” to the mix of a horse and rider team, greatly exaggerates the need for a safe working relationship between horse and rider. Trail obstacles, rope, higher speeds, jumping, etc.

2. State Horse Project Background
During the H year, five counties piloted a new horse safety certification program.
(Uinta, Sublette, Johnson, Carbon, Sheridan)
Input was gathered from 4-H parents, leaders and extension personnel during the pilot year.
Results were extremely positive and modifications have been made to begin state-wide implementation to be fully completed by September 30, 2009.
This has resulted in changes to existing procedures and practices relating to our overall horse educational efforts.

3. Changes and Implementation
New Safety Procedures and Form
Creation of horsemanship achievement program recognizing skill and knowledge
3. County Fair Management
There are three main items of interest we want to share with you and we’ll spend time covering information about each of them.
(Slide) 1. New Safety…
(Slide) 2. Creation of…
(Slide) 3. County Fair Managment

4. 1. New Safety Procedures and Form
The safety certification form will replace the current horse ID.
- Lease agreements not kept by Extension Office
The certification forms will be kept on file at the Extension Office.
The certification will serve as the ID and have the following information:
Youth’s name
Horse’s name and ID
Horse’s description
Horse’s breed
Picture of the horse will be attached
-(Slide) The safety certification…
-Click on Hyperlink to show safety certification form and explain it briefly.
-No lease agreements will be kept by the Extension Office. Since the horse certification form is on file with the Extension Office, the lease agreements will not be necessary. Youth are encouraged to work with the individuals they are leasing a horse from and keep any paper work they think is necessary to facilitate that relationship.
(Slide) These certification forms…
(Slide) The certification will serve …

5. SAFETY CERTIFICATION SUMMARY
~ All youth must complete certification process on each and every horse they will compete with at a 4-H sponsored or endorse horse event, along with corresponding endorsements for each horse. This includes youth who have previously passed the level 1 test.
Section 1 – Completion by youth intending to compete with a horse (Done one time)
Section 2A – Completed by youth that doesn’t intend to ride for competition classes such as halter and showmanship
Section 2B – Completed by youth intending to ride for competition classes such as reining, equitation, pleasure, etc.
Section 3 – Specific endorsements for classes involving speed or external items – for competition classes such as:
Trail-
Speed/Cattle- barrels, poles, goat tying, cattle boxing, etc.
Jumping- hunter hack, dressage, etc.
Roping-
-(Slide) Youth will need….
-(Slide) Section 1….
+ Section one must be completed by every youth only one time. We strongly encourage experiential demonstration by the youth of items in section 1 by using a live animal. If a classroom setting is used, we recommend using 3D teaching aids- meaning actual items rather than pictures.
-(Slide) Section 2A ….
-(Slide) Section 2B …
- Section 3 ensures safety endorsements to youth on a particular for specific competitive events. Just like people, each horse has its own personality, likes and dislikes, and may or may not be safe for a youth to do certain competitive events. For each event, they are required to pass off the associated endorsement.

6. Note:
Each section builds on the skill and ability of the youth and the horse and must be completed in order.
Example: Section 1 must be completed before Section 2A, which must be completed before section 2B, before anything in Section 3 can be completed.
- (Slide) Each section ….

7. BEST PRACTICES
~ Existing horse raters who are identified by the County 4-H Educator are eligible to certify youth upon completion of a training.
~ A NEW volunteer that has been approved by the County 4-H Educator that has completed training would need to enter in a mentor relationship with an existing certifying horse leader in order to be eligible to pass off youth. Upon working with the certified leader watching and practices they would be eligible to certify youth.
~ Counties that participated in the pilot program in can “grandfather” in members who completed the certification process that year.
(Slide) Existing ….
- (Slide) A NEW volunteer …
+ This step allows new, knowledgeable volunteers to work with other volunteers as well as give them time to understand 4-H’s current practices.
- (Slide) Counties that …
+ This simply allows those youth from counties that piloted this program and have already been certified, to not repeat the same items. However, they will still need to be efficient with those items that were different from how they piloted it or were slightly changed.

8. VOLUNTEER LEADERS
If you have been identified by your Extension 4-H Educator to be a horse leader that will be certifying youth, you may need the following items: (Check with your Extension Office as they may provide you with these items in some type of leader tool kits.)
Safety certification forms
Youth Horse Safety Cards
Youth safety card sleeves
Pencils
Clip boards
Camera (if needed)
(Slide) If you have been …
+ Getting all of these items are not required to be obtained from your county extension office. We just wanted to share a list of possible items that you might need as a volunteer trying to help youth with the safety certification.
-(Slide) 1. Safety certification… (Click on icon)
-(Slide) 2. Youth Horse… (Click on icon)

9. WHEN CERTIFYING A YOUTH WITH A NEW HORSE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN CERTIFIED
STEPS FOR VOLUNTEERS
WHEN CERTIFYING A YOUTH WITH A NEW HORSE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN CERTIFIED
Certify youth using the safety certification form – this could be done at riding practice or at an organized time if there is not a certified leader in the club. This is not intended to be a test! - Be sure to sign date and initial on the appropriate lines for each section.
Remind youth/Attach a photo of the horse to the certification form – or provide one in electronic format to the Extension Office.
Certifying leader will give each youth a Horse Safety Card that has been filled out or sign the youth’s current card.
Turn in certification form into the Extension Office. Be sure all parts of the form are completed.
(Slide) When….NEW….
- (Slide) Certify …
+This was not intended to be a test. 4-H uses an experiential model of teaching youth and having them demonstrate to you their safety awareness and practices in a hands-on way is a best practice when working with youth. Items can be passed off over a series of weekly riding practices or events. It not only gives you a better understanding of where the youth are at, but also gives the youth direction on things to work on with a particular horse when they are at home.
(Slide) Remind youth….
- (Slide) Certifying…
- (Slide) Turn in completed …

10. STEPS FOR VOLUNTEERS
WHEN CERTIFYING A YOUTH WITH A HORSE THAT ALREADY HAS SOME CERTIFICATIONS
Certify youth using the safety certification form - Note on the form that previous sections of the form are on file at the Extension Office. If your not sure what has been passed off, it would be good to contact the Extension Office to verify with them what has been completed.
Sign the youth’s horse safety card.
Turn in the safety certification form into the Extension Office.
(Slide) When …. ALREADY…
- (Slide) Certify….
- (Slide) Sign the youth…
- (Slide) Turn in the …

11. BEST PRACTICES
~ One form must be completed for each horse with which a youth intends to compete.
~ Certification must be completed by a trained, key horse leader.
-Not a parent
-Not person leasing the horse to the child
~ Form must be completed by entry deadline of a 4-H sponsored or endorsed competition.
~ Sections build on skill and ability and must be completed in the order they are listed.
Example: Section 2A must be completed before section 2B can be completed.
(Slide) One form must ….
- (Slide) Certification must be…
- (Slide) Form must be…
+ This does eliminate a need for the previous May 1st deadline which was arbitrarily established many years ago.
- (Slide) Sections build on …
+ Again it is progressive learning by its nature.

12. IN THE EXTENSION OFFICE…..
~ Utilize two, 3-ring notebooks to manage the safety certification forms: st notebook- Contains active forms which are horses currently being used by 4-H members.
2nd notebook- Contains inactive forms for horses not currently being used by 4-H members.
Note: Horse certification forms stay on file as long as a youth is of 4-H age This allows youth who may come back at a later point to still have their and their horse’s information on file.
~ Additionally, computer can be used for tracking purposes as needed.
-So that you are aware of communicated efforts to manage these changes in the Extension Office, we want to share with you what was suggested to them.
We are suggesting that each office (Slide) utilize two,…
- (Slide) Additionally,…..

13. CERTIFICATION DETAILS
HORSE
SAFETY
CERTIFICATION DETAILS
One of our objectives this evening, is to cover the different aspects of the safety certification items in a little more detail. We hope by doing so, everyone participating with this is hearing the same thing and able to put it into the proper context of its intent. With that in mind, we will quickly cover each section of the safety certification form.

14. SECTION 1 Youth
- (Slide)

15. Section 1
Basics:
This section will evaluate the youth’s knowledge of safety when working with any horse.
To progress, all parts of Section 1 must be marked Yes.
After Section 1 is completed, the youth will not have to complete it again, even if certifying another horse.
- (Slide)

16. Section 1
Educators/Leaders may choose to have youth demonstrate this knowledge in a variety of ways
Skill-a-Thon
Demonstrate on live or stuffed horse
Put labels on tack
Be Creative!
Youth must do individual work
Key leaders must sign off on each task completed
- (Slide)

17. Section 1
The following parts of the horse related to safety must be identified:
Poll
Muzzle
Chest
Throatlatch
Back
Flank
Pastern
Hoof
(Slide)
+ Other verbiage and parts are good to know, but these were identified as being the most critical and minimal as it relates to communicating safety. It is difficult to tell a child what action to correct or improve, if they don’t know the common words used when you describe it to them.

18. Stirrup Leather Keeper
Section 1
The following parts of the saddle related to safety must be identified:
Horn
Cantle
Stirrup Leather Keeper
Again, common, minimal, safety related verbiage that a child that rides should know.
Breast Collar
Stirrup
Back Cinch
Front Cinch

19. Section 1
The following parts of the bridle related to safety must be identified:
Headstall
Same in this case with a bridle.
Throatlatch
Curb Strap
Bit

20. Section 1 Show and Explain the safety zones when being around a horse.
Safe Zone
Similar application when interacting around a horse. Youth need to demonstrate they understand this and can explain why to you.

21. Section 1
Youth should explain two methods of safely moving around the horse.
Walk way out around the horse at a safe distance as to not be kicked.
Place one hand on the horse, and walk behind while keeping hand on the horse and talking to it.
Always walk behind the horse unless it is cross-tied.
- (Slide)

22. Section 1
Youth will identify and explain safe locations to tie a horse.
Tie to a secure object such as a post.
The halter rope should be secured so that the horse cannot walk up and down the fence, trailer, etc.
- (Slide)

23. Section 1
Necessary and appropriate attire needed for safety when working with and riding horses:
Similarly with riding attire from a safety perspective.
- (Slide)
Closed toe boots with a heel and smooth, hard soles are considered necessary and appropriate.

24. SECTION 2 Horse

25. Section 2A - Groundwork Basics:
Section 2A specifically asks youth to demonstrate safe handling of the horse from the ground. Evaluation of both the youth’s knowledge and how safe the horse is to handle.
Upon completion of 2A, youth may participate in halter, liberty, ground obstacles and showmanship classes.
(Slide) Section 2A…
- (Slide) Upon completion…..

26. Section 2A- Groundwork Catching the Horse
Make sure halter is ready. Keep halter rope from dragging on the ground.
Approach horse at an angle from the left side near the throatlatch. Talk to the horse while approaching so it knows you are there.
Put the halter rope around the horses neck, near the ears to keep the horse from leaving.
Put the halter on and adjust correctly.
QUICKLY - (Slide)

27. Section 2A- Groundwork Leading
Stand on the left side near the throatlatch.
Push the halter rope forward and walk at the horse’s throatlatch. Make sure the horse walks with you. Don’t run ahead or lag behind.
Be sure the halter rope is in a figure 8 in the hand. It should not be looped or coiled in a way that the hand can be caught if the horse spooks.
QUICKLY- (Slide)

28. Section 2A- Groundwork
Tying – Should be done twice in order to pass off.
Be sure to find a safe, secure object to tie to.
Tie the horse about shoulder height.
The rope from the horse to the post should be about the length of the horse’s neck…not too long or too short.
A proper quick release, or manger knot, must be used. (It can be found in the Wyoming 4-H Horse Manual.)
QUICKLY - (Slide)

29. Section 2A- Groundwork The feet
Demonstrate how to correctly pick up a front foot and demonstrate/explain how to pick up a rear foot
Face the hindquarters of the horse
Put your hand that is closest to the horse, on the shoulder or hindquarters and run it down the leg
Ask the horse to pick up its foot while squeezing the tendon or fetlock area.
Clean the foot using a hoof pick.
The hoof pick should be in the back pocket while the hoof is picked up
The hoof should be held in the hand closest to the horse, while the other hand operates the pick
Be sure to pick away from your body
QUICKLY-- (Slide)

30. Section 2A- Groundwork Controlling the horse from the ground
Safely change sides of the horse
While the horse is standing still, move from one side of the horse to the other safely.
Back the horse- (suggested a horse length)
Turn and face the horse. Push his nose into his chest and ask him to back up. Handler should stay at the side in the safe zone.
Turn to face another direction
Always turn the horse away from you as to avoid being stepped on.
Trot the horse- (suggested arena length)
Be sure to stay at the side in the safe zone.
Pass through a latched gate by opening and closing it
Youth pass through gate first, followed by the horse.
Quickly- - (Slide)

31. Section 2B-Riding Basics:
This section evaluates the youth’s knowledge of these safety actions, as well as whether or not the horse is safe enough for the youth to ride.
Youth may only complete this section if they have completed all tasks in Sections 1 and 2A.
Upon completion of Section 2B, youth may participate in most horse show events, except speed events, cattle/roping events, trail, or jumping events.
-(Slide) This section…
+ I want to emphasize that Sections 2 and 3 are as much about the horse as it is about the ability of the child. Each horse has its own personality and spunk. Just because a youth has a experience with one animal, doesn’t mean they will be safe on another animal. If you feel a youth is knowledgeable, but their horse makes it unsafe for them to be in a public, competitive scenario, you should not pass off the items, they are unable to REPEATEDLY demonstrate. Let me say that again a different way. The horse must have a disposition that is REPEATEDLY demonstrated to be safe with each individual youth riding it.
-(Slide) Youth may…
-(Slide) Upon completion…

32. Section 2B-Riding Correctly change from the halter to the bridle
The horse should not be tied during this process
Remove the halter and place around the neck
Then put the bridle on before removing the halter
Bridle adjustment areas to check and explain: throatlatch, curb strap, bit, etc.
Clean the back and girth for safe saddling using the proper grooming equipment
These are the key areas to ensure there is no dust, mud, or stickers to keep your horse safe
Quickly- -(Slide)

33. Section 2B-Riding Demonstrate proper saddling and adjustments
Check saddle blanket for foreign objects.
Secure front cinch first, then back cinch, then breast collar.
Tack should be adjusted for proper fit, including: placement on back, cinch, back cinch, breast collar
(Many youth will not be physically strong enough to saddle on their own. However, they should be able to explain how to do it correctly.)
Explain and adjust equipment for proper fit for rider and horse: stirrup length, rein length, saddle size, etc.
Quickly -(Slide)

34. Section 2B-Riding
Show and explain proper mounting and dismounting as shown in the Wyoming 4-H Horse Manual
Smaller youth may need help mounting and dismounting, but they should explain how to do it correctly.
Controlling the horse
Ride at a controlled walk in a full circle both directions. Stop the horse.
Ride at a controlled trot in a full circle in both directions. Stop the horse.
Ride at a controlled lope in a full circle in both directions. Stop the horse.
Back the horse while mounted- (suggested a horse length)
Use direct (plow) rein or in-direct (neck) rein to turn the horse to the right and left
Quickly -(Slide)

35. SECTION 3 Endorsements

36. SECTION 3
Basics:
None of this section can be passed off until the youth has completed sections 1, 2A, and 2B.
A youth can select which endorsement that they would like to pass off on each horse. Some horses may only be passed off for a speed endorsement, while others may have all four.
Youth can add additional endorsements for a horse with the assistance of a trained, key horse leader.
If a youth adds an additional endorsement, they need to be sure the 4-H leader initials their Horse Safety Card and turns in the certification form into the Extension Office.
-(Slide) None of …
-(Slide) A youth can …
-(Slide) Youth can …
-(Slide) If a youth…
Now let’s briefly cover each of the current endorsements. (Click to next slide)

37. SECTION 3 - ROPING
This endorsement requires the completion of three tasks. It could be administered with or without the use of cattle.
Youth must safely swing and throw a loop multiple times (more than 1) while mounted on their horse that is standing still
Youth must safely swing and throw a loop multiple times (more than 1) while mounted on their horse that is moving.
Youth must safely demonstrate and explain dallying around the saddle horn.
4-H leaders should evaluate proper hand setting and rope handling techniques to ensure the youth has the knowledge and skills to keep them in a safe setting while riding and roping.
This endorsement would enable youth to participate in classes such as dummy roping, team roping, breakaway, etc.
The addition of roping has added interest in our older teen youth, especially boys, and that was our hope. However, we have to be sure they are safe in doing it as well. The Wyoming 4-H Program does not offer currently offer rodeo events nor will they align itself to regulations or rules used by other organizations. We encourage all volunteers to help our youth understand when an event is 4-H sponsored or simply open to youth that are also enrolled in the 4-H program. If you have concerns or questions about this, you can visit with your county 4-H Edcuator.
-(Slide) This endorsement …
-(Slide) 4-H leaders…
+ We hope you recognize the significantly increased degree of risk associated with youth participating in any of the endorsement items. We also hope that together we can manage the risks appropriately to continue to offer these types of trainings and preparation for competing in events using this set of skills.
-(Slide) This endorsement ….

38. Specific Roping Skills
Leaders should look for these specific skills and abilities in youth that wish to pass the roping endorsement.
Hold onto the reins and control the horse, while swinging and throwing the rope
Coil the rope while holding the reins and controlling the horse
Demonstrate dallying, while keeping the thumb up, and all fingers out of the coils and dallies
Youth who only want to participate in ground, dummy roping are not required to complete any sections in the horse certification program as they will not be working with a horse.
Quickly--(Slide)

39. SECTION 3 – SPEED/CATTLE
This endorsement requires the completion of three tasks. These could be passed off with or without the use of barrels, poles or goats. Leader could simply have youth and horse gallop numerous times to the end of the arena and turn back, gallop to the end of the arena and stop.
Youth must be able to demonstrate a controlled gallop –which is normally faster than a lope.
Youth must be able to repeatedly turn their horse while galloping (this means more than once).
Youth must repeatedly demonstrate a controlled stop from a gallop (this means more than once).
4-H leaders should evaluate youth on the control, stopping ability and body position when completing tasks at a high speed.
This endorsement would enable youth to participate in classes such as barrels, poles, goat tying, key hole, cattle boxing, working cow, cutting, etc.
Similarly, horses moving at higher rates of speeds increases risks.
-(Slide) This endorsement requires….
-(Slide) 4-H leaders….
-(Slide) This endorsement ….

40. SECTION 3 - TRAIL
This endorsement requires the completion of three tasks. Leaders will need a gate, a bridge, and ground and weave poles to complete.
While mounted, a youth must:
Open, pass through, and close a gate (letting go of gate is acceptable for safety certification)
Cross a bridge
Weave between and cross over poles.
Leaders are not to judge how well the youth completed the tasks, simply that their horse completed them in a safe manner.
-(Slides)

41. SECTION 4 - JUMPING
This endorsement requires the completion of two tasks Leaders will need jumps in order to complete this endorsement.
Youth must:
Be able to cue their horse to jump while in motion
Repeatedly show proper body position of rider while on horse landing from jumping.
Leader should not evaluate how well the horse jumps just that is does in a safe manner, does not refuse jumping and the youth is able to hold a safe body position while completing the jumps.
-(Slide)

42. 2. Horsemanship Achievement Program
No more “Levels” program
The achievement program will be voluntary.
Assisted with by 4-H horse volunteer
Self-paced
Youth will be recognized based on their achievements in the new program.
Currently, this is in the development stage by Gary Grubb and George Howard and will be available in the future.
The former levels program will be replaced with an achievement program that will be extremely familiar and similar to former levels program. The name used for this will no longer be “Levels” program
(Slide) As it is developed, the achievement program will…
(Slide) youth will be…
(Slide) Currently….

43. 3. County Fair Management
~ Multiple riders competing with the same horse is a common practice in association sponsored horse shows. In order to facilitate a smooth running show – show management should have in place guidelines on to how to facilitate this practice. It is critical that these guidelines are communicated to participants prior to the date of show, so the 4-H members know the consequences for the choices they make when entering classes.
We recognize that one aspect of these changes affects management practices currently used by many county fairs in Wyoming. These questions were raised by those piloting counties with many conversations resulting. This entire effort helps us to focus on the educational programming mission of the 4-H program while creating options for those interested in the historical competitive aspects of our partnerships with county fairs. In an effort to help alleviate concerns and bring the focus to opportunities for youth, we want to share some observations and make some suggestions.
First, -(Slide)

44. MANGEMENT SUGGESTIONS FOR FAIRS
~ Show management could:
1. Place rules on class eligibility-- such as the number of times a horse can be used in a particular class, event, or age group.
2. A more positive spin would be to arrange facilities, judges, time, dates, etc. with guidelines to facilitate the operation of the show. (Examples)
Quickly -(Slide)
Let’s look at a couple of examples of how these options could apply. (Click to next slide)

45. EXAMPLE 1 – A show utilizes two arenas operating. at the same time
EXAMPLE 1 – A show utilizes two arenas operating at the same time. Classes in one arena could be pattern classes that allow youth to transition in and out of them on a more flexible time frame, while the other arena could host classes that are non-pattern in nature.
If the judges who are hired understand how to score patterns, the order in which youth compete would not matter; a senior could complete a pattern, followed by a junior, followed by a intermediate, etc. Judges will be able to place the class based on the scores given to riders.
-(Slide)

46. EXAMPLE 2 – If the show utilizes only one arena, then
EXAMPLE 2 – If the show utilizes only one arena, then the show management would need to be prepared to allow for possible tack changes by competitors. If desired, a time limit could be set for tack changes.
For example: “Classes will be held for 5 minutes to allow for tack changes and then it will proceed as scheduled.”
-(Slide)

47. MANGEMENT SUGGESTIONS FOR FAIRS
~ If a fair has a “high point” award, they may need to clarify how that award will be selected.
Note: In the ideal youth-focused scenario, we would be awarding a high point youth award for overall horsemanship involvement and accomplishments at the competition instead of awarding the horse.
Option 1 - If you have a high point youth you could still assign a point value to their ribbon placing giving them one point value for each class.
Option 2 - If your award is a high point horse you may need to make it a high point youth/horse combination to assigning point values.
Lastly, it was observed by many that one sticky situation was around an award that has commonly been given out at county fairs- “high point”.
-(Slides)
-Any questions or suggestions to others? (After discussion, move to LAST SLIDE)

48. SUMMARY
Trained key horse leaders that have been appointed by the Extension Educator are allowed to administer the horse safety certification program.
Each volunteer’s name is associated with each horse/youth.
Every youth must complete section 1 once and section 2A, 2B, and 3 based on what they would like to compete in with their horse. It is not a test!
Youth can add additional endorsements to their horses at any point by working with a trained, certified leader.
Every youth will be given a horse safety certification card to keep track of their horses.
This effort is about focusing on safety and education of our youth with their passions for horses.
-(Slide) Trained…
-(Slide) Each…
+ The integrity of the safety certification is in the hands of you as volunteers. From the 4-H program’s viewpoint, the control mechanism is making these appointments. If a volunteer is being too loose in certifying youth on a particular horse or horses, the 4-H educator has the ability keep them from certifying the safety of youth and horses. Because of this, you may want to ask yourself as you sign off each item this question- “Am I comfortable signing this off knowing that it reflects on me personally and the 4-H program as a whole?”
-(Slide) Every….
+ Remember this is progressive in nature as well. It is not a test, it is progressive in nature and can be passed off a period of time versus a single day.
-(Slide) Youth…
-(Slide) Every…
+ This gives the youth something to verify on each horse they ride.
-(Slide) This effort….

49. Thank you for helping Wyoming’s youth!
For additional resources, go to the state 4-H web-site at or contact your Extension Educator.

51. Once a youth has completed a horse safety certification, key horse leaders give a card to the youth that keeps track of which horses have completed which sections. They will keep this card for the entire time they are in 4-H.