As many of you are trying to plan events for 2023, we would like to keep you updated of some important changes that may affect your 4-H calendars. Listed below is an announcement from the State 4-H Horse Program. Beginning in 2023, there will no longer be District Horse Shows. State Horse Show, Hippology and Horse Judging entries, horse ID’s and all level requirements will be due June 1. Please see below for more details.
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Hello 4-H Staff and Families –
We’ve learned over the past few years how important developing programming to meet your needs in an ever-changing environment is to our mission of providing 4-H Horse Program youth with learning opportunities. With the changing needs and desires for the program, we are updating our events to better meet the current interests of youth. One of the things we consistently hear is the need for more hands-on learning, especially through workshops and clinics.
To meet that need, we are excited to offer a series of clinics during the summer of 2023 that will be led by Carla Wennberg, Western Collegiate Equestrian Team Coach from St. Andrews University. Carla brings a wealth of experience leading clinics and is a certified horse show judge for several associations across the country. Details on sites and dates will be forthcoming!
Additionally, we have spent time reviewing the intent and outcomes of District 4-H Horse Shows. The intent of these shows was for youth to qualify for the State 4-H Horse Show. Throughout the years, the number of exhibitors who qualify has increased dramatically to a point where 80-90% of exhibitors qualify. These percentages, along with declining numbers indicate these District Shows are no longer serving the intent and instead causing an extra burden for families of exhibitors who want to participate in the State 4-H Horse Show. Hence, beginning in 2023, participation in a District 4-H Horse Show will not be required to participate in the State 4-H Horse Show. This is also similar to the process used by other state livestock events (i.e., State Fair, AKSARBEN, etc.) and will allow more youth the opportunity to experience the State 4-H Horse Show. As safety is always our most important concern, being able to provide more opportunities for learning through workshops and clinics will allow youth to increase their skills and further develop with their project horse(s) in preparation for the State 4-H Horse Show.
Please let us know if there are any questions and thanks to the 4-H Horse Advisory Committee for their input into the process. Be on the lookout for equine related clinics across the state with nationally known Carla Wennberg from St. Andrews University in June 2023!
Lena Luck, Equine Extension Specialist
Grace Kim, Extension Horse Assistant