HORSE ADVANCEMENT LEVELS UPDATE
Due to the COVID-19 situation and social distancing, there will be changes in 4-H horse Advancement Level Testing. In order to abide by social distancing recommendations, skills and demonstration testing are on hold. We are encouraging youth to complete the written test, which will be offered online, and the reports/feed chart/healthcare charts as these pieces can be completed by youth at home. The goal is to offer the skills test and demonstration after May 9, 2020.
ADVANCEMENT LEVEL TESTING PROCEDURES
LEVEL 1-3 REQUIREMENTS
• Written exam: the youth can take the written exams online. Extension staff and horse examiners will provide a link to youth one exam at a time. There are 4 exams for each level available (A, B, C, and D). If a youth does not receive at least an 80% on their first attempt, they will need to re-take the exam but a different version. Youth are asked to take the exam without using any resources.
• Skills test: currently on hold. The hope is to make these tests available after May 9th . We will continue to monitor social distancing practices.
• Demonstration: Skills test: currently on hold. The hope is to make these tests available after May 9th. We will continue to monitor social distancing practices.
LEVEL 2 & 3 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
• Written report and feed chart emailed to county office at time of completion. Youth are encouraged to complete these while we are all practicing social distancing.
LEVEL 3 – ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT
• Health care paper emailed to county office at time of completion. Youth are encouraged to complete these while we are all practicing social distancing.
LEVEL 4 – REQUIREMENTS
• Demonstration, written report, and skills test – follow same protocols as above.
DISTRICT HORSE SHOWS CANCELED
For 2020, we are also cancelling the District Horse Shows. All youth will be allowed to enter the Fonner Park State 4-H Expo without qualifying. Entries to the State 4-H Expo are due June 12 and the deadline for passing the advancement levels will be extended to June 12.
4-H HORSE STAMPEDE
The 4-H Stampede is now moved to July 12, 2020 (the Sunday prior to the start of the State Expo). The contests will be held at Fonner Park in the Bosselman Center starting in the morning. We will have the updated schedule posted on the website in the coming weeks. All youth will need to re-enter if they were previously entered for the March contest. Entries will be due with the entries for State on June 12th .
DATES TO NOTE:
• Written Advancement Tests Available On-Line: March 25, 2020
• Skills and Demonstration Testing Available (depending upon social distancing recommendations): May 9, 2020
• Fonner Park State 4-H Horse Show Entry Date - June 12, 2020 to the county office Advancement Levels Completed Due Date for State Entries: June 12, 2020
IN LANCASTER COUNTY
Lancaster County 4-H youth may contact Kate Pulec at kpulec3@unl.edu with questions and links to advancement level tests/feed chart.