YANR-112, Revised May 2001, Bob Ebert, Extension Animal Scientist, Animal and Dairy Sciences at Auburn University. Originally prepared by Bob Whittenburg, former Extension 4-H Animal Scientist.

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Project Introduction Horses

The 4-H Horse Project Is . . .

Horses! Just the word makes you think of good times--of long rides along nature trails, or fast runs in a rodeo, or even quiet hours alone with your horse.

But if you've ever had a horse, you also know horses take a lot of time, work, and care. That's how the 4-H Horse Project can help you.

This project teaches you to care for and train your horse. It also provides events you can take part in to improve and show your horsemanship skills. And you'll have the chance to be with other people who love horses as much as you do.

The 4-H Horse Project is one of the most popular 4-H projects. Young people in both the city and the country enjoy riding. If you take the project, you need a horse to feed, care for, train, and ride. The horse can be kept at your home or can be boarded at a nearby stable. Either way, you must work with your horse on a regular schedule.

One of the most popular activities in the 4-H Horse Project is the horse show. Four-H horse shows at county and state levels provide classes in Western, English, Speed Events, Showmanship, Trail, and a wide variety of other class options.

Things You'll Learn

• The parts of a horse
• How to feed and care for a horse
• The gaits required in various classes of a horse show
• Equipment required for various types of horses
• Proper riding position

Things You Can Do

• Attend county horse club meetings
• Feed and care for your horse
• Show your horse in county and state 4-H horse shows
• Keep records on your project animal or animals
• Organize and participate in trail rides
• Give talks about horses

4-H Horse Project

Activity of _________________________

Date _____________ 4-H Club ______________

Below are some facts about horses. But it looks like the letters stampeded and got mixed up! Round them up and unscramble the answers. Then put them in the corral.

1.	What three gaits are required in an English Pleasure class?	lawk ___________________________ ttro ___________________________ nacret ___________________________
2.	What are five nutrients required by horses?	hydroscarbate ___________________________ torpnei ___________________________ snimtaiv ___________________________ renaimls ___________________________ wreta ___________________________
3.	What are three types of saddles?	nuth teas ___________________________ dasled eats ___________________________ wrenset ___________________________
4.	In what three classes in a horse show are the placings based on time?	lopes ___________________________ lerrsab ___________________________ ketsa ecra ___________________________
5.	What are four breeds of horses?	taquerr shore ___________________________ baraian ___________________________ roughothdreb ___________________________ nipto ___________________________

Name ____________________________________________ County ____________ Age ___________

Name of project animal ___________________________________________

Breed _____________________ Height ________________________ Weight ___________________

Description ___________________________________________________________________________

Date of birth ___________________________

Sire _______________________ Dam ___________________ Estimated value ___________________

Date of Coggins Test ___________________________________________________________________

Draw in head, leg, and other markings of your project horse.

Left side
Right side
Head

Training Record

Date	Things I Taught The Horse	Problems To Overcome	Hours Spent
			Total: ________________
*Parts of these records were originally prepared by Dr. Frederick Harper of the Tennessee Cooperative Extension Service.

Health Record

Date	Health Care Given	Date	Health Care Given

Participation Record

List when and where you've taken part in an event with your horse. Include horse shows, trail rides, parades, rodeos, etc.
Date	Name of Event	Place	What You Did

Answers to Horse Scramble:

1. walk, trot, canter

2. carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, minerals, water

3. hunt seat, saddle seat, western

4. poles, barrels, stake race

5. quarter horse, arabian, thoroughbred, pinto