Horse projects provide youth with an opportunity to handle, care for, ride or drive horses. There are nine horse projects. Members must have completed levels 1–3 in Horsemanship to participate in the Advanced Horse Projects. Members are eligible to participate in Horse projects based on their ability and skill level. SKILL LEVELS DO NOT NECESSARILY CORRESPOND TO YEARS. It is possible to complete several levels in a year, or youth may take several years to complete one level. Assessment checklists are provided in the Horse Project Helper’s Guide for leaders to determine when a member completes the levels.

Montana Horse Helmet Policy

A certified equestrian helmet with a safety harness fastened is required in over-fence classes and gymkhana events, activities and practice sessions. Gymkhana refers to horseback speed events (timed or untimed) that do not use livestock. Events in this category include, but are not limited to, barrel racing, pole bending, keyhole, stake, rescue races, pony express race, etc. Events not included in this policy are calf roping, team roping, goat tying, and team penning that may be timed, but use livestock. Participants in the 4-H Horse Project are required to attend a Horse Safety Training once as a junior 4-H member (8–13) and once as a senior 4-H member (14 and up). It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian of the 4-H member to see that headgear complies with standards and is in good condition. The Montana 4-H Center for Youth Development encourages the use of ASTM-certified/SEI-approved safety helmets in all equine events. Protective headgear may be used in all classes and shall not be discriminated against. Helmet use is encouraged in all 4-H horse activities any time a 4-H member is around a horse. Counties may establish more stringent policies regarding helmet use.

L Every Time Every Ride (Horse Helmets), this video is available on YouTube.

Horsemanship

Western 1-7 or English 1-7

Horsemanship is the basis for the horse project. Youth will learn basic horse safety skills, horse care and nutrition, equipment needed to care for your horse, terminology, horse breeds, coat colors/markings and about businesses and careers that are related to horses. Members must complete Horsemanship levels 1, 2 and 3 before entering Colt to Maturity and Green Horse projects. (See project descriptions for specific assessment requirements.) Horsemanship has seven levels (Western or English).

The project leader or agent can assist the member in setting goals for each project year. Completion of these goals will satisfy the requirements of this project.

NOTE: Remember, for the state horse show, youth can show only
one level above or below the level in which they are enrolled.

Colt to Maturity, Levels 1-5

Members must be 11 on Oct. 1; have completed Horsemanship levels 1, 2 and 3; and demonstrate
the ability to handle the project to the county horse leader or designated person. Stallions will be allowed only in the yearling phase. Check with local county fair rules on exhibiting.

This project is for those who own or have available a colt or filly to care for and train. This is a five-year progressive project beginning with a yearling colt. The project is designed to help youth select a foal and train it to maturity. Youth will use the same book for all five levels.

The project leader or agent can assist the member in setting goals for each project year. Completion of these goals will satisfy the requirements of this project.

Green Horse, Levels 1-4

Members must be 11 on Oct. 1; have completed Horsemanship levels 1, 2 and 3; and have demonstrated an ability to handle the project to the county horse leader or designated person.

This project is for those who have horses that are not fully trained, but don’t fit into the colt to maturity project because of age or ability. Youth will learn how to care for and train their horse. Members will use the same book for all four levels.

The project leader or agent can assist the member in setting goals for each project year. Completion of these goals will satisfy the requirements of this project.

Working Ranch Horse, Levels 1-4

Working Ranch Horse is a heritage-based, activity-rich project designed to pass on to today’s youth the traditional practices of safe livestock handling from horseback. This project teaches mounted roping skills as a humane and useful livestock handling tool, as well as branding techniques, housing and care of cattle and horses. Members will use the same book for all four levels.

The project leader or agent can assist the member in setting goals for each project year. Completion of these goals will satisfy the requirements of this project. 4-H members may enroll in the 4-H Working Ranch Horse Project independently or concurrently
with the Horsemanship Project Levels 1-7, depending on county
requirements.

Horse Packing, Levels 1-5

This project develops the members’ knowledge and skills in the art and science of using horses to transport materials. This project also provides opportunities to enjoy nature in ways that are otherwise difficult. Members may enroll in this project simultaneously with any other mounted horse project. Members will use the same book for all five levels.

The project leader or agent can assist the member in setting goals for each project year. Completion of these goals will satisfy the requirements of this project.

Horse Driving, Levels 1-4

This is a project to teach basic horse driving skills, safety and train a horse to drive in single or multiple hitches. Members may enroll in this project simultaneously with any mounted horse project. Members will use the same book for all four levels.

The project leader or agent can assist the member in setting goals for each project year. Completion of these goals will satisfy the requirements of this project.

Horse Judging

This project teaches you to select and evaluate horses, give oral reasons and place classes of conformation horses and performance horses. Members may enroll in this project simultaneously with any mounted horse project.

The project leader or agent can assist the member in setting goals for each project year. Completion of these goals will satisfy the requirements of this project.

MNew Mexico 4-H Horse Judging Manual, 200R48, available free online.

Careers with Horses

This project is intended to acquaint youth with careers in the horse industry and may be taken simultaneously with any mounted horse project. From stable manager to veterinarian, the 4-H horse careers project is designed to get members interested in horse or horse-related industries and give them an opportunity to explore careers in this field.

The project leader or agent can assist the member in setting goals for each project year. Completion of these goals will satisfy the requirements of this project.

Small Equine

This project explores many aspects of the Small Equine industry, including breed basics, health and nutrition, reproduction, and grooming. This project also allows members to learn about competitions specific to small equines. Members do not need to be enrolled in regular Horsemanship classes to participate in the Small Equine Project.

The project leader or agent can assist the member in setting goals for each project year. Completion of these goals will satisfy the requirements of this project.