Horse Project
The Larimer County 4-H Horse program is designed to provide you an opportunity to handle, care for, and ride horses.
4-H members may own or lease a horse for this project. There are many ways you can get involved, such as entering riding events or knowledge competitions. You can compete in a Western or English riding event, or even enter your horse in the Musical Freestyle competition. The possibilities are endless!
This project includes four disciplines:
- Western
- English
- Ranch Horse
- Gymkhana
2023 - 2024 4-H Year Larimer County 4-H Project Orientation
Please plan to join us for the 4-H Horse Project Orientation. This meeting is open to all members, new and old, enrolled in the Horse Project, as well as parents and leaders. We will cover mounted and unmounted opportunities, Animal ID requirements, record books, the Horse Advancement Levels program, contests and deadlines.
- When: Thursday, January 25th, 2024
- Where: 4-H McKee Building, Berthoud/Loveland/Fort Collins Rooms
- Time: 7:00 p.m.
Arapahoe County 4-H/Open Fun Horse Show
Sunday, September 17
Registration – 9:00 AM
Classes start – 10:00 AM
Arapahoe County Fairgrounds Civitas Arena
All day fee - $30
No Pre-entry, enter day of show.
We will have the following classes:
- Barrels
- Pole Bending
- Stake Race
- Ribbon Race
- Llama Chuck
- Peewee Stick Horse Class
Other classes to be added the day of.
Classes will be offered in the following divisions: Walk/Trot, 8-10, 11-13, Senior 14-18, and Open.
Starting Out - Beginner
Inspiring youth to:
- Learn about the requirements of the 4-H Horse project
- Learn tips for choosing the appropriate horse
- Learn safety in horse groundwork.
- Identify common horse breeds, colors, and markings
- Learn feeding and healthcare basics.
- Develop beginner horsemanship and riding skills
- Keep records and set goals
- Learn to assume responsibility.
Learning More - Intermediate
Inspiring youth to:
- Learn about characteristics and uses of different horse breeds
- Learn about equine nutrition, digestion, and pasture management
- Learn about common health problems and preventative care
- Develop intermediate horsemanship and riding skills
- Develop sportsmanship when exhibiting
- Keep records and set goals
- Develop public speaking skills
- Identify lameness, unsoundness, and blemishes
Exploring Depth - Advanced
Inspiring youth to:
- Learn how to deal with current issues and explore career opportunities in the horse industry
- Learn about diseases, horse conformation, and structure
- Develop advanced horsemanship, riding skills, and try new disciplines
- Gain leadership skills by helping others learn about horses
- Learn about types of feed and their nutritional values
- Build lifelong friendships
4-H Record Books are also called e-Records. Each project has its own record book that members are required to complete each year.
Record Book Check-In Sheet
Junior:
Intermediate:
Senior:
Project Letter
Effective January 1, 2005, all participants in 4-H horse activities in Larimer County will be required to wear ASTM/SEI approved protective headgear with secured harness while mounted.
It is the responsibility of riders and parents or guardians of riders to ensure that the headgear worn complies with ASTM/SEI standards, carries the proper seals and is properly fitted and in good condition. The Larimer County 4-H program, Colorado State University, Extension personnel, volunteer leaders, show committees, officials and judges are not responsible for checking headgear for compliance with ASTM/SEI standards.
A helmet must be worn by riders when mounted at all times at all 4-H events or when representing 4-H or a 4-H club, with no exceptions. Examples of 4-H events include, but are not limited to, county workshops, 4-H open horse shows, practices, open rides, trail rides, drill teams, fairs and parades. A helmet must be worn every time, every ride.
The helmet rule applies to all riders under 19 years old at 4-H club sponsored open shows, even if the riders are not 4-H members.
At any 4-H equestrian activity, the official activity manager (e.g. show manager, clinic organizer, club leader) may, at his/her discretion, check a participant’s equestrian helmet for proper standards. If the participant is found to be wearing an unapproved, defective or improperly fitted helmet, he/she will not be permitted to participate in any mounted activity until a proper helmet is acquired.
Failure to comply with the helmet rule may result in disqualification from the activity. Repeated offenses may result in disqualification from all 4-H Horse activities, including the county fair 4-H Horse Show.
Failure of a leader to properly enforce the helmet rule may result in loss of leadership status.
Thinking about signing up for the Horse Project?
Already enrolled but have questions? Contact:
4-H Program Coordinator
970.498.6016
To print all upcoming events, select "Agenda" and then "Print"
Colorado State University Extension is an equal opportunity provider. Colorado State University does not discriminate on the basis of disability and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations. CSU’s Office of Engagement and Extension ensures meaningful access and equal opportunities to participate to individuals whose first language is not English. Colorado State University Extension es un proveedor que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades.
Colorado State University no discrimina por motivos de discapacidad y se compromete a proporcionar adaptaciones razonables. Office of Engagement and Extension de CSU garantiza acceso significativo e igualdad de oportunidades para participar a las personas quienes su primer idioma no es el inglés.
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Larimer County Colorado State University Extension
ADDRESS
1525 Blue Spruce Dr.
Fort Collins, CO 80524-2004
Phone: (970) 498-6000
7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Monday - Friday
Our office follows the Larimer County Holiday Calendar for office closures.
