Horse Senior Project Guide

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Georgia 4-H Project Achievement empowers young people with skills for a lifetime. Through a competitive process, students explore their interests, unleash their creativity, share their work, and celebrate their achievements! This guide provides 9th – 12th graders with examples for getting started with their project exploration.

Overview of Project Achievement Process

1) Choose project
2) Develop skills in leadership and service
3) Prepare portfolio for work completed from January 1 – December 31
4) Prepare presentation
5) Practice
6) Compete
7) Reflect

Description of Horse Project

4-H’ers may explore the equine industry including establishing and
managing equine enterprises, owning and caring for horses, and the impacts
of the industry. Through this project 4-H’ers may:

• learn about and acquire skills for selecting, breeding, feeding, handling, raising, managing, owning, exhibiting, and training of horses and ponies
• discover the industry’s current and historic roles, scope, contributions of science, environmental and societal impacts, and economic significance
• become familiar with tools, equipment, and safety protocols to protect
self, others, and animals
• develop an understanding and appreciation of horseback riding
• understand the role of veterinary care of horses
• explore career opportunities related to the equine industry

Examples of Project Development Experiences

• Attend horse schools/clinics/workshops, equine club meetings, horse sale, field days, horse shows, etc.
• Tour veterinary clinics, horse farms, feed stores, equestrian center, and/or boarding facilities
• Acquire and read books, trade magazines, pamphlets, and online media about the industry
• Raise and show a horse
• Participate in 4-H Horse Judging, 4-H Horse Quiz Bowl, and 4-H Hippology Contest
• Interview a Horse producer and discuss industry matters
• Shadow a veterinarian, farrier, and/or animal scientist and learn of job responsibilities

Project Sharing and Helping Examples

• Volunteer as a teen leader and assist with coaching a horse judging team, horse quiz bowl, hippology team
• Hold a grooming demonstration for community members, schools, civic groups, etc.
• Host a show preparation seminar for interested youth
• Mentor a younger 4-H’er in showing a horse or pony
• Hold an equine feeding and management demonstration
• Start a horse/horseless project club and lead meetings to share your knowledge with others
• Arrange for industry speakers to discuss agricultural issues for community members
• Demonstrate your work through presentations and exhibits at schools, civic clubs, senior homes, chambers of commerce, etc.
• Write equine news articles, blogs, or social media posts
• Set up horse-related exhibits at fairs, libraries, or festivals
• Organize an agricultural tour or farm day for youth
• Teach riding to someone who would not otherwise have the opportunity
• Mentor a younger 4-H’er in the Horse project

Special Considerations

• Actual animal exhibiting is not a requirement of this project.
• This project can address any issue related to the production of horses. Members may gain experience in a number of ways, such as assisting with the management of horses, raising horses, or studying marketing.
• Youth should practice internet safety. A best practice is to
include a friend or parent in all communications and interactions.
• Be sure to gain land owner permission prior to entering someone else’s property.
• Exercise safety when handling tools, animals, and equipment.
• Live animals and weapons are not permitted in the presentation.

Recommended Resources

• georgia4h.org/ProjectAchievement
• georgia4h.org/programs/focus-areas/agriculture-stem/agriculture/livestock-and-animal-projects/
• georgia4h.org/programs/focus-areas/agriculture-stem/agriculture/livestock-and-animal-projects/online-livestock-resources/
• extension.uga.edu/agriculture/animals
• agr.georgia.gov
• usda.gov/farming-and-ranching/animal-science/animal-reports-and-data
• georgiahorsecouncil.com
• usef.org
• aqha.com

At Competition

Horse 4-H projects may use posters, artifacts, biofacts, and/or technology to support their presentation.

The time limit for presentations is 12 minutes.

Computers, projectors, screens, and other technological devices may be used.

Prepared by: Kari Turner, Jason Estep, Keri Hobbs, and Gabrielle Buono
Reviewed by: Heather Shultz and Claire Woodard