Pennsylvania 4-H Recreational and Alternate Equine Activities Book

Pennsylvania 4-H Recreational and Alternate Equine Activities Book

So...you have a horse but are not interested in horse showing...what else can you do??? LOTS!!!

Some equine activities are recreational only, some are competitive, and some are both. And there are plenty of equine activities to choose from.

Using this book, you can explore a variety of activities that you can do with your equines. Some are recreational only, some can be competitive, and most are outside the typical ‘horse showing’ which is so familiar to everyone. Examples of the traditional recreational activities might be riding or horse camp, which nearly everyone can participate in with their horse, pony, or other equine. Examples of other, less traditional and possible competitive activities, might be drill teams or mounted . Lists of many such activities are included at the end of this book.

Using this book, you will set your own goals to measure your accomplishments. You can also keep track of the time you spend in YOUR equine activity.

I. The Pennsylvania 4-H Hoof Hours Record II. Recreational Equine Activities III. Pennsylvania 4-H sponsored Equine Activities IV. Other Equine Activities

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© The Pennsylvania State University 2014 -2-

I. INTRODUCING THE PENNSYLVANIA 4-H HOOF HOURS PROGRAM

If you are spending time with your horse, pony, or other equine, you can participate in the Pennsylvania 4-H Hoof Hours Program. In this program, you will set goals for you and your equine. These goals should be accomplishments that you think you can meet in your 4H year. You also will keep track of the hours you spend working with your horse or pony, outside of competitive activities. Wherever and whenever you are working, riding or your equine, as long as it is not in competition or at a competitive activity, you can “count” your time on the Hoof Hours Record.

For each horse, pony or other equine with which you work, you should keep a separate Hoof Hours Record. On the record, you will list the goals for you and your equine for the coming year. You will list the dates and times that you work with the horse, and a brief description of what you did each time. You should have your record reviewed and initialed by a parent, instructor, or leader at least each month, and you should discuss your progress with them. These progress checks will help you determine if you have reached certain goals during the year, and help to set new goals. Also, you may find during these progress checks that you need to revise your goals, because of unexpected difficulties you encounter while working with your equine, or simply because you realize that a particular goal is not appropriate for some reason. If you change your goals, keep both the old and new goals to keep track of your reasons for changing.

What are my goals?

Before you write down any goals for your Hoof Hours Record, you should meet with an adult mentor who is familiar with you and your equine. Bring a list of things you would like to accomplish, and discuss if these goals are reasonable for you and your equine. The following information will help you write good goals.

Writing good goals:

Good goals are “SMART” goals: That is, they are Specific Measurable Attainable Realistic, and have a Timetable.

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Here is some detailed information about each of these characteristics of a good goal:

Specific State what you wish to accomplish in very specific terms. This is easier to do if you think about the steps you need to take to reach your broader aims. For example, you might want to become a better rider. However, the phrase “better rider” is very vague, so you must think about those things you need to improve. Instead, make your goal specific by saying you want to keep your heels down consistently, or hold your hands steady, or sit up straight, or know your diagonals...or whatever action YOU need to improve.

Measurable State what you wish to accomplish in a way that can be measured. For example, if you want to be a better rider, how do you measure “better”? Think about how you will know when you are better. For example, you might say that you want to have no more than 1 reminder from your instructor to keep your heels down during your lessons, or that you will be able to get the correct diagonal without looking down or at your horse.

Attainable State the kinds of goals that you think you can meet during the year; if you set your aims too high or too unreasonably, you will get discouraged. If you have never been to a , it is probably unreasonable to state that you wish to be the State Show Champion this year. Instead, you might say that your goal is to place in the top 3 in your Beginner Equitation Classes at local 4-H shows during the year.

Realistic State goals which are realistic. Think carefully about the abilities of the equine that you are working with, and about your abilities and resources. If you are 5 feet tall and have a 12-hand pony, your goals need to be realistic about the kinds of things you can do. Instead of goals involving riding, you might make goals about driving, or showmanship, or teaching tricks, etcetera.

Timetable State the time at which you expect to take to achieve your goals. Set an actual date if you can. A timetable keeps you focused on your goal, and the end date gives you a time to determine if you have achieved your goal. Realize that your timetable may need to be adjusted due to unexpected situations or changes in circumstances.

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Examples of Good Goals Examples of Poor Goals

By the end of May, I will need only 2 I will be a better rider this year. reminders from my instructor about being on the correct diagonal. By the August County Round-Up, I will know my diagonals and will not need any reminders.

By the County Round-Up in August, my My horse will be in good condition by the horse will be fit enough to trot for 10 end of the summer. minutes without stopping.

I will ride my horse at least 4-5 days each I will ride more often this year. week (weather permitting) for at least 45 minutes each time.

Three days each week, for 20 minutes My horse will be more flexible this year. each time, I will do limbering exercises with my horse.

By the end of June, my 2-year-old horse I will teach my horse to do Ahalter@ this will lead quietly by my side, and stand for at year. least 10 minutes without moving.

By the end of December, I will pass the Level I Horsemanship Skills. I will do Horsemanship Skills this year.

At the end of your 4-H year, make your goals “SMART”ER. That is, do the following steps:

Evaluate Look over your Hoof Hour Record to see if you worked to meet your goals. Did you ride at least 4-5 days each week? Do you still need reminders about the correct diagonal? Did you pass Level I Horsemanship Skills?

Revise Now revise your goals. Perhaps some were too ambitious and you need to break them into smaller steps. Or perhaps you grew too tall for your pony and will be starting with a new animal. Revise your goals for the next year.

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What hours count?

If you are taking lessons, that time spent with a horse should be recorded on your Hoof Hours Record. If you are training, riding or driving your horse for fun or exercise, that time spent with your horse can be listed on the Hoof Hours Record. Time spent practicing riding or driving at home counts towards your Hoof Hours. Time spent and will also count. Time spent riding and driving while getting your horse accustomed to new and unusual things such as umbrellas, flapping blankets, mailboxes, etc (also known as “bomb-proofing” your horse) can count. Time spent working with your horse (herding cattle, farm work, etc.) can also count.

If you have an equine that cannot be ridden or driven, such as a young horse, a very small equine, a very aged horse, or an injured or disabled horse, but you are working with that horse in other ways, you might be able to count those hours, too. With those animals, you might be doing some training, such as teaching a young horse to lead, longe, or other ground-based activities; you might be teaching your horse to do tricks, etc; or you might be taking your horse for a walk for exercise and interest and rehabilitation; you might be getting them accustomed to new environments. You might have a very small equine that participates in an animal therapy program...that time can count, too. Activities such as these Acount@ towards the time you are spending working with your horse and can be listed on your Hoof Hours Record.

What hours do not count?

Any time spent in competition, including warm-up at shows or competing in a Drill Team Contest, will NOT count towards the Hoof Hours Record. Time cleaning stalls, feeding, and otherwise working around the barn does not count. Time bathing, grooming, etcetera does not count unless these are new activities that you are training your horse to become accustomed to. Time practicing braiding or banding does not count.

Completing the Book

At the end of each 4-H year, you will review your Hoof Hour Record - both the goals and the time log - with a leader or another adult mentor, and determine if you have completed the goals you set out to accomplish. This is also your opportunity to set new goals for the next year. When you review your goals, you should decide if your progress on your goals was Excellent, Very Good, Good, or Fair. Here is some criteria:

Excellent You put in many more hours than you had planned; and/or you achieved all your goals more quickly than expected and went beyond the planned goals; and/or you had difficulties with your equine and spent more time than planned working on a particular goal; and/or you had very challenging goals.

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Very Good You put in the time you planned; and/or you achieved most of your goals on time and went beyond the planned goals; and/or you had some difficulties with your equine but worked (or are working) through them; and/or you had challenging goals; and/or.

Good You put in the time you planned; and/or you achieved most of the goals you set; and/or you had some difficulties with your equine; and/or you realized that your goals for this equine needed to be smaller and revised them during the year.

Fair You put in time working with your equine and met some, but not most or all of your goals; and/or you had difficulties with your equine but did not seek out help; and/or when you had difficulties that needed more attention than expected, you did not make new goals for the situation.

When you and your mentor have determined your rating for the year, you should submit your Hoof Hour Record and Book to your club leader for review.

Hoof Hour Time Awards

Hoof Hour Time Awards are separate from your goal rating, which you establish each year. Instead, Hoof Hours will continue to accumulate from year to year. So, for example, if your Hoof Hour Record ended with 100 hours this year, you will continue to add hours above that 100 in the next year. So if you spend 150 hours with your equine the second year, you would have 250 total hours with that equine.

You will receive recognition for when you reach 100 hours, 200 hours, 300 hours, 500 hours, 750 hours, 1000 hours and each 500 hour increment after that.

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Sample The Hoof Hours Record

NAME: Age

CLUB: ______County ______

EQUINE NAME:

EQUINE DESCRIPTION (age, height, color, mare/gelding, breed, etc.):

4-H YEAR GOALS

( Remember, your listed goals should be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and have a Timetable. You may write as few or as many as you think you need. Use additional pages if you need more room.):

1.

2.

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Sample The HOOF HOURS RECORD, continued

Date Total time Location Activity, Notes Mentor (Trail ride, lesson, clinic, etc.) Review and Initials

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II. RECREATIONAL (NON-COMPETITIVE) ACTIVITIES

Some 4-Hers fall between the two categories; you may have a horse but are not interested in horse showing or competitive trail riding. Perhaps you want to trail ride for fun, maybe go camping with the horse along, or participate in charitable activities that combine relaxed riding with community service. Maybe you have a horse which cannot be ridden, but is good for teaching others about horse care, can be taught tricks, is company for other horses, or just enjoys love and attention. If you prefer these kinds of activities, you should explore the kinds of recreational activities in which you and your equine can participate. Maybe you do not have a horse of your own, but take lessons or help at a horse retirement stable.

Some 4-Hers are involved in recreational activities with their horse or pony other than trail riding, which also are non-competitive, but not sponsored by 4-H. These 4-Hers still benefit from the 4-H Horse Program activities such as the Safety Program and the Horsemanship Skills Program. These recreational activities range from formal hunts or drill teams, to therapeutic riding programs and parades.

A. Trail Riding

Recreational trail riding is one of the most popular recreational activities. Some 4-Hers ride local trails that they can reach directly from their stable or farm. Local trails are often informal trails across their own or neighbors’ properties and many neighboring people may ride these trails. Some 4-Hers may have direct access to local, state or even national park or forest trails, while other 4-Hers may have to trailer their equines to such locations.

There are some important things you should do when you trail ride, wherever you go. Here are some “Head, Heart, Hands, and Health” tips for trail riding:

HEAD: Be a safe trail rider.

Make sure your equipment is in good working order. Minimum equipment includes a safe and secure saddle and bridle, a safety helmet, and sturdy riding boots and clothes. Depending on the terrain and how long you plan to be out, you may want to use leg protection for your horse, fly spray for the horse (and you?) and sunscreen. You also may want to carry a hoof pick, and lead, fly spray and other small items for minor emergencies. For long trail rides or overnight camping, you will need additional supplies.

Be alert for potential danger situations, such as the presence of a hornets’ nest along the trail, ground hog holes, new construction in formerly open fields, traffic, and unusual items or events. Even the calmest horses can panic under the wrong situation.

Use the buddy system, and ride with at least one other person. Make sure someone knows where you intend to ride, and how long you expect to be out.

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Heart: Be a good steward of the trails. Care for the trails.

Learn how trail riding affects the environment. Ride where footing is good to minimize erosion, especially at stream crossings and other wet areas. Work with the Pennsylvania Equine Council or other responsible trail user groups to learn and follow proper trail use and stewardship guidelines.

Ride only on areas that are acceptable to the property owners or public land agencies. Typically, this means only along the sides of planted fields or tractor paths of neighbors’ properties, or on marked horse trails in parks, forests or other public lands.

Work to maintain or improve your area trails. Keep paths free of fallen limbs or other natural debris, overhanging sticker branches. Pick up litter that you might see, especially objects that could injure a horse or rider such as broken glass or a lost shoe. Remove any debris, litter, bedding or manure from trails, parking and camping areas. Assist the Pennsylvania Equine Council or other trail user groups to improve and maintain trails for horse use.

Hands: Prepare for trail rides.

Teach your horse basic riding manners, and teach the horse to accept different and unusual situations and objects. Train your horse for the kinds of things you may encounter on the trail, such as opening and closing gates, mounting and dismounting, standing quietly, stream crossings, moving farm equipment, traffic hazards, litter, unusual sounds, and other items common to your trail riding areas.

Get your horse (and you) fit for the kinds of trail rides you do, especially if you have not been active for a long period such as in the winter. Start slowly and steadily on short, easy trails, and work up to riding longer trails in hilly terrain.

Always carry identification, and you may want to carry a cell phone. Keep these items attached to your person, not to the horse. You may also want to put identification tags on your horse in case it gets loose and you are unable to catch it. Small tags can be attached to the bridle, or saddle, or even braided into the mane.

Health: Make sure you and your horse are up-to-date on health care.

Your horse should have its annual check-up, receive vaccinations for a variety of equine diseases and have proper, routine health care. Work with your veterinarian to develop a health care plan for your horse. If you are trailering to a new area, make sure your horse has all the required vaccinations and any health certificates that may be required. Make sure your horse is healthy before you go, so that you do not spread anything to other horses.

Make sure you have your annual check-up as well, and you know answers to basic

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questions you might be asked in an emergency, such as whether or not you are allergic to any medications, have had a recent tetanus shot, etc. If you have a particular medical problem, such as asthma, an allergy, diabetes, etcetera, consider wearing a bracelet with that information or keeping such information with your identification.

Take a first aid , and know how to respond to minor injuries to you or your horse. Especially for longer trail rides, assemble a basic first aid kit for yourself and your horse.

There are some trail riding activities in which you may want to take part in a formal manner. There are groups that specialize in making sure horse trails are open in state parks and other public lands. These groups identify areas for riding, work to open trails, and maintain the trails. Some of these groups provide training to people who are new to trail riding. Many such groups offer literature regarding places you can ride, and any restrictions on riding in those areas. Contact the Pennsylvania Equine Council for details and additional resources. Go to: http://www.pennsylvaniaequinecouncil.com/

B. Other recreational equine activities:

1. Horsemanship Skills Program

The Horsemanship Skills Program is a 4-level program in which you develop the skills you and your equine need to be a successful team, both in handling on the ground and in riding. These horsemanship skills are applicable to anyone who rides and works around horses. These skills help you to work safely around your equine, and help you to develop a good, responsive horse for any activity you choose.

http://www.das.psu.edu/4h/horse/skills/

2. Horsemanship Safety Program

The Horsemanship Safety Program uses a variety of “safety packets” to promote awareness to youth, parents, and the community of safety issues while working with horses. It can be incorporated into existing 4-H projects, and provides recognition of youth and leaders for safety achievements.

http://www.das.psu.edu/das/4-h/horses/horsemanship-safety-program

3. Therapeutic Riding Assistance

There are many facilities in Pennsylvania that offer therapeutic riding for individuals that are handicapped in some way. Most of these facilities need volunteers who are willing to work around the horses and with the therapy students. They might need help cleaning stalls, grooming and saddling horses, leading horses, or working as assistants during therapy sessions. Each facility has different needs and requirements. If you are

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interested in volunteering in such a program, you should find out about the facilities in your area. You may have to undergo additional training to learn how to do assist during therapy.

4. Working with Retired Horses

Some facilities are “retirement homes” for horses that are too old or have permanent injuries that prevent them from being ridden. These facilities also look to volunteers to help keep these horses happy. They need volunteers to clean stalls, turn-out horse, feed, groom, and provide minor medical care for the horses at these locations. Each of these facilities has different requirements, so you should contact the ones near you to find out if you might be able to volunteer there. Some have minimum age requirement, others might have training requirements, or minimum time commitments for volunteers.

5. Taking Riding Lessons

Perhaps the way you are able to spend time with an equine is by taking riding lessons. Many facilities that provide riding lessons that may also include horse care and handling activities. Some offer opportunities to ride between formal lessons, or participate in group activities at the stable such a short trail rides. The time you spend in your lessons, riding and working with your lesson horse, is your opportunity to focus on your goals as a rider, and can be recorded on the Hoof Hours Record. You should work with your instructor to set your goals and further develop your activities.

You may find other activities that are recreational, in which you can be involved. Keep looking!

III. PENNSYLVANIA 4-H SPONSORED EQUINE ACTIVITIES

A. Competitive Equine activities

Remember, the time spent at these competitive activities does not count on the Hoof Hours Record, but you may find the goal-setting helpful to you in achieving your competitive goals. The time spent working with your equine while preparing for these activities does count on the Hoof Hours Record.

1. 4-H Horse Shows

Pennsylvania 4-H sponsors mounted activities including the State 4-H Horse Show, Regional Production Shows, and the State 4-H Competitive Trail Ride. Also, there are club, county and regional horse shows sponsored by 4-H clubs and organizations.

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2. 4-H Competitive Trail Ride

There is a 4-H Competitive Trail Riding Project and Pennsylvania 4-H sponsors a state competitive trail ride. To prepare for competitive trail riding, you will need to condition and prepare yourself and your horse. Seek out some local help and participate in local or area events that are similar, to be sure that you and your horse are ready. See the 4-H Competitive Trail Riding Reference Book and Project Record for additional information.

3. 4-H competitive activities (without horses)

Pennsylvania 4-H sponsors many horse activities such as Hippology, Horse Bowl, Horse Judging and the Model Horse Show. These do not require a horse for participation, but involve horse related information and activities.

B. Recreational (Non-Competitive) Equine Activities

All of these activities were discussed above in Section II.B.

1. Hoof Hours Program

2. Horsemanship Skills Program

3. Horsemanship Safety Program

4. Local and Regional club meetings, horse camps, field trips and other similar activities

IV. NON 4-H EQUINE ACTIVITIES

Some 4-Hers are involved in activities with their horse or pony that are competitive, but not sponsored by 4-H. These 4-Hers may benefit from the 4-H Horse Program activities, such as the Safety Program, the Horsemanship Skills Program, and the Recreational and Alternate Activities Book. Many of these activities either have too few 4-Hers that are interested in them, or they are activities that simply fall outside the scope of 4-H projects. Some of these activities are very traditional competitive activities, such as shows, breed shows or rated shows; driving at shows or in events (CDE); , and . Others are less commonly seen, but can include: pulling contests with draft-type equines; competitive drill teams; vaulting; and other such activities. If you are interested in these types of activities, you should find experienced persons to help you get started.

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Some of these activities are not competitive, but still fall outside of 4-H program. Such activities might include parade teams, drill teams, foxhunting, fund-raising trail rides and similar activities. These activities can also be included in the Recreational and Alternate Activities Book.

Lists of Activities

Within each group, activities are in no particular order. These lists are by no means complete or comprehensive. More information on most of these activities can be found online, and through various horse association publications.

Non-Competitive Equine Activities

Pennsylvania 4-H Hoof Hour Record Lessons 4-H Drill team 4-H Trail riding Camping/trail riding Therapeutic riding assistance Retired horse farm volunteers Pet/animal therapy Mounted Re-enactor (any genre) Mounted Search-and-Rescue Recreational Driving Tricks/ Parades 4-H Horse Camp Charity Rides (Paper chases/Mounted Trivial Pursuit/Ride-A-Thon, etc.)

Other Non-Traditional (non-4-H) Competitive Activities

Ride and Tie Mounted Orienteering Vaulting Trick-Riding Charity Rides/Competitions

Other Traditional (non-4-H) Competitive Activities

Dressage Driving (CDE) Rodeo Hunter Paces/chases Paper Chases Pulling (pony pulling, stone boat pulling, etc)

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Hoof Hours Record

NAME: Age

CLUB: ______County ______

EQUINE NAME: Year ______

EQUINE DESCRIPTION (age, height, color, mare/gelding, breed, etcetera):

ACTIVITIES WITH YOUR EQUINE

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Part 1: 4-H YEAR GOALS

(Remember, your listed goals should be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and have a Timetable. You may write as few or as many as you think you need. Use additional pages if you need more room.)

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

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Part 2: Hoof Hour Record Page 1 of _____

Date Total Location Activity Notes Mentor Time (trail ride, lesson, clinic, etc.) Review & Initials

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Hoof Hour Record, continued Page _____ of _____ (Make copies as needed)

Date Total Location Activity Notes Mentor Time (trail ride, lesson, clinic, etc.) Review & Initials

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Part III: End-of-Year Evaluation Form

At the end of your 4-H year, you and your mentor should discuss the progress you made towards the completion of each goal you listed in Part 1. For each goal, list if you believe your efforts towards completion were Excellent, Very Good, Good, or Fair (EX, VG, G, F). You might want to do this on your own first, then talk to your mentor to get their opinion. When you decide the appropriate rating, mark it on the form here, and write a brief statement why you believe the rating is appropriate. Then use the individual ratings to determine your overall rating for this project, this year. You and your mentor should sign the bottom of your evaluation form.

GOAL NUMBER RATING

1. EX VG G F ______

______

______

______

______

2. EX VG G F ______

______

______

______

______

3. EX VG G F ______

______

______

______

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4. EX VG G F ______

______

______

______

______

5. EX VG G F ______

______

______

______

______

OVER-ALL RATING (choose one): Excellent Very Good Good Fair

______

4-H Member’s Signature Date

______

Mentor’s Signature Date

______

4-H Club Leader Signature Date

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Part 4: Attach any photos, with descriptions, that show you and your equine working on activities for this book.

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