4-H #8 LINCOLN COUNTY 4-H PROGRAM POLICY

Supplement to: The State 4-H Policy and The Lincoln County 4-H Leaders’ Council Policy Revised 11/01/10

Preface: 4-H Horse Member and Parents! You are lucky to be in a county with one of the best 4-H Horse Programs in the State! The amount of time your Horse Leaders devote to club work and organiz- ing activities is unprecedented.

The Lincoln County Horse Leaders meet about 10 times a year. This group functions as a sub- committee of the Lincoln County 4-H Leaders’ Council. The public is invited to attend the meet- ings to help plan, conduct, and evaluate the Horse Program. Only enrolled leaders and teen lead- ers are eligible to vote. In an effort to establish safety, fairness and consistency within Lincoln County and to synchronize the program with the State 4-H Horse Program, the Leaders have adopted the following policy. This County Policy is no less restrictive and is intended to supple- ment State 4-H rules and guidelines for horse projects.

SECTION I HORSE PROGRAM MEMBERSHIP

A. 4-H Horse Programs accept membership from all youth ages Kindergarten to 19 years of age regardless of sex, race, income or religion. Special accommodations for members with disabilities may be requested. Members must be in the 3rd grade and have reached their 8th birthday by January 1 of the current 4-H year to compete or handle live in 4-H project work. Primary members (K – 2), however, may take the following projects: Horseless Horseman, and Self-determined Animal Science. B. In the interest of safety, a leader has the right to limit maximum club membership, es- pecially when parental assistance is limited. C. A 4-H horse project member must have access to a horse for project work except in the case of the Horseless Horseman Project, which encourages any youth to learn horse science without owning or caring for a horse. Immediate family members may share the same project horse. Members sharing a horse can not compete in the same class at the same time. D. Dues or may not be required. Fees to cover costs of supplies, texts, insurance, etc. may be collected. E. Each club is required to annually subscribe to 4-H accident insurance. Family 4-H groups are not eligible for annual club accident insurance. At their discretion, they may purchase special activities accident coverage to attend official 4-H events if the sponsor does not provide accident coverage. Contact the WSU Extension office for more infor- mation on insurance. F. The leader and the group set the group’s own policy for receiving a year pin or comple- tion recognition. (see section VI A and Lincoln County 4-H Program Policy #32).

1 G. To be eligible for competition, member and corresponding leader must be officially enrolled in Horse Projects listed in EM2778, 4-H Projects and Publications. A Family 4-H member must be enrolled in a listed Horse Project. A family 4-H parent may be of- ficially enrolled as a 4-H Horse Leader only if certified through Lincoln-Adams 4-H training. H. Each horse used for 4-H project work may be owned or leased by member or members and must be under the member’s care 90 days prior to the qualifying show(s) or county fair. A photo ID add sheet of the member’s 4-H horse project, in addition to a parental release, in order to participate in county events must be postmarked by April 1st. The State Qualifying Committee reserves the right to require an earlier deadline for members intending to qualify for State Fair competition. (See Section IV, A, 6 - 7). I. Members simultaneously enrolled in 4-H and FFA must have separate projects or ani- mals for each program during the same calendar year. The program year is October 1 to September 30. For example a member may carry a horse project for FFA and 4-H as long as he or she uses a different animal and project for each program. See "Memoran- dum of Understanding between Agriculture Education Washington FFA Association and WSU Extension 4-H Youth Development Program” (copies available from extension office.) J. Members who access a horse from outside family ownership are responsible for develop- ing individual lease arrangements and understanding of liability with owner. K. Transportation arrangements for member and member's horse to all club, county, area, and state events; are entirely the responsibility of the 4-Her's family. Volunteer 4-H leaders are discouraged from transporting members’ horses. L. County 4-H horse activities rely on adult and teen volunteers willing to plan and conduct the events. Enrolled horse program volunteers, parents of family 4-H members and Sr. 4-H members are encouraged to assist with the planning or management of horse activities.

SECTION II PHILOSOPHY OF HORSE 4-H

The 4-H Horse Program’s purpose is to provide experiential learning for any youth in life skills, equine sciences, and in club or community work. The club is the "heart of the school"; the lead- ers, the "superintendents of schooling"; and the texts, support, and leader training are provided by W.S.U. Extension. Jointly, the leaders of the Lincoln County Horse Program plan, conduct, and evaluate County educational activities for all horse members in cooperation with the local WSU Extension Office.

4-H is not in the business of sponsoring horse shows, , gymkhanas or any other con- test for the sake of competition. There are open events available if a youth is pursuing that end. We recognize that there are some practices in the open show world that might misrepresent the horse and/or rider. 4-H members and volunteers are expected to abide by the Lincoln County 4-H Horse Program Commitment to Excellence. 4-H is in the business of building and modeling ethical character as outlined specifically in the National Show Ring Code of Ethics.

4-H competitions use the Danish System of evaluation. Participants’ efforts or exhibits are judged against a standard. Individuals are not to be compared against each other to determine ranking.

2 SECTION III AVAILABLE 4-H PROJECTS

Consult the current EM 2778 Guide to Projects and Publications. It lists all materials and re- sources available for the 4-H Horse Project. Leaders must order all 4-H members' material from WSU directly (see order form in EM2778). Certified Leaders may order accompanying Leader manuals to projects from the local Extension Office.

SECTION IV RULES FOR COMPETITION AND PARTICIPATION

A. County Horse Events The County 4-H Horse Program may not endorse breeds, name brands, professional services, styles of equine products, tack nor apparel. No youth shall be discriminated against because of lack or possession of said . Safety is our foremost concern and obligation.

1. Minimum requirement for riders/drivers in any event: Clean and well groomed Long pants Long-sleeved * Western (No Fat Baby Style Boots allowed in Western) or English boots (or half- with short boots safe for English stirrups). Boots must be able to move freely in stirrup and slide out easily according to WA State policy. ASTM/SEI approved (Western or helmet required in Showmanship) , , or pin in Western Classes* Harness drivers refer to EB1974 4-H Horse Contest Guide. *Required in Lincoln County 4-H competitive events only.

2. Minimum requirement for horse in any class: Clean and well groomed Be able to demonstrate safety and control (Dangerous horses will be disqualified/removed from participation and may be excused from the show grounds by the 4-H event chairperson(s).) Must be healthy. (Lame or sick horses will be disqualified/removed from participation and may be excused from the show grounds by the 4-H event chairperson(s).) See EB1974 4-H Horse Contest Guide. 3. Minimum tack requirement: Clean, safe and humane (except bareback & classes) Adequate padding English with any English type (except double twisted wire) OR Western bridle (including snaffle or bosal allowed for horses 5 yrs old and younger) with curb strap or curb chain half inch wide and flat. Hackamore allowed in Western Games. Halter and lead rope or shank (not to be used for riding) Harness tack & equipment: Refer to EM4881 Harness Manual and Rules for WA State or EB1974 4-H Horse Contest Guide Note: For specific competition requirements and additional suggested tack, refer to EB 1974 4-H Horse Contest Guide. Hackamore may be allowed in individual cases for camp or clinics if approved as safe by event management.

3 4. Spring Horse Clinic Requirements: Attire - , plain long sleeved shirt, Western or English boots, and ASTM/SEI approved helmet. English riders may wear jodhpurs or . They may use half-chaps with short boots safe for English stirrups. NO chaps, show vests, nor show . Showmanship Nylon or plain everyday leather halter and NO silver nor fancy stitching. Tack NO silver on bridle or saddle unless the member's only every day tack has silver on it. 5. No colts/stallions may be exhibited. 6. A 4-H horse must be owned or leased and in a member’s care 90 days prior to competition. See Section I, rule H. a. Horses with trainers while under member's care must be home 30 days prior to qualifying show(s), Fall Fair and the State 4-H Fair. b. A member may board their horse on someone else’s property. Grooming and exercise, other than turn-out, must be the responsibility of the member for 30 days prior to qualifying show(s), Fall Fair, and The State 4-H Fair. 7. Member must be enrolled in specific project by April 1 in order to compete. Members can compete only in project areas in which they are enrolled. A photo ID add sheet of the member’s 4-H horse project(s), in addition to a parental release, in order to participate in county events must be postmarked by April 1st. The State Fair Qualifying committee may require an earlier enrollment and horse ID form submis- sion deadline for members hoping to qualify for State Fair. Date will be published an- nually at least 1 month in advance of deadline. 8. All members are required to wear ASTM/SEI approved when riding or driving in any 4-H sponsored activity. In addition, all equestrians (including adults) are strongly encouraged to wear approved helmets at all times when riding or working around horses. 9. Classes other than state qualifying events may be based on skill level rather than age divisions. 10. Green horses (not trained up to performance standards) will be allowed to be ridden in Western Classes with two hands if using a ring or D-snaffle at the County level only. This is provided the leader approves and the horse is considered safe and member can demonstrate control. Western horses over 5 years old ridden in this manner can not qualify for State competition. 11. Members must “qualify” to jump in 4-H classes at the Lincoln County 4-H Fair. Qua- lifying classes will be held at the Summer Sizzler . Additional opportuni- ties to qualify may be scheduled by a Lincoln County 4-H Horse Program Committee in June, July or August. a. Chair of jumping classes or event will determine qualifiers with assistance from judge or clinician and provide list of qualifiers to the Fair 4-H Horse Depart- ment Superintendent. b. Minimum qualifying standards for Fall Fair will be the ability of member and horse to safely complete a course of at least 6 fences at 18” of height. Members must “qualify” to jump 2’ or 2’ 6” respectively to compete at those heights if those divisions are offered.

4 12. Members and their families are responsible for reading and abiding by the rules for events including shows and fairs in which they participate. Fairs and other counties may have rules that are more restrictive than Lincoln County Horse Policy. 13. 4-H Volunteers, members, and their families are strongly encouraged to represent Lincoln County 4-H throughout the Lincoln County Fair including open classes and at any time they are in the “public eye.” This includes modeling polite ethical beha- vior as well as safe horsemanship practices. (i.e. helmets.) 14. 4-H liability and accident insurance and not-for-profit status only protect members and volunteers when State 4-H ethics and policies are followed. 15. A member’s right to compete or participate may be revoked for breach of the Lincoln County 4-H Policy. 16. Chairpersons of county events have the right and responsibility to monitor and en- force the rules of the event.

B. State 4-H Competition See current State Fair premium book for most current rules or additional information.

1. State Performance, Western Games, Harness Driving, Horse Bowl, Horse Judging, Hippology, and Public Presentations (Demonstrations) are limited to Intermediate and Senior members. Groom Squad competition is limited to Seniors only. The National Equine Presentation Contest is limited to one senior entry (individual or team) per county. 2. County quotas are established yearly by the State 4-H Office based on enrollment and previous year’s attendance. 3. Those qualifying for State in Performance and Western Games, Harness Driving, Horse Bowl, Judging, Hippology and Groom Squad, will be chosen as outlined in SECTION V, and will be notified. 4. Contestants can not participate in both Performance and Western Games. 5. Contestants may participate in only two State Fair activities in addition to Demonstra- tion, Information, Talent or Interview activities. 6. Stallions are prohibited. 7. No mares with foals at side are allowed. Mare may go but foal must stay home. 8. The horse used at State must be the same horse on which the exhibitor qualified in both Showmanship and Western Games or Showmanship and Performance or Show- manship and Harness Driving at the County level. 9. State Fair qualifiers shall be required to show at the Lincoln County Fair as a pre- requisite to showing at the State Fair. In the event of illness/injury to horse or rider, a State Fair Qualifier may petition the Lincoln County 4-H Horse Leaders for an excuse from participation at the Lincoln County Fair. The Horse Leaders reserve the right to request a statement from a Veterinarian or Doctor. 10. A 4-H member must prep his/her own animal for use in all classes in accordance with rule book EB1974 4-H Horse Contest Guide (clipping, cleaning, tack, etc.), unless excused by the superintendent and where safety or health is a consideration. 11. Transportation and accommodation arrangements for the member's horse and member are entirely the responsibility of the 4-Her's family.

5 12. Once a qualifier accepts a slot for State Fair, s/he and a parent or guardian of the qualifier must make every effort to attend State Fair. Un-excused cancellation (as determined by the Executive Board and/or rules committee) will result in ineligibility to qualify for the next year’s State Fair Competition a. The chairperson(s) of the County Qualifying Event(s) will notify all 4-H horse members who qualify to attend State Fair. The chairperson will also make a list of alternates (if any) available to all qualifiers. The chairperson will also pro- vide the list of qualifiers and alternates to the Lincoln County State Fair Coordinator. b. If an emergency arises (i.e. injury or illness to horse or member,) it is the re- sponsibility of the member or parent to contact the official Lincoln County State Fair Coordinator or the State Fair Horse Qualifier Chairperson who will notify the alternate (if any) and the State Fair Office. Failure to inform county coordinator of inability to fill slot may result in ineligibility to qualify for the next year’s State Fair competition.

SECTION V STATE 4-H QUALIFYING EVENTS A. State Fair Qualifying events for Performance, Western Games, and Harness Driving will be scheduled during the Summer Sizzler Show in June or July. Horse Leaders reserve the right to drop/schedule/accept additional qualifying events/classes depending on number and needs of participants. 1. Qualifying show(s) shall include Showmanship, Performance Classes, Western Games and Harness Driving. All Lincoln County members meeting enrollment and ownership requirements may participate but only Intermediate and Senior members are eligible to qualify to compete at the State 4-H Fair. 2. Contesting members must be enrolled in the appropriate horse project for the year. First year 4-H horse project members are not eligible to qualify for the State 4-H Fair. 3. Qualifiers must own/lease and care for their horse 90 days prior to this event. (See IV,A,6) 4. Contestants will compete by grade: Intermediate 6-8th; Senior 9th-19 years. Use st grade you are in on January 1 of the current 4-H year (October 1 to September 30.) 5. A member must use the same horse to qualify in Showmanship and Performance OR Showmanship and Western Games OR Showmanship and Harness Driving. Individu- als with the best point total in Showmanship and their best three Performance OR Showmanship and their best three Western Games classes, or Showmanship and their best three Harness Driving classes will be selected for State Competition. a. Performance Classes will include: Bareback , Stockseat Equitation, English Equitation, Western Horsemanship Class, , and Equitation Over Fences. 1. Qualifying class for Equitation Over Fences Class, if held, will include jumps at 2’ 6” for Intermediates and 3’ for Seniors. 2. Performance qualifiers must earn a blue ribbon in Equitation Over Fences Class at appropriate height to count for qualifying points and to enter State Fair Equitation Over Fences Class.

6 b. Western Games Classes will include: Keyhole, , Figure 8 Stakes Race, Texas Barrel Race, Two Barrel Flag Race, and International Flags. c. Harness Driving: Reinsmanship, Precision Driving, and Open . 6. Each contestant will receive points according to their placement in each class. Con- testants must receive at least one blue and red or blue ribbons in the three perfor- mance or games classes and Showmanship used to qualify for State Fair. The scores will be calculated by the State Horse Qualifying Committee. See Section V-A-10.

Point System The number of participants in Showmanship will determine the points possible for Showmanship, Performance, AND Games classes in each section/age group.

Examples Sr. Classes/Games Intermediate Classes/Games 14 youth in Showmanship 7 youth in Showmanship 1st blue will = 3.14 1st blue will = 3.07 2nd blue will = 3.13 2nd blue will = 3.06 etc. etc. 1st red will = 2.14 1st red will = 2.07 2nd red will = 2.13 2nd red will = 2.06 etc. etc. Blue placings will receive 3.xx points, red placings will receive 2.xx points. The decimal system, determined by the total youth in the Showmanship class, will help limit ties. White placings will NOT be counted in scores.

7. All horse members trying to qualify for any State Horse Performance, Harness Driv- ing, or Games competition must submit their current record book and permanent record to the Qualifying Show Committee by 9:00 a.m., Saturday or Sunday of the Summer Sizzler Show, depending on which day the member is trying to qualify for State. a. The Qualifying Show Committee is responsible for selecting one or more record book judges as needed. b. The Calendar and Project Journal must be complete through the month previous to the qualifying event. c. Completed Project Highlights, Financial Summary, and 4-H Story are not re- quired and will not be considered in scoring - however a beginning of the year inventory should be included in the financial summary or add sheet. The 4-H #42-A “4-H Record Book Evaluation - Level 2 Form” will be used as a basis for scoring all entries. d. A minimum score of 80% of the best possible score is required to qualify for State Horse Performance, Harness Driving or Games Events. e. Record book scores will be used to break a tie among best-scored individuals. If there is still a tie after record book scoring – then the best Showmanship score will determine ranking. If there is still a tie, then see 9.a. below. f. Record books will be returned at the earliest possible date, or no later than two weeks following the Summer Sizzler Show. g. If no one is qualifying for State Fair at Summer Sizzler, the show committee reserves the right to cancel or modify class list because of weather related or participation issues.

7 8. The number of individuals selected to represent the County at the State Fair can not exceed the quota established by the State Fair. a. If there are suitable candidates, alternates will be selected. Alternates will be no- tified in the event that a qualifier is unable to attend. b. The Horse Qualifying Show Chairperson may restrict qualifiers to fewer than the State quota if the Summer Sizzler Show participation is low and/or inexpe- rienced. To restrict qualification, the Chairperson and Judge must concur that safety would be a challenge for ribbon placers to move on to the State level competition. 9. In a given year, if more than one opportunity is approved as a Performance, Harness Driving, or Games Qualifying Event, then the best score from either event will be used for those who participate at both shows. a. If there is still a tie after record book scores and Showmanship scores are consi- dered, then answers to a set of general horsemanship questions or a “situation” will be used to determine placing. 1. All possible tied contestants will be notified prior to the Lincoln County 4-H Horse Program meeting following the Summer Sizzler Show. Potential Qualifiers should be prepared for very short notice and be prepared to at- tend the Horse Program meeting. 2. The written questions or “situation”, determined in advance by the Horse Performance/Games Qualifying committee, will be given to each tied con- testant. Contestants will then be allowed 20 minutes to prepare the answers to the questions. 3. Each contestant will then be given 7 minutes to present his or her answers to the attendees of the Horse Program meeting, two of whom will be offi- cial judges. Scoring will be based 60% on content and accuracy of answers and 40% on presentation. 10. Eligible Performance, Harness Driving, or Western Games contestants will be noti- fied of their State Fair qualification status no later than 2 weeks after their qualify- ing show(s). a. The Performance/Games/Harness Driving Qualifying Committee will determine final Qualifiers and Alternates based on the scores from the show(s) and if ne- cessary the record book scores and presentation of answers to horsemanship questions or “situation.” b. There will be no official announcement of Qualifiers and Alternates prior to no- tice provided to contestants no later than 2 weeks following the Summer Sizzler Qualifying Show.

B. Groom Squad, Horse Bowl, Horse Judging, Hippology, - will be scheduled County Con- tests if interest and volunteer coordinators are available. 1. Groom Squad Contest - Any interested Junior, Intermediate, or Senior horse member may participate in the groom squad contest. Teams of 3 will be grouped to compete at a County Contest. One team of 3 Seniors will be selected to represent Lincoln County at the State Fair. Purpose - The purpose of this contest is to provide Horse members an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to work together to groom and prepare a horse for show.

8 2. Horse Bowl Contest - Any interested Primary, Junior, Intermediate, or Senior horse member may participate in Horse Bowl workshop sessions throughout the year. Teams will be chosen, best 4 individual scores for Senior team and/or 4 individual scores for Intermediate to represent Lincoln County at State Competition. County participation open to Primary, Jr., Int., and Sr. members. Rehearsals to be announced related to interest. Purpose - The purpose of this contest is to provide an opportunity for members to demonstrate their knowledge of Equine related subject matter on a competitive bowl team where friendliness and fairness prevail- an educational experience for specta- tors as well. Rules & Guidelines - S.F. #62 - WA State Fair 4-H Rules 3. Horse Judging Contest - Any member interested in judging at the state level should contact the Lincoln County 4-H Horse Leaders by April 1. If Individuals have the opportunity to judge at three contests, then their two top scores will be considered. Members who judge in another county’s contest are responsible for providing offi- cial scores and placing to the Lincoln County State Fair Coordinator. The scores at each contest will be averaged, in case one contest has more classes than another. Se- nior individuals and Intermediate individuals will compete for best Senior team, best Intermediate team for State: County Contest open to Junior, Intermediate, and Senior members. (Refer to State Fair Premium Book for quota.) a. Written and oral reasons may be required. b. Additional classes in applied interest areas may be incorporated as well. (hay, grain, knots, etc.) Purpose - The purpose of this contest is to provide an opportunity for members to demonstrate their "eye for" and knowledge of good horse conformation, per- formance, and equitation while developing the life skill of decision making. Rules & Guidelines - EM4647 - Learning Through 4-H Judging. 4. Hippology Contest - will be provided if there is sufficient interest and volunteers. County participation is open to Junior, Intermediate, and Senior members. State Hippology Competition is open to one Intermediate and one Senior team (3 or 4 members) from each county. Date of competition, rules and contest descriptions are available from the State 4-H Office in Puyallup. Purpose - The primary objectives are to provide, in a friendly but competitive set- ting, an opportunity for youth enrolled in 4-H to demonstrate the breadth of their knowledge and understanding of equine science and management, and in particular, the practical application of this knowledge and skill. The competition includes a written examination phase, identification or station phase (skill-a-thon), judging phase, and team problem/situation solving phase.

9 SECTION VI HORSE AWARD PROGRAMS

A. Completion - Each year a 4-H member may earn a pin or other reward recognizing his/her year of project work. Year pins or other completion awards may be sponsored and presented annually by individual clubs. The Horse Leaders Committee expects every 4-H member to keep records on his/her year’s project. Each club and its leaders may determine what degree records must be kept and what in addition is expected of members to earn recognition for completion of a project.

B. Additional Recognition may be sponsored by the Lincoln County 4-H Horse Leaders. 1. Possibilities for awards include but are not limited to project accomplishment, leader- ship, outstanding horsemanship, or 4-H Spirit Awards. 2. Recognition on a countywide basis will be determined by interest and availability of volunteers to serve on a Recognition Committee. a. The Recognition Committee will determine criteria, process, and type or method of award. b. Budget for awards must be approved at a regular Lincoln County 4-H Horse Pro- gram meeting.

C. State-National Awards - Outstanding County 4-H’ers have opportunities to try for state- national awards, trips, and scholarships. 1. Senior members interested in state and national trips and recognition should contact their leader and the Extension Office for current information before January 15 of the 4-H year. 2. Group leaders should encourage exceptional Senior 4-H members to apply for state and national opportunities.

D. Educational Grant - The Lincoln County 4-H Horse Leaders have established an education- al grant to recognize one or more graduating seniors who have been active participants in the Lincoln County 4-H Horse Program. For criteria, process, application and method of grant selection, please contact a member of the Lincoln County Horse Program Grant Committee or the WSU Extension Office.

10 SECTION VII - POLICY AMENDMENTS OR REVISIONS

A. Suggestions for revision or amendments to the Horse Program Policy may be submitted in writing to the Policy Committee at the May and August Horse Program meetings. 1. The Policy Committee will consist of a minimum of two members. 2. The Policy Committee will present a draft of the revised or amended policy at the September Lincoln County Horse Program meeting. Prior to the October meeting, a draft will also be sent via e-mail and regular mail, one per family, to all enrolled 4-H Horse Leaders and members who did not attend the September meeting. 3. A specific brief amount of time will be allotted for discussion of Policy on the October meeting agenda. The Policy Committee will incorporate any changes agreed upon through consensus of the participants at the October Meeting. Other suggestions will be discussed and considered in committee prior to distribution in a final draft to all enrolled 4-H Horse leaders and members (one per family) a minimum of one week prior to the November Meeting. 4. Amendments or revision of the Policy may be passed by a majority vote at the November meeting. a. If the Policy as submitted fails to pass - provision may be made to vote for each main section of the Policy. b. Sections not passed by a majority vote must wait till the following fall to be re-addressed.

B. Suggestions for the Lincoln County Fair Board for Fair Rules or other fair grounds issues may be discussed and presented at a Lincoln County Horse Program meeting provid- ing the opportunity for discussion is listed on the agenda and distributed at least two weeks prior to the meeting. An Ad Hoc committee may be formed if necessary. 1. If approved by a majority of those in attendance, the liaison(s) to the Fair Board will present the suggestions in person and in writing at the next Lincoln County Fair Board meeting. 2. The liaison(s) will request that the Fair Board return a written response to the Secre- tary of the Lincoln County 4-H Horse Leaders.

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