Activities

Once enrolled in the horse project, there are many activities that you can participate in.

Activities requiring a horse:

Drill Team

Drill Team is a group of riders working in unison to create a dance on horseback. The musical routines are done at a walk, trot or canter and performed to songs selected by the team where the entire arena becomes a dance floor. The routines can be a short program, 5 - 6 minutes or a long program, 9 - 12 minutes. This performance is a series of patterns or maneuvers choreographed into a full routine.

For more information, please contact Sue Brunett.

 

Ride 4 Fun

Ride 4 Fun is based on a similiar program sponsored by the American Quarter Horse Association, where members record hours spent riding their horse. Any 4-H member enrolled in the Horse Project is eligible to participate in this program.
The program includes three parts:

• Goal Setting
• Record Keeping
• Health Log

Premiums are awarded. Click here for forms.

 

Competitive Trail Riding

CTR is not a race, but competitors cover a marked course in a given period of time. Before heading out on the trail, the horse's pulse, temperature and respiratory rate is measured and recorded. The horse and rider are then given a map and specific time range in which to return by. For example, they may be given a map for a 10 mile ride and are instructed to return no sooner than 3 hours but no later than 3 1/2 hours. Upon completion of the ride, the horse's pulse, temperature and respiratory rate are measured again. The horse whose vitals return to normal first is the horse that wins. This competition is based solely on the fitness level of your horse. So if you love trail riding, love riding your horse A LOT, and want to learn about fitness and endurance, then CTR might be for you. If you have any questions or are interested in more information, please contact Lorrie & Gene Schriefer.

 

Clinics and Horse Shows

At the end of the year the Iowa County Horse Project organizes and runs a horse show for all project members. This show usually takes place the weekend prior to the Iowa County Fair. There is a wide variety of classes offered such as Western & English Pleasure, English Equitation, Western Horsemanship, Showmanship, Driving and Trail Class, to name a few. Although not required, showing is encouraged as premiums are awarded. For those that prefer not to show, the Ride 4 Fun program also offers premiums.

To prepare for the horse show, the equine board meets on a monthly basis and organizes clinics throughout the year. These clinics are designed to help riders prepare for the show with the help of qualified instructors/clinicians.

For a clinic schedule, please refer to the Calendar. Any other questions, please contact the ICHP.

Activities that do not require a horse:

Competitive Judging Team

The newest addition to the Horse Project is the Competitive Judging Team. Being a member of a competitive judging team strengthens analytical, communication and decision making skills. One also develops personal confidence, perseverance and dedication and has the opportunity to learn the importance of teamwork on a winning team.

Most competitive horse judging contests consist of several classes including halter and performance. Contestants are required to place classes of 4 horses and defend their placings in a short and concise set of oral reasons.

So if you have any interest in learning more about joining the competitive judging team, please contact the ICHP.

 

Horse Bowl

Horse Bowl is an educational project in which 4-Hers work in teams to best answer any given questions. Participants enhance their study skills by using selected reference materials. Topics include equine anatomy, conformation, feed and nutrition, evolution, breed characteristics, reproduction, horse management, way-of-going, tack and equipment, styles of riding and the exhibition of horses. The knowledge and skills gained in the participation of horse bowl are carried on to all other aspects of the project such as competitive judging and possibly into the career or work field

If you enjoy question and answer games and would like to know more about horse bowl, please contact Lorrie & Gene Schriefer.