DEPT 6 – HORSES & PONIES

PURPOSE OF THE COMMITTEE

The St. Croix County 4-H Youth Horse Committee is designed to plan, promote and execute educational programs to Project Members by offering a variety of informational and training clinics.  The Horse Project is open to members of organized youth organizations (4-H, FFA, Girl/Boy Scouts, YMCA, etc.) who are interested in learning about horses.  We welcome adult participation as a committee member.

The St. Croix County 4-H Youth Horse Committee members are a group of unpaid volunteers committed to providing our Project Members a variety of activities to help them find answers to horse related questions and/or problems.  We also provide opportunities throughout the project year, for our members to attend a number of project sponsored clinics, events, and shows.  They include, but are not limited to, such topics as Showmanship, Western, English, Hunter/Jumper, Trail Class and Trail Riding, Gymkhana, Driving, and Dressage.

PROGRAM GUIDELINES

CLINIC REQUIREMENTS - Clinics provide an important training and practice sessions for you and your horse.  It is recommended that you attend as many clinics as possible.  In order to show your horse at any of the County Fair Horse Shows, 4-H District Shows, and/or 4-H State Shows, a horse project member must attend a “minimum” of four (4) approved clinics per Horse/Rider combination.  No less than two (2) of the clinics attended must be riding clinics and must be attended with the horse that will be exhibited at the County Fair Horse Show.  We suggest attending more than the minimum requirement.  Completion of clinic requirements must be prior to July 15^th or the project member will not be allowed to show at the County Fair Horse Show.  No exceptions !!!

Example:  If you want to exhibit two (2) horses at the County Fair, you will need to attend a minimum of six (6) clinics, and of those you must have a minimum of four (4) riding clinics … two (2) with each horse.  This example would also work if you want to “qualify” more than one (1) horse for the County Fair.

Example:  Exhibitors of the same family showing the same horse … you cannot share that horse during a specific clinic and both get credit for that clinic.  Remember the clinic requirements are for each “Horse/Rider” combination.

APPROVED CLINICS and/or SHOWS – Only clinics and/or shows listed on the “Approved List” that is handed out at the Kick-Off Meeting will qualify.  Participation in a recognized or sanctioned Show may not  be substituted for an approved clinic and/or Show unless listed on the “Approved List” that is handed out at the Kick-Off Meeting. There will be no exceptions!  Attendance at the Kick-Off Meeting does count as an approved clinic and/or show. 

CLINIC FEES - $20.00 per project member.  This fee must be paid before a project member will be allowed to participate in any clinics.

PAYMENT/WAIVER RECEIPT – At the Kick-Off Meeting, you will be required to sign a “Release and Waiver” form along with paying your clinic fees.  Upon receipt of this documentation, a Committee Member will give you a “signed” Payment/Waiver Receipt that must be brought to any and all Project clinics, shows, and/or events.

CLINIC PARTICIPATION DOCUMENTATION – At each sponsored event, the Clinician will require to see your Original Coggins papers and Payment/Waiver Receipt prior to allowing your participation in the clinic and/or show.  At that time, they will also take your name and horses name (if applicable) and enter it onto their log.  At the end of the sponsored event, you and your responsible adult are required to initial the Clinician’s log acknowledging participation.  The Clinician will turn these into the committee.

VOLUNTEER TIME – The success of the Horse Project relies on the active participation of all members and their family’s support.  It cannot depend on the committee only to handle all the necessary duties and responsibilities that go along with the program.  Each project member and adult sponsor are required to complete a minimum of 2 hours each of volunteer time per program year.  There will be a sign-up sheet at the Kick Off meeting.

CODE OF CONDUCT and BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS -  You are intelligent, responsible, and sufficiently mature to conduct yourselves in an appropriate manner at all times.  You are expected to respect the rights of others.  It is important to behave in a manner that reflects positively on all members.  When participating in any 4-H activity, you are expected to adhere to the CODE OF CONDUCT/BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS as outlined in the fair book.

HEALTH REQUIRMENTS

All animals exhibiting at the fair must be free of any contagious, infections, or communicable disease.

Equine animals originating from within Wisconsin:  All equine animals shall be accompanied by documentation of a negative EIA test conducted within the current calendar year and which clearly identifies the equine by registration number, lip tattoos or freeze brand, or a complete description of the equine.  Documentation must either be an original laboratory report VS 10-11 or a certificate of veterinary inspection with the negative EIA results listed.

Equine animals originating from outside Wisconsin:  All equine animals shall be accompanied by a certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) and have been tested negative for equine infectious anemia (EIA) within the current calendar year.  The certificate must clearly identify the equine by a registration number, lip tattoo or freeze brand, or a complete description of the equine animal.  Equines from Minnesota are exempt from the CVI requirement if all of the following apply:  1) Ownership does not change while the animal is in this state; 2) the animal remains in this state for no more than 7 days; and 3) the animal is accompanied by a report of a negative equine infectious anemia test from the current calendar year. 

1. All horses over three months of age MUST BE VACCINATED within the last twelve months and at least two weeks prior to the fair for:

·       Eastern and Western Encephalomyelitis

·       Influenza

·       Tetanus

1. Equine exhibitors are encouraged to have their horses vaccinated for the following diseases.  Please consult your veterinarian for their recommendation in your local area.

·       Strangles

·       Equine Rhinopneumonitis

·       Rabies

·       West Niles virus

·       Potomac Horse Fever

1. All horses will be examined upon their arrival to the fair by a designated member of the St. Croix County 4-H Youth Horse Project Committee.  Any horse exhibiting possible signs of disease will be examined by the fair veterinarian before the horse enters a stall.   All horses stalled at the fair will be examined by the fair veterinarian on the first day of the fair.  Any horse determined by the fair veterinarian to be exhibiting signs of contagious, infectious, or communicable disease will be required to leave the fairgrounds.
2. The St. Croix County 4-H Youth Horse Project Committee reserves the right to make decisions for emergency treatment of any animal, if necessary, when the owner cannot be immediately contacted.

GENERAL RULES

1. PROJECT ANIMAL –The date for all horse project members to have managerial care of their animal is May 15.  Only the project member may ride the project animal while attending a project event (only exception is the parent class during the fun show).  Horseless Horse project members have until June 1^st.
2. EXHIBITORS MAY EXHIBIT UP TO “2” ANIMALS and the horse must be at least two years of age by January 1 of the current year.  No stallions may be exhibited.  Exhibitors of the same family may show the same horse provided the horse is only shown once in a specific class.  The only exceptions being Class J – Trail Class and Class P - Dressage.
3. PONIES / LIGHT HORSES - Ponies are Shetland, Welsh, POA and similar breeds – 56” and under at the withers.  Light horses are over 56” at the withers.  Draft horses are Belgians, Clydesdales, Percherons and similar breeds.  No state aids are available for separate draft horse classes.
4. HELMETS & BOOTS – project members riding a horse at a project sponsored event MUST wear an SEI approved helmet with chin strap fastened and a boot with a minimum ½” cut out heel whenever mounted.  The helmet rule is a state rule and there are NO EXCEPTIONS!!!  This helmet and boot rule also includes adults during the parent class at the Fun Show.
5. EQUIPMENT  - Whenever a horse is being ridden, it must be saddled and bridled (bit or hackamore).  The only exception to this rule is when the exhibitor is participating in (not practicing) Bareback Equitation or Costume Class.
6. COGGINS TEST  - All horses must have a current negative Coggins test.  The original Coggins test results must be presented at each activity involving the horse.  A copy of the negative Coggins test result must be submitted to the Horse Committee for their records no later than July 1^st of each year. 

No horse will be allowed to participate at a clinic or show without a negative Coggins test.  Coggins test results are valid for the calendar year.

1. Current class rules and state dress code will be followed.  Request a copy from the 4-H office.
2. Show committee reserves the right to split or combine classes depending on class size.
3. No post entries will be accepted the day of the show.  Classes may be scratched the day of the show with the show secretary.
4. Uncontrollable or lame horses will be asked to leave the ring at the judge’s discretion.
5. Horse project members are encouraged to stall horses at the fair.


6. 4-H Members Only – It is considered a privilege to represent your county at a State or District 4-H event.  All red and blue winners in qualifying classes are eligible for the District Show.  All blue ribbon winners in qualifying classes, grades 6-13, are eligible for the State Show.  To participate in State events, a 4-H youth must be a member in good standing at the county level, as certified by a signature of a horse project leader and the county UWEX agent.  Application forms will be available at the Kick Off meeting and County Fair Show.  Please be aware of Entry Form deadlines.
7. Qualifying classes for the District and State Horse Shows are:  Showmanship, English Equitation, English Pleasure, Stock Seat Equitation, Western Pleasure, Trail.  Driving is also a qualifying class for State, but is an Open Class for District.
8. Novice Classes are entry level classes set up for beginning riders and/or inexperienced horses.  They are walk/trot only classes.  The lope/canter will not be performed.  Exhibitors in the Novice area may not enter another lot # in that class, are not eligible for the Grand Championship Classes, and do not qualify for District or State Shows.
9. Horseless Horse Exhibitors who are registered in 4-H and earn a red or blue ribbon in qualifying classes are eligible for Horseless Horse Classes at the District 4-H Show.  All Horseless Horse exhibitors registered in 4-H and in grades 6-13 and earn a blue ribbon in qualifying classes are eligible for the State Show.
10. Explorers – There is no special class for Explorers.  Explorers are allowed to participate in the horse project, in the appropriate grade level.
11. Exhibitors are to ride their horses in designated areas at times supervised/approved by the Horse Committee.

PREMIUM AND RIBBON GUIDELINES

Premium Classes – Danish Placing System:                        Maximum Premiums Paid              $8.00 - $7.00 - $6.00 - $5.00

                                                                                                                                    Horseless Horse Premiums Paid  $3.50 - $3.00 - $2.50 - $2.00

            Showmanship at Halter                         English Equitation                                    Stock Seat Equitation

Non-Premium Classes – Danish Placing System - No premiums paid:

            English Pleasure                                                Dressage                                                            Novice Classes

            Western Pleasure                                                Trail                                                                        Walk-Trot Classes

Non-Premium Classes – Ribbon Classes – Placings 1-6:

            Costume Class                                                Game Classes (Gymkhana)            Pleasure Driving

            Western Riding                                                Bareback Equitation                                    Hunter/Jumper

Note:  Non-premium list classes do not require an Ag Dept accredited judge and may judge at the discretion of the county Youth Horse Committee

CLASS A – SHOWMANSHIP – Danish (Premium, except Novice group)

Lot No.

1.     Horse or Pony, Exhibitor Grade 12-13

2.     Horse or Pony, Exhibitor Grade 11

3.     Horse or Pony, Exhibitor Grade 10

4.     Horse or Pony, Exhibitor Grade 9

5.     Horse or Pony, Exhibitor Grade 8

6.     Horse or Pony, Exhibitor Grade 7

7.     Horse or Pony, Exhibitor Grade 6

8.     Horse or Pony, Exhibitor Grade 5

9.     Horse or Pony, Exhibitor Grade 3-4

Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion will be selected from the Blue Ribbon Winners from Lots 1 through 9

10.   Draft Horse, Exhibitor 3^rd Grade & Over (Judged on Saturday, during the Open Class Draft Horse Show)

11.  Horse or Pony, Novice Class, Exhibitor 3^rd Grade and Over

CLASS B – ENGLISH EQUITATION – Danish (Premium, except Novice group)

Lot No.

1.  Horse or Pony, Exhibitor Grade 12-13

2.  Horse or Pony, Exhibitor Grade 11

3.  Horse or Pony, Exhibitor Grade 10

4.  Horse or Pony, Exhibitor Grade 9

5.  Horse or Pony, Exhibitor Grade 8

6.  Horse or Pony, Exhibitor Grade 7

7.  Horse or Pony, Exhibitor Grade 6

8.  Horse or Pony, Exhibitor Grade 5

9.  Horse or Pony, Exhibitor Grade 3- 4

Grand Champion & Reserve Grand Champion will be selected from the Blue Ribbon Winners from Lots 1 - 9

10. Horse or Pony, Novice Class, Exhibitor 3^rd Grade and Over, Walk/Trot only

CLASS C – ENGLISH PLEASURE – Danish (Non-Premium)

Lot No.

1.  Horse, Exhibitor Grade 12-13

2.  Horse, Exhibitor Grade 11

3.  Horse, Exhibitor Grade 10

4.  Horse, Exhibitor Grade 9

5.  Horse, Exhibitor Grade 8

6.  Horse, Exhibitor Grade 7

7.  Horse, Exhibitor Grade 6

8.  Horse, Exhibitor Grade 5

9.  Horse, Exhibitor Grade 3- 4

10. Pony, Exhibitor Grades 7-13

11.  Pony, Exhibitor Grades 3-6

12.  Horse or Pony, Novice Class, Exhibitors 3^rd Grade and Over, Walk-Trot only

CLASS D – STOCK SEAT EQUITATION – Danish  (Premium, except Novice group)

Lot No.

1.  Horse or Pony, Exhibitor Grade 12-13

2.  Horse or Pony, Exhibitor Grade 11

3.  Horse or Pony, Exhibitor Grade 10

4.  Horse or Pony, Exhibitor Grade 9

5.  Horse or Pony, Exhibitor Grade 8

6.  Horse or Pony, Exhibitor Grade 7

7.  Horse or Pony, Exhibitor Grade 6

8.  Horse or Pony, Exhibitor Grade 5

9.  Horse or Pony, Exhibitor Grade 3- 4

Grand Champion & Reserve Grand Champion will be selected from the Blue Ribbon Winners from Lots 1 - 9

10. Horse or Pony, Novice Class, Exhibitor 3^rd Grade and Over, Talk-Trot only

CLASS E – WESTERN PLEASURE – Danish (Non-Premium)

Lot No.

1.  Horse, Exhibitor Grade 12-13

2.  Horse, Exhibitor Grade 11

3.  Horse, Exhibitor Grade 10

4.  Horse, Exhibitor Grade 9

5.  Horse, Exhibitor Grade 8

6.  Horse, Exhibitor Grade 7

7.  Horse, Exhibitor Grade 6

8.  Horse, Exhibitor Grade 5

9.  Horse, Exhibitor Grade 3- 4

10. Pony, Exhibitor Grades 7-13

11.  Pony, Exhibitor Grades 3-6

12.  Horse or Pony, Novice Class, Exhibitors 3^rd Grade and Over, Walk-Trot only

CLASS F – PLEASURE DRIVING  (Ribbons 1-6 Places)

1.  Horse and Pony, Exhibitor 3^rd Grade & Over

2.  Draft horse, Exhibitor 3^rd Grade & Over (Judged on Saturday, during the Open Class Draft Horse Show)

CLASS G – WESTERN RIDING (Ribbons 1-6 Places)

1.  Exhibitors 6^th Grade and Over

CLASS H – BAREBACK EQUITATION (Ribbons 1-6 Places)

1.     Exhibitors 6^th Grade and Over

CLASS I – COSTUME CLASS (Ribbons 1-6 Places)

1.  Exhibitors 3^rd Grade and Over

CLASS J – TRAIL CLASS – Danish (Non Premium

1.  Exhibitors Grades 3 – 5

2.  Exhibitors Grades 6 – 8

3.  Exhibitors Grade 9 and Over

CLASS K – BRIBE-A-HORSE (Ribbons 1-6 Places)

1.     Exhibitors Grade 3 – 5

4-H GYMKHANA “GAME” CLASSES

• St. Croix County Game Show will be held on Friday beginning at 12:00 Noon
• Age breaks will be – Grades 3-4; Grades 5-6; Grades 7-8; and 9^th Grade and Over
• 4-H participants are eligible for District & State Competition (contact show committee for details)

CLASS L – (Ribbons 1-6 Places)

1.   Egg and Spoon, Exhibitors Grades 3-4

2.     Egg and Spoon, Exhibitors Grades 5-6

3.     Egg and Spoon, Exhibitors Grades 7-8

4.     Egg and Spoon, Exhibitors Grades 9 and Over

CLASS M – (Ribbons 1-6 Places)

1.     Cloverleaf Barrels, Exhibitors Grades 3-4

2.     Cloverleaf Barrels, Exhibitors Grades 5-6

3.     Cloverleaf Barrels, Exhibitors Grades 7-8

4.     Cloverleaf Barrels, Exhibitors Grades 9 and Over

CLASS N – (Ribbons 1-6 Places)

1.     Pole Bending, Exhibitors Grades 3-4

2.     Pole Bending, Exhibitors Grades 5-6

3.     Pole Bending, Exhibitors Grades 7-8

4.     Pole Bending, Exhibitors Grades 9 and Over

5.      

CLASS O – (Ribbons 1-6 Places)

1.     Key Race, Exhibitors Grades 3-4

2.     Key Race, Exhibitors Grades 5-6

3.     Key Race, Exhibitors Grades 7-8

4.     Key Race, Exhibitors Grades 9 and Over

5.      

CLASS P – (Ribbons 1-6 Places)

1.   Speed and Action, Exhibitors Grades 3-4

2.     Speed and Action, Exhibitors Grades 5-6

3.     Speed and Action, Exhibitors Grades 7-8

4.     Speed and Action, Exhibitors Grades 9 and Over

CLASS Q – (Ribbons 1-6 Places)

1.  Flag Race, Exhibitors Grades 3-4

2.  Flag Race, Exhibitors Grades 5-6

3.  Flag Race, Exhibitors Grades 7-8

4.  Flag Race, Exhibitors Grades 9 and Over

CLASS R – (Ribbons 1-6 Places)

1.     LT Special, Exhibitors Grades 3-4

2.     LT Special, Exhibitors Grades 5-6

3.     LT Special, Exhibitors Grades 7-8

4.     LT Special, Exhibitors Grades 9 and Over

CLASS S – (Ribbons 1-6 Places)

1.  Plug Race, Exhibitors Grades 3-4

2.  Plug Race, Exhibitors Grades 5-6

3.  Plug Race, Exhibitors Grades 7-8

4.  Plug Race, Exhibitors Grades 9 and Over

CLASS T – DRESSAGE (Danish – non premium)

• St. Croix County 4-H Dressage Show will be held on Saturday at 9:00 am
• Each horse/rider may enter only 2 lot numbers
• The lot numbers entered, must be consecutive tests (Example:  Intro-Test A and Intro-Test B, or Intro-Test B and Training Test 1, etc.)
• USDF rules will be followed with an exception to attire.  These rules will be outlined in the Horse Project Booklet
• 4-H participants, grades 6-13, are eligible for the State Hunt/Dressage Show which is held in June (prior to the county fair show).  Contact show committee for eligibility requirements.

Lot No.

1.     USDF Intro-Test A, Exhibitors Grades 3-5

2.     USDF Intro-Test A, Exhibitors Grades 6-8

3.     USDF Intro-Test A, Exhibitors Grades 9-13

4.     USDF Intro-Test B, Exhibitors Grades 3-5

5.     USDF Intro-Test B, Exhibitors Grades 6-8

6.     USDF Intro-Test B, Exhibitors Grades 9-13

7.     USDF Training Test 1, Exhibitors Grades 3-5

8.     USDF Training Test 1, Exhibitors Grades 6-8

9.     USDF Training Test 1, Exhibitors Grades 9-13

10.  USDF Training Test 2, Exhibitors Grades 3-5

11.  USDF Training Test 2, Exhibitors Grades 6-8

12.  USDF Training Test 2, Exhibitors Grades 9-13

13.  USDF Training Test 3, Exhibitors Grades 3-5

14.  USDF Training Test 3, Exhibitors Grades 6-8

15.  USDF Training Test 3, Exhibitors Grades 9-13

16.  USDF 1^st Level or Above, Test of Choice, Exhibitors Grades 6-13

CLASS U – HUNTER / JUMPER (Danish – non premium)

• St. Croix County 4-H Hunter/Jumper Show will be held on Saturday at 2:00 pm
• Participants must have attended at least one clinic specific to hunter/jumper in that same year to make sure you and horse are qualified for classes.
• Grades might be combined.
• HUNTER is judged on a slower, graceful movement through a series of 6-8 jumps where rider and horse are working together to complete course.
• Hunter is judging the horse.
• Equitation is judging primarily the rider.
• Green Hunter is a horse that is young or new to jumping.
• JUMPER is a timed ride with a series of 6-8 jumps where form of rider is not critical to the placement in class.
•  Jumper is judged on time and completion of course.

Lot No.

1.   Hunter over fences 18” Grades 3-5

2.   Hunter over fences 18” Grades 6-8

3.   Hunter over fences 18” Grades 9-13

4.   Hunter over fences 2’0” ft Grades 3-5

5.   Hunter over fences 2’0” ft Grades 6-8

6.   Hunter over fences 2’0” ft Grades 9-13

7.   Hunter over fences 2’6” Grades 3-5

8.   Hunter over fences 2’6” Grades 6-8

9.   Hunter over fences 2’6” Grades 9-13

10.  Hunter Equitation over Fences 18” Grades 3-5

11.  Hunter Equitation over Fences 18” Grades 6-8

12.  Hunter Equitation over Fences 18” Grades 9-13

13.  Hunter Equitation over fences 2’0” Grades 3-5

14.  Hunter Equitation over fences 2’0” Grades 6-8

15.  Hunter Equitation over fences 2’0” Grades 9-13

16.  Hunter Equitation over fences 2’6” Grades 3-5

17.  Hunter Equitation over fences 2’6” Grades 6-8

18.  Hunter Equitation over fences 2’6” Grades 9-13

19. Green Hunter over flowerboxes/small crossrails 18”

20. Jumper 2’9” must be preapproved at clinic

CLASS V – HORSELESS HORSE (Danish – Premiums)

• The Horseless Horse Project is designed for youth show families that do not own a horse, but would like to learn about horses and participate in the Horseless Horse Classes at the County Fair Show.
• Members must arrange for the use of a horse prior to June 1^st and must follow the same Program Guidelines and General Rules as non-horseless horse project members.
• Horseless Horse project members must have a partner’s / guardian’s, horse owner’s, and club project leader’s approval to participate.  If you are unable to locate a horse that can be used for the project, notify the Horse Committee and they will try to help.
• Horseless Horse project members are also able to attend the District and State Competitions if the requirements for those shows are met.

Lot No.

1.     Horseless Horse Showmanship, Exhibitor Grades 9-13

2.     Horseless Horse Showmanship, Exhibitor Grades 6-8

3.     Horseless Horse Showmanship, Exhibitor Grades 3-5

4.     Horseless Horse Equitation (English or Stock Seat), Exhibitor Grades 9-13, Walk/Trot only

5.     Horseless Horse Equitation (English or Stock Seat), Exhibitor Grades 6-8, Walk/Trot only

6.     Horseless Horse Equitation (English or Stock Seat), Exhibitor Grades 3-5, Walk/Trot only

7.     USDF Intro-Test A, Exhibitor Grades 9-13

8.     USDF Intro-Test A, Exhibitor Grades 6-8

9.     USDF Intro-Test A, Exhibitor Grades 3-5

10.  USDF Intro-Test B, Exhibitor Grades 9-13

11.  USDF Intro-Test B, Exhibitor Grades 6-8

12.  USDF Intro-Test B, Exhibitor Grades 3-5