Learning about, and riding, horses are on a continuum of advanced
abilities and risks.
1- Basic safety knowledge is important to learn. Interacting
with horses is a higher degree of risk.
2- Being able to safely get a horse to respond to cues in a
way to do things together is an even greater risk and a greater
degree of safety is required.
3- Lastly, adding any other “3rd party” to the mix of a horse
and rider team, greatly exaggerates the need for a safe working
relationship between horse and rider. Trail obstacles, rope, higher
speeds, jumping, etc.
State Horse Project Background
• During the 2007-2008 4-H year, five counties piloted a new
horse safety certification program.
– (Uinta, Sublette, Johnson, Carbon, Sheridan)
• Input was gathered from 4-H parents, leaders and
extension personnel during the pilot year.
• Results were extremely positive and modifications have
been made to begin state-wide implementation to be fully
completed by September 30, 2009.
• This has resulted in changes to existing procedures and
practices relating to our overall horse educational efforts.
Changes and Implementation
1. New Safety Procedures and Form
2. Creation of horsemanship
achievement program recognizing
skill and knowledge
3. County Fair Management
1. New Safety Procedures and Form
• The safety certification form will replace the
current horse ID.
- Lease agreements not kept by Extension Office
• The certification forms will be kept on file at
the Extension Office.
• The certification will serve as the ID and have
the following information:
•
•
•
•
•
Youth’s name
Horse’s name and ID
Horse’s description
Horse’s breed
Picture of the horse will be attached
SAFETY CERTIFICATION SUMMARY
~ All youth must complete certification process on each
and every horse they will compete with at a 4-H
sponsored or endorse horse event, along with
corresponding endorsements for each horse.
This includes youth who have previously passed the level 1 test.
Section 1 – Completion by youth intending to compete with a horse (Done one time)
Section 2A – Completed by youth that doesn’t intend to ride -for competition classes such as halter and showmanship
Section 2B – Completed by youth intending to ridefor competition classes such as reining, equitation, pleasure, etc.
Section 3 – Specific endorsements for classes involving speed or external items –
for competition classes such as:
TrailSpeed/Cattle- barrels, poles, goat tying, cattle boxing, etc.
Jumping- hunter hack, dressage, etc.
Roping-
Note:
Each section builds on the skill and ability of the
youth and the horse and must be completed in order.
Example: Section 1 must be completed before Section 2A,
which must be completed before section 2B, before anything
in Section 3 can be completed.
BEST PRACTICES
~ Existing horse raters who are identified by the County
4-H Educator are eligible to certify youth upon
completion of a training.
~ A NEW volunteer that has been approved by the County
4-H Educator that has completed training would need
to enter in a mentor relationship with an existing
certifying horse leader in order to be eligible to pass
off youth. Upon working with the certified leader
watching and practices they would be eligible to
certify youth.
~ Counties that participated in the pilot program in
2007-2008 can “grandfather” in members who
completed the certification process that year.
VOLUNTEER LEADERS
If you have been identified by your Extension 4-H
Educator to be a horse leader that will be certifying
youth, you may need the following items:
(Check with your Extension Office as they may provide you with these
items in some type of leader tool kits.)
1. Safety certification forms
2. Youth Horse Safety Cards
3. Youth safety card sleeves
4. Pencils
5. Clip boards
6. Camera (if needed)
STEPS FOR VOLUNTEERS
WHEN CERTIFYING A YOUTH WITH A NEW HORSE
THAT HAS NEVER BEEN CERTIFIED
1. Certify youth using the safety certification form – this could be
done at riding practice or at an organized time if there is not a
certified leader in the club. This is not intended to be a test!
- Be sure to sign date and initial on the appropriate lines for each section.
2. Remind youth/Attach a photo of the horse to the certification
form – or provide one in electronic format to the Extension
Office.
3. Certifying leader will give each youth a Horse Safety Card that
has been filled out or sign the youth’s current card.
4. Turn in certification form into the Extension Office.
Be sure all parts of the form are completed.
STEPS FOR VOLUNTEERS
WHEN CERTIFYING A YOUTH WITH A HORSE THAT
ALREADY HAS SOME CERTIFICATIONS
1. Certify youth using the safety certification form
- Note on the form that previous sections of the form are on file at
the Extension Office. If your not sure what has been passed off, it
would be good to contact the Extension Office to verify with them
what has been completed.
2. Sign the youth’s horse safety card.
3. Turn in the safety certification form into the Extension Office.
BEST PRACTICES
~ One form must be completed for each horse with
which a youth intends to compete.
~ Certification must be completed by a trained,
key horse leader.
-Not a parent
-Not person leasing the horse to the child
~ Form must be completed by entry deadline
of a 4-H sponsored or endorsed competition.
~ Sections build on skill and ability and must be
completed in the order they are listed.
Example: Section 2A must be completed before section 2B can
be completed.
IN THE EXTENSION OFFICE…..
~ Utilize two, 3-ring notebooks to manage the safety
certification forms:
1st notebook- Contains active forms which are
horses currently being used by 4-H members.
2nd notebook- Contains inactive forms for horses
not currently being used by 4-H members.
Note: Horse certification forms stay on file as long as a youth is of 4-H age.
This allows youth who may come back at a later point to still have their and their
horse’s information on file.
~ Additionally, computer can be used for tracking
purposes as needed.
HORSE
SAFETY
CERTIFICATION
DETAILS
SECTION 1
Youth
Section 1
Basics:
• This section will evaluate the youth’s
knowledge of safety when working with any
horse.
• To progress, all parts of Section 1 must be
marked Yes.
• After Section 1 is completed, the youth will
not have to complete it again, even if
certifying another horse.
Section 1
• Educators/Leaders may choose to have youth
demonstrate this knowledge in a variety of ways
–
–
–
–
Skill-a-Thon
Demonstrate on live or stuffed horse
Put labels on tack
Be Creative!
• Youth must do individual work
• Key leaders must sign off on each task completed
Section 1
• The following parts of the horse related to
safety must be identified:
Poll
Muzzle
Flank
Chest
Hoof
Pastern
Section 1
• The following parts of the saddle related to
safety must be identified:
Horn
Cantle
Breast Collar
Stirrup
Front Cinch
Back Cinch
Section 1
• The following parts of the bridle related to
safety must be identified:
Headstall
Throatlatch
Curb Strap
Bit
Section 1
• Show and Explain the safety zones when being
around a horse.
Safe Zone
Safe Zone
Section 1
• Youth should explain two methods of safely
moving around the horse.
1. Walk way out around the horse at a safe
distance as to not be kicked.
2. Place one hand on the horse, and walk behind
while keeping hand on the horse and talking to
it.
3. Always walk behind the horse unless it is crosstied.
Section 1
• Youth will identify and explain safe locations
to tie a horse.
1. Tie to a secure object such as a post.
2. The halter rope should be secured so that the
horse cannot walk up and down the fence,
trailer, etc.
Section 1
• Necessary and appropriate attire needed for
safety when working with and riding horses:
Closed toe boots with a heel and
smooth, hard soles are considered
necessary and appropriate.
SECTION 2
Horse
Section 2A - Groundwork
Basics:
• Section 2A specifically asks youth to
demonstrate safe handling of the horse from
the ground. Evaluation of both the youth’s
knowledge and how safe the horse is to
handle.
• Upon completion of 2A, youth may participate
in halter, liberty, ground obstacles and
showmanship classes.
Section 2A- Groundwork
• Catching the Horse
1. Make sure halter is ready. Keep halter rope from
dragging on the ground.
2. Approach horse at an angle from the left side
near the throatlatch. Talk to the horse while
approaching so it knows you are there.
3. Put the halter rope around the horses neck, near
the ears to keep the horse from leaving.
4. Put the halter on and adjust correctly.
Section 2A- Groundwork
• Leading
1. Stand on the left side near the throatlatch.
2. Push the halter rope forward and walk at the
horse’s throatlatch. Make sure the horse walks
with you. Don’t run ahead or lag behind.
3. Be sure the halter rope is in a figure 8 in the
hand. It should not be looped or coiled in a way
that the hand can be caught if the horse spooks.
Section 2A- Groundwork
• Tying – Should be done twice in order to
pass off.
1. Be sure to find a safe, secure object to tie to.
2. Tie the horse about shoulder height.
3. The rope from the horse to the post should be
about the length of the horse’s neck…not too long
or too short.
4. A proper quick release, or manger knot, must be
used. (It can be found in the Wyoming 4-H Horse Manual.)
Section 2A- Groundwork
• The feet
1. Demonstrate how to correctly pick up a front foot
and demonstrate/explain how to pick up a rear foot
•
•
•
Face the hindquarters of the horse
Put your hand that is closest to the horse, on the shoulder
or hindquarters and run it down the leg
Ask the horse to pick up its foot while squeezing the
tendon or fetlock area.
2. Clean the foot using a hoof pick.
•
•
•
The hoof pick should be in the back pocket while the hoof
is picked up
The hoof should be held in the hand closest to the horse,
while the other hand operates the pick
Be sure to pick away from your body
Section 2A- Groundwork
• Controlling the horse from the ground
1. Safely change sides of the horse
•
While the horse is standing still, move from one side of the
horse to the other safely.
2. Back the horse- (suggested a horse length)
•
Turn and face the horse. Push his nose into his chest and
ask him to back up. Handler should stay at the side in the
safe zone.
3. Turn to face another direction
•
Always turn the horse away from you as to avoid being
stepped on.
4. Trot the horse- (suggested arena length)
•
Be sure to stay at the side in the safe zone.
5. Pass through a latched gate by opening and closing it
•
Youth pass through gate first, followed by the horse.
Section 2B-Riding
Basics:
• This section evaluates the youth’s knowledge of
these safety actions, as well as whether or not
the horse is safe enough for the youth to ride.
• Youth may only complete this section if they have
completed all tasks in Sections 1 and 2A.
• Upon completion of Section 2B, youth may
participate in most horse show events, except
speed events, cattle/roping events, trail, or
jumping events.
Section 2B-Riding
• Correctly change from the halter to the bridle
–
–
–
–
The horse should not be tied during this process
Remove the halter and place around the neck
Then put the bridle on before removing the halter
Bridle adjustment areas to check and explain:
throatlatch, curb strap, bit, etc.
• Clean the back and girth for safe saddling using
the proper grooming equipment
– These are the key areas to ensure there is no dust,
mud, or stickers to keep your horse safe
Section 2B-Riding
• Demonstrate proper saddling and adjustments
– Check saddle blanket for foreign objects.
– Secure front cinch first, then back cinch, then breast
collar.
– Tack should be adjusted for proper fit, including:
placement on back, cinch, back cinch, breast collar
(Many youth will not be physically strong enough to saddle on their own.
However, they should be able to explain how to do it correctly.)
• Explain and adjust equipment for proper fit for
rider and horse: stirrup length, rein length, saddle
size, etc.
Section 2B-Riding
• Show and explain proper mounting and dismounting as
shown in the Wyoming 4-H Horse Manual
– Smaller youth may need help mounting and dismounting, but
they should explain how to do it correctly.
• Controlling the horse
– Ride at a controlled walk in a full circle both directions. Stop the
horse.
– Ride at a controlled trot in a full circle in both directions. Stop
the horse.
– Ride at a controlled lope in a full circle in both directions. Stop
the horse.
– Back the horse while mounted- (suggested a horse length)
– Use direct (plow) rein or in-direct (neck) rein to turn the horse
to the right and left
SECTION 3
Endorsements
SECTION 3
Basics:
• None of this section can be passed off until the youth
has completed sections 1, 2A, and 2B.
• A youth can select which endorsement that they would
like to pass off on each horse. Some horses may only
be passed off for a speed endorsement, while others
may have all four.
• Youth can add additional endorsements for a horse
with the assistance of a trained, key horse leader.
• If a youth adds an additional endorsement, they need
to be sure the 4-H leader initials their Horse Safety
Card and turns in the certification form into the
Extension Office.
SECTION 3 - ROPING
• This endorsement requires the completion of three tasks. It could be
administered with or without the use of cattle.
– Youth must safely swing and throw a loop multiple times (more than 1)
while mounted on their horse that is standing still
– Youth must safely swing and throw a loop multiple times (more than 1)
while mounted on their horse that is moving.
– Youth must safely demonstrate and explain dallying around the saddle
horn.
• 4-H leaders should evaluate proper hand setting and rope handling
techniques to ensure the youth has the knowledge and skills to keep
them in a safe setting while riding and roping.
• This endorsement would enable youth to participate in classes such as
dummy roping, team roping, breakaway, etc.
Specific Roping Skills
• Leaders should look for these specific skills and abilities in
youth that wish to pass the roping endorsement.
– Hold onto the reins and control the horse, while swinging and
throwing the rope
– Coil the rope while holding the reins and controlling the horse
– Demonstrate dallying, while keeping the thumb up, and all
fingers out of the coils and dallies
• Youth who only want to participate in ground, dummy
roping are not required to complete any sections in the
horse certification program as they will not be working with
a horse.
SECTION 3 – SPEED/CATTLE
• This endorsement requires the completion of three tasks. These could
be passed off with or without the use of barrels, poles or goats. Leader
could simply have youth and horse gallop numerous times to the end
of the arena and turn back, gallop to the end of the arena and stop.
– Youth must be able to demonstrate a controlled gallop –which is
normally faster than a lope.
– Youth must be able to repeatedly turn their horse while galloping (this
means more than once).
– Youth must repeatedly demonstrate a controlled stop from a gallop
(this means more than once).
• 4-H leaders should evaluate youth on the control, stopping ability and
body position when completing tasks at a high speed.
• This endorsement would enable youth to participate in classes such as
barrels, poles, goat tying, key hole, cattle boxing, working cow, cutting,
etc.
SECTION 3 - TRAIL
• This endorsement requires the completion of three
tasks. Leaders will need a gate, a bridge, and ground and
weave poles to complete.
• While mounted, a youth must:
– Open, pass through, and close a gate (letting go of gate is
acceptable for safety certification)
– Cross a bridge
– Weave between and cross over poles.
• Leaders are not to judge how well the youth completed
the tasks, simply that their horse completed them in a
safe manner.
SECTION 4 - JUMPING
• This endorsement requires
completion of two tasks.
Leaders will need jumps in
order to complete this endorsement.
the
• Youth must:
– Be able to cue their horse to jump while in motion
– Repeatedly show proper body position of rider while on
horse landing from jumping.
• Leader should not evaluate how well the horse jumps
just that is does in a safe manner, does not refuse
jumping and the youth is able to hold a safe body
position while completing the jumps.
2. Horsemanship Achievement Program
• No more “Levels” program
• The achievement program will be voluntary.
– Assisted with by 4-H horse volunteer
– Self-paced
• Youth will be recognized based on their
achievements in the new program.
• Currently, this is in the development stage by
Gary Grubb and George Howard and will be
available in the future.
3. County Fair Management
~
Multiple riders competing with the same horse is a
common practice in association sponsored horse
shows. In order to facilitate a smooth running
show – show management should have in place
guidelines on to how to facilitate this practice.
It is critical that these guidelines are
communicated to participants prior to the date
of show, so the 4-H members know the
consequences for the choices they make when
entering classes.
MANGEMENT SUGGESTIONS FOR FAIRS
~ Show
management could:
1. Place rules on class eligibility-- such as the
number of times a horse can be used in a
particular class, event, or age group.
2. A more positive spin would be to arrange
facilities, judges, time, dates, etc. with
guidelines to facilitate the operation of
the show. (Examples)
EXAMPLE 1 – A show utilizes two arenas operating
at the same time. Classes in one arena could be
pattern classes that allow youth to transition in and
out of them on a more flexible time frame, while
the other arena could host classes that are
non-pattern in nature.
If the judges who are hired understand how to score patterns, the
order in which youth compete would not matter; a senior could
complete a pattern, followed by a junior, followed by a
intermediate, etc. Judges will be able to place the class based on
the scores given to riders.
EXAMPLE 2 – If the show utilizes only one arena, then
the show management would need to be
prepared to allow for possible tack changes by
competitors. If desired, a time limit could be set
for tack changes.
For example: “Classes will be held for 5 minutes to
allow for tack changes and then it will proceed as
scheduled.”
MANGEMENT SUGGESTIONS FOR FAIRS
~ If a fair has a “high point” award, they may need to
clarify how that award will be selected.
Note: In the ideal youth-focused scenario, we would be awarding a
high point youth award for overall horsemanship involvement and
accomplishments at the competition instead of awarding the horse.
Option 1 - If you have a high point youth you could still assign a point value to
their ribbon placing giving them one point value for each class.
Option 2 - If your award is a high point horse you may need to make it a high
point youth/horse combination to assigning point values.
SUMMARY
• Trained key horse leaders that have been appointed by the
Extension Educator are allowed to administer the horse
safety certification program.
• Each volunteer’s name is associated with each horse/youth.
• Every youth must complete section 1 once and section 2A,
2B, and 3 based on what they would like to compete in with
their horse. It is not a test!
• Youth can add additional endorsements to their horses at
any point by working with a trained, certified leader.
• Every youth will be given a horse safety certification card to
keep track of their horses.
• This effort is about focusing on safety and education of our
youth with their passions for horses.
For additional resources, go to the state
4-H web-site at www.wyoming4H.org or
contact your Extension Educator.
• Once a youth has completed a horse safety
certification, key horse leaders give a card to
the youth that keeps track of which horses
have completed which sections. They will keep
this card for the entire time they are in 4-H.