Horse Project

[Leaders][Expectations][Disciplines][2008-2009 Events][2007-2008 Events][HAC][Forms & Flyers][Misc]

The Horse Project is quite large and varied.   There are certain requirements for Horse Project membership and we as a project expect more from our members than just sitting on their horse and spurring - we strive to increase our collective knowledge of good horsemanship and ownership.   We also host Trail Rides, Trail Safety Clinics and Hippology Clinics for our members, the County and our 4-H Region.   We are part of the Horse Advisory Committee (HAC) which oversees the 4-H Horse program in Maricopa County.

The various disciplines in which our project members compete are Western, English, Gymkhana, Team Penning, Roping, and Hippology (Study of Horses).  We have one or more leaders for each discipline and are always looking for more.  We have a monthly Horse Project meeting (without horses) and then each Discipline holds practices called Work Sessions (with horses).   Some Disciplines will meet every week before competitions start, and then taper off, while others will hold a steady schedule throughout the year.   You can compete in as many disciplines as you like or are able, and your parents are willing to haul to.  

The first Mandatory Meeting is Wednesday, September 3, 6pm at Basha High School Library (new location).  This is for both NEW and RETURNING members.
 

Pointed events are held at arenas in different parts of the County, but our practice (or work) sessions are held in the Gilbert or Queen Creek areas.   The Miscellaneous  Information page deals with such topics as requirements to enter the County Finals and win a berth to the State Finals,  arena info, trail stuff, etc.   The list of events for the past year (2006-7) are listed to give you an idea of what a full year looks like, and the current (2007-8).

New members are sometimes confused by the requirements and requirements needed.   Here are the steps a new member must take in order to ride at work sessions and/or compete at county events.

Due to the size of our project, there are a number of responsibilities and/or activities that require a responsible adult or youth to be responsible for.   The responsible person for an activity (e.g.. hosting a horse show) or a task (e.g. collecting paperwork) is the HONCHO.   A Honcho usually doesn't need to be a certified 4-H Horse Leader.     Here is the list of Honchos and their areas of responsibility.  This list does not include discipline instructors.

 Horse specific forms, flyers, letters and guides are here.

We perform several fundraisers and community service events through the year to fund our project, or just to be good neighbors (such as helping cleanup after a barn fire).    One way in which our project earns money is through Country Supply  Every time a purchase is made at Country Supply and our Country Care ID is used (QC4H), our project earns a small percentage of the purchase price.

Important Dates

• Sept 3  - First Horse Project Meeting @ Basha High School Library

• TBD  - Member Proficiencies & Horse IDs due at the County Office.

• TBD - Holiday Horse IDs due at  the County Office.

• TBD - County Final entries & Passports Due to the County

• TBD - Record Books/Portfolios Due to the County