 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
What's Expected of a Horse Project Member
Inside you will find Our Philosophy, how to Join Our Community Club, the necessary County Forms, using your Passport, and creating your Record Book/Portfolio
Our Philosophy
As a member of the Horse Project, you are expected to take an active part in making our Project a great time for everyone. We are striving to make us all better equine owners & competitors through continual learning and honest competition. We are not a "win at all costs", "weekend warrior" type of organization.
The rest of this page outlines the steps necessary to become a member of our Horse Project, as well as the expectations of our members during the course of the year. If you are a new member this year, see the Steps for New Members page for specific details.
Requirements
-
Join our Community Club (details here)
-
Submit the Necessary County Forms all signed by the appropriate Leaders, the member and a Guardian. The Horse Project membership fee is collected when you join the Community Club, but some Disciplines require an additional fee.
These forms will allow you to participate in 4-H work sessions and events.-
Horse ID Certificate
This form is only needed if you are riding a different horse than last year. So, if you submitted a Horse ID form last year for the horse(s) you are riding this year, then this form is not necessary. -
Written Proficiency Certificate
This covers general horse knowledge such as care and feeding, breeds, colors, tack and parts of the horse. Note: All riding members must take the written test prior to attending a mounted riding session, but there is no concept of Pass or Fail for this test. To help prepare our members for the test, we've developed a study guide which is available in the Forms & Flyers directory.
The
written proficiency test helps the member qualify for Passport awards
through the county, but there is no minimum score required to partake in
county mounted events.
There is a change to our club's proficiency requirements this year. This year, there will be a minimum percentage required on the written test prior to being able to ride at a work session or have your riding proficiency completed. This requirement is for ALL members (new and returning). A 60% is required for all FIRST year members. A 75% is required for all 2+ years members. As you can see, we will provide various study sessions for all members and family. Any child may re-test at any time, as many times as needed to reach their minimum requirement. If you received a 75%+ last year, you do not need to re-test this year. But you will receive higher end of the year passport award points from the County Extension Office for higher test results. And we are always happy to see your score go up each year!!!
-
Riding Proficiency
If you are competing at the same level as last year, then Riding Proficiency is not required for you this year. If you are moving to another level this year, or would like to, then a Riding Proficiency is required. If you require Proficiency in several disciplines, all can be lumped onto one form or separate form(s) can be used.-
General
Have an instructor for your discipline sign your Proficiency Cert. Remember that the 4-H member and guardian must also sign. Keep one copy for yourself & have with you at all events, just in case. -
Specific
If you want to compete in roping or jumping, then a certified 4-H instructor must evaluate you and sign your Proficiency Cert. The County is creating a list of certified Jumping and Roping instructors.
-
-
-
Dress Appropriately
Horses are large, unpredictable animals and as such we must always dress in an appropriate manner. Appropriate riding boots are always required, as are long pants. When required by the Discipline Leader, discipline, location or activity, an ASTM/SEI-approved helmet is required.
-
Keep your Passport current
Your Passport is your record of the 4-H year. This is then proof that you have met the requirements for competing in the year end County Horse Finals. The County also gives awards and prizes for the best Passports, etc. Specific requirements for these events are listed elsewhere (County Finals).
-
Competitive Events Attended
At each Event you compete at or help run, have a Leader of the Club organizing the Event sign your passport.
-
Educational Events Attended
The County maintains a list of the accredited educational opportunities that can be recorded in your Passport. Only items on this list, or otherwise officially accredited by the County, can be considered.
-
Community Service Performed
TBD
-
-
Turn in your Record Book (juniors) or Portfolio (Seniors)
Record books and Portfolios are to follow the County Guidelines and must be submitted at the end of the 4-H year. All Horse Project members must turn in a Record Book, but the record book need not be on a Horse. In other words, if you are doing both Lamb and Horse, your record book could be about your lamb project, if you so choose.
Expectations
-
Treat Everyone with Respect
This means Everyone. There is never any reason to be disrespectful to another person.
-
Listen to Your Leaders
When a Leader (adult or youth) is speaking, everyone else is listening. This person "has the floor" and is the center of attention until someone else "has the floor" and they can then speak. We have a very large Project and when working in an arena it is sometimes tough to hear. Having others whisper or giggle while someone else "has the floor" makes it impossible for that person and harder for everyone else to hear. If a Leader is talking to you specifically or to the group, it is vital that you listen to the Leader and do exactly as you are told.
-
Attend Monthly Horse Project Meetings
The monthly meetings are where our Youth Leadership set the direction for the Project. Watch the Bulletin Board and Monthly Calendars for details, but the First Mandatory Meeting is Tuesday, September 4 at Will Rogers at 6:00pm
-
Keep Yourself Informed
The Adult and Youth Leaders of the Horse Project will be providing you information on work sessions, shows, events, fundraisers, etc. at the Horse Project meetings, Horse Project website and bulletin board. It is your responsibility to make use of these opportunities. If you miss a meeting, or don't understand something, or just have a question, it is your responsibility to find what you missed or get your question answered.
-
Help and Encourage Others
We have riders at every age and skill level. If you see someone who needs some help, offer to help. If you see someone who needs encouragement, encourage them. This includes during competitions. The point of competition is to do your personal best and improve on things that you need to improve on.
-
Help Improve Our Project
If you have ideas on how our Project can improve, please bring them up to a Leader. We are always looking for new and better ways to do things.
More Projects:
Updated 10/06/2008 by webmaster