The 4-H Horse Program is open to youth who are five to nineteen years old. Participants are not required to be horse owners or riders. The Horse Program encourages 4-H members to learn skill in horsemanship and gain an understanding of the business of breeding, raising, and training horses. Activities and lessons promote greater love for animals and a humane attitude toward them.
Competitive events teach good sportsmanship through a friendly, educational atmosphere.
The 4-H Horse Program in South Carolina is a strong one, having 895 entries in the 1998 State Horse Event. Horse related activities that youth may become involved in include Equestrian Events, Horse Judging Contests, Public Speaking Contests, Demonstration Contests, Essay and Poetry Contests, Drawing, Painting, Photography, and Poster Contests, Quiz Bowl Contests and Hippology Contests. For more information or become a Volunteer 4-H Leader please contact Jennifer Payne or your local Cooperative Extension Service office. The Event provided youth, ages 5-19, with an opportunity to compete in equestrian events, oral presentation contests, and creativity contests. The Creative Contests kicked off the Event on Monday.