Conformation, tack and basic horse health management are some of the areas covered in the first two levels. The leadership section requires members to participate in at least one leadership or community service activity and at least one horse-related educational activity. The higher the level, the more activities in which members are required to participate. Arns said the section was designed to promote leadership and citizenship, and to document activities in which 4-Hers are participating. Members must pass the knowledge and leadership sections before taking the horsemanship skills evaluation, Arns said.
Members can start the project without completing the horsemanship skills section.
This will allow Horseless Horse members to advance from level to level. They will not, however, be able to enter a higher level horsemanship skills section without first completing previously-missed skills sections. The written tests are scored at the state level. Records of each member's status will be maintained at the state level, as well, he said. 4-Hers need to score 70 percent to pass.