Horse

HORSE  --  DEPARTMENT  --  ZHH

HORSE SHOW AND BASIC HORSEMANSHIP POLICIES:

1. A member may use any of their project horses which must also be shown/exhibited in another class for showmanship. Refer to 4-H Department ZS.
2. To qualify for the All-Around Award, you must compete on only one (1) horse in same age division.  All Around is based on the horse.  Hi-Point is based on the rider.
3. Only 4-H & FFA members with Horse Projects are eligible for competition.
4. Book check-offs will be completed before 1:00 PM on the first day of the show
5. For detailed information on the judging of Horsemanship I - VII refer to MONTANA 4-H HORSEMANSHIP PROJECTS,  #1160 (Reprinted, May 1997).  This is a seven (7) part program covering training, care, riding, equipment and anatomy of the mature horse.
6. This show will determine eligibility for the State Horse Show. Member can use only the horses which he/she has competed on in this show.
7. Age of 4-H member is determined as of October 1, 2024 and age of horse is determined as of January 1, 2025.  For the purpose of determining eligibility for competition, the age of the horse shall be computed by the calendar year starting January 1 of the year foaled. (Example: a horse foaled anytime in 2024 will be termed one-year-old on January 1, 2025)
8. Entry blanks must be into the County Extension Office by MONDAY, JULY 16, 2025.
9. Project rules are listed on pages 4 & 5 of Revised Bulletin #1160. Please read before you attend the show.
10. For each horse being entered/exhibited at the far, an identification card must be on file at the Valley County Extension Office by June 1st to participate in the Fair and/or the State Horse Show.  The identification cards can be obtained at the Extension Office. Each exhibitor is allowed one alternate horse for each project, excluding training horse projects (Colt to Maturity & Green Horse). The alternate horse must be designated as such on the horse ID card along with the potential projects listed.

11. Exception to rule if all horses listed on exhibitor’s horse ID cards turned in by June 1st, including alternate horses that are injured, did not pass the vet check, are deceased, etc. The exhibitor is to exhaust all options to locate an immediate family member’s horse to use. 

    If no family horse is available, the exhibitor may request to use another 4-H member’s alternate horse upon the Livestock Committee & 4-H Council’s approval
12. If an exhibitor files an exemption rule to use a horse not listed as an alternate, the exhibitor will automatically be removed from eligibility for High Point or All-Around rewards.
13. Round Robin horse candidates must have a current 4-H horse ID card on file to be eligible for use.
14. The Horse Declaration Form is due with Entry Blanks.  Please list the horse you will be riding in each class.   
    If exhibitors must change which horse will be used in a class, the clerk will be notified by the gatekeeper before they are allowed to enter the arena.
15. Gate call. The exhibitor will be allowed three gate calls before they are scratched from the class as a no-show.
16. Appropriate dress attire. (long-sleeve shirt, boots, hat and helmet)
17. Dress code, tack, and show etiquette are to be followed at all times as per the rule book. Review of dress code, safety, and appropriate tack (depending on horse’s age, project, etc.) to be completed at each exhibitor’s assessment.
18. Every parent and exhibitor is REQUIRED to read the Montana 4-H Horse Program Bit Rules and Equipment Guide MT Horse Bit and Equipment
19. A certified equestrian Horse helmet with safety harness fastened in place is required in over fence classes and gymkhana events, activities, and practice sessions.
20. Signed Form on file in the office - acknowledgement of receiving horse helmet education.
21. All entries will be veterinarian inspected at a designated time before the show. This time will be communicated with all horse members.
22. Refer to overall livestock exhibit rules, livestock building rules, large animal showmanship rules and 4-H Code of Ethics.
23. Awards: Ribbons will be handed out at the gate after class placement is announced from the crows nest as exhibitors leave the arena.  All age division placements will be announced.
24. The points spreadsheet will be physically posted and updated for the public viewing by the end of each show day. If a discrepancy is noted, contact Roubie Younkin for further review.

4-H Horse Point System - note:  If only one in the class and they are not awarded top of class - 9 points.

JR HORSE - Only Colt to Maturity and Green Horses may only enter Colt to Maturity, Green Horse, and Jr Horse classes.  Horsemanship and Ranch Horse  project classes may be used in the age group classes.  Jr Horse is a horse that is 2-5 years old or any horse enrolled in the green horse project.

RANCH HORSE – Members must be enrolled in the Ranch Horse Project to participate in Ranch Horse. Each member will be assessed by leaders to advance to the next level.

Halter Pattern for Round Robin - all age divisions

HORSE DEPARTMENT ZHH

NOTE:  Refer to Department ZS to enter Showmanship: 
Sr. (14 & over); Jr. (11-13); Pre Jr. (4-H age 8 - 10)

CLASS 1 – HORSEMANSHIP & RANCH HORSE PROJECTS

Lot Number  

1. English Horsemanship VII
2. English Horsemanship VI
3. English Horsemanship V
4. English Horsemanship IV
5. English Horsemanship III
6. English Horsemanship II
7. English Horsemanship I
8. Western Horsemanship VII
9. Western Horsemanship VI
10. Western Horsemanship V
11. Western Horsemanship IV
12. Western Horsemanship III
13. Western Horsemanship II
14. Western Horsemanship I
15. Ranch Horse Project Level 4
16. Ranch Horse Project Level 3
17. Ranch Horse Project Level 2
18. Ranch Horse Project Level 1   
    
    

    CLASS 2 – ANY PROJECT HORSE - (open to any 4-H member enrolled in a horse project)
    Any project horse may be used in appropriate age division categories

19. English Pleasure 14 and over
20. English Pleasure 11 – 13
21. English Pleasure 10 and under
22. *English Equitation Jr. Horse
23. *English Pleasure Jr. Horse
24. Hunter Hack I
25. Hunter Hack II
26. Western Pleasure 14 and over
27. Western Pleasure 11 – 13
28. Western Pleasure 10 and under
29. *Western Pleasure Jr. Horse
30. Bareback 14 and over
31. Bareback 11 -13
32. Bareback 10 and under
33. Free Style Reining 14 and over
34. Free Style Reining 11-13
35. Free Style Reining 10 and under
36. Trail 14 and over
37. Trail 11-13
38. Trail 10 and under
39. *Trail Jr. Horse
40. Ranch Horse Knowledge Level 4
41. Ranch Horse Knowledge Level 3
42. Ranch Horse Knowledge Level 2
43. Ranch Horse Knowledge Level 1
44. Ranch Horse Roping Level 4
45. Ranch Horse Roping Level 3
46. Ranch Horse Roping Level 2
47. Ranch Horse Roping Level 1
48. Ranch Horse Pleasure 14 and over
49. Ranch Horse Pleasure 11 - 13
50. Ranch Horse Pleasure 10 and under
51. *Ranch Horse Pleasure Jr. Horse
52. Ranch Horse Reining/Riding Level 4
53. Ranch Horse Reining/Riding Level 3
54. Ranch Horse Reining/Riding Level 2
55. Ranch Horse Reining/Riding Level 1
56. *Ranch Horse Reining/Riding Jr. Horse
57. Ranch Horse Trail Level 4
58. Ranch Horse Trail Level 3
59. Ranch Horse Trail Level 2
60. Ranch Horse Trail Level 1
61. *Ranch Horse Trail Jr. Horse
62. Ranch Horse Cattle Work Level 4
63. Ranch Horse Cattle Work Level 3
64. Ranch Horse Cattle Work Level 2
65. Ranch Horse Cattle Work Level 1
66. *Ranch Horse Cattle Work Jr. Horse
67. Barrels 14 and over
68. Barrels 11 – 13
69. Barrels 10 and under
70. Flag Race 14 and over
71. Flag Race 11 – 13
72. Flag Race 10 and under
73. Poles 14 and over
74. Poles 11 – 13
75. Poles 10 and under
76. Stake Race 14 and over
77. Stake Race 11 - 13
78. Stake Race 10 and under

* Jr Horse is a horse that is 2-5 years old or any horse enrolled in the green horse project.

CLASS 3 – COLT TO MATURITY

RULES:

1. Age of Member - - 4-H members enrolled in Class 3 horse project must be eleven years old
   by Oct. 1, 2024 and have completed Horsemanship Level III.
2. You may bring your 1 - 5-year-old horse project to the Horse Show on Thursday to compete. You may not compete on two horses in the same lot number and Training Horses may not compete in Horsemanship Classes, unless assessed at that level.  This does not apply to state competition.
3. 4-H members will show their horses in the five (5) divisions as follows: Refer to "Training Horses" Yearling to 5-year-old, Bulletin # 353.
4. Stallions will not be allowed.

Colt to Maturity horses aged four and under and Green Horse Level 3 and under are not eligible to be used for Speed Events, Bareback and Freestyle Reining.

Lot Number

1. Yearlings
2. Trail Yearling
3. Two-year-old
4. Green Horse Level 1
5. Three-year-old
6. Green Horse Level 2
7. Four-year-old
8. Green Horse Level 3
9. Five-year-old
10. Green Horse Level 4

Options for Lots 6 – 9

1. 4-H members and horses exhibiting in 4-H Class 3, Lots 3 - 10 will be required to complete 1 or 2 of the listed assessments of his/her level in his/her project.
2. Leaders will determine which events are suitable to exhibit at the fair.
3. 4-H members completing a Training Horses (Yearling to Five Year Olds) will be eligible to sell their horse during the Valley County 4-H & FFA Livestock Sale.

The following will receive a Rosette:  4-H Grand & Reserve Champion Yearling Horse

Selling a “Training Horses Project” (Colt to Maturity) at the Valley County 4-H & FFA Livestock Sale

Requirements - -

1. 1. Must be brought through the Training Horses (Colt to Maturity) Yearling to Five-Year-Old Years.
   2. Must exhibit each year at the fair this included interview judging with activity book or have a vet certificate.
   3. A pre-vet exam must be given at the member’s expense.
   4. The fee for selling a horse is set by the Livestock Committee. This fee will be deducted from the member’s sale check.
   5. Member does have the option to No Sale during the Valley County 4-H & FFA Livestock Sale. If they choose to do so a $20.00 fee will be paid by the 4-H member if he/she “no sales” their horse.
   6. Refer to Livestock Sale Rules.