The document describes Youth Horse Field Days held in Southeast Washington and North Idaho to provide equine knowledge and skills to 4-H youth. Over 30% of 4-H youth in the region are in equine projects. Field days were organized by the local 4-H Horse Council and Extension and included topics like horse judging, first aid, riding and nutrition. They were well attended, with 20-100 participants, and evaluations found knowledge gains in areas like judging, first aid, and horse care. The field days proved effective in providing relevant equine education.

1. Janet L. Schmidt, WSU-Whitman County Extension
County Director and 4-H Youth Educator
310 N. Main, Rm. 209, Colfax, WA 99111
4-H and FFA YOUTH HORSE FIELD DAYS: BUILDING COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESS ?
ABSTRACT METHODOLOGY and ACTIVITIES
In Southeast Washington and North Idaho, 30% of the youth enrolled in
The Whitman County 4-H Horse Council with input from the Extension
the 4-H program are enrolled in equine projects. With concerns over liability,
Educator met in the fall to determine the:
personal safety, animal care, and youth desiring to improve their judging, riding
► dates ~ February and/or March
and handling skills, there was a need to provide subject matter information to a ► topics ~ riding, handling, judging, equine first aid, tack fitting
diverse audience from a large geographic area. Youth Horse Field Days focused ► location ~ fairgrounds
on providing knowledge and skills to youth, leaders and parents to insure safety ► speakers and activities for the Youth Horse Field Day.
and success in the equine project. During late winter, the field days were held in
a central location in the region. Topics for the field days included: Horse Volunteers and Extension personnel confirmed the facility, contacted
Judging, Conformation and Oral reasons, Equine First Aid, Fitting & Showing, speakers and scheduled demonstration horses, riders and handlers.
Western & English Pleasure, Stockseat & English Equitation, Trailer Safety,
Horse Nutrition and Trail Horse, Reining and Dressage Demonstrations. When details were finalized, the WSU Whitman County Extension Office
Speakers for the field days included: professionals, extension staff, veterinarians, ► developed the field day flyer
4-H leaders, and WSU students. Registration was set at a nominal $5 per person ► developed the evaluation
and included lunch. The field days were well attended with audience size ► distributed the flyer/information to the local 4-H leader email list
Region of Participation ► distributed information to surrounding county extension offices
ranging from 20 to 100 participants. Each field day was evaluated using a
retrospective evaluation. Knowledge gains were reported in judging, oral ► sent information to the Statewide 4-H electronic newsletter
► sent press releases to the local newspapers and
reasons, understanding the judge’s point of view, first aid, riding and handling
► handled registrations.
skills, and health care. Participants rated the field days as an excellent
opportunity to gain relevant knowledge, skills and competencies in the 4-H As the date for the field day drew near, supplies were assembled,
Equine Project. The Youth Field Day methodology has proven to be a very materials purchased, handouts assembled and all other last minutes
effective means of presenting relevant information to the 4-H Equine audience. details completed.
Horse Bowl Activity
Weighing Feeds Rodeo Royalty Presentation
RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS Bit Skill-A-Thon
Horse Nutrition Activities
Following the field day, the evaluations were summarized and 100% of the participants
reported knowledge gains in the following area:
 properly wrapping a leg and administering wound care
 comparing the horses in the classes to breed standards
 recognizing symptoms and treatment of colic
 correctly feeding a horse and balancing a ration
 importance of paying attention to my horse and looking at the judge
 select different bits for the different levels of a horses training
 have a positive attitude and never let a bad day be apparent
In conclusion, a well run and organized Horse Field Day is an effective methodology to
provide relevant equine information for youth and adults. Participants stated that
it was a “great experience for children and adults” and a “good program with
quality information”.
Horse Judging Class Equine First Aid Kit