4-H Horse Program

4-H horse projects are developed to teach youth the principals of equine science. Within their projects, youth can learn the up-to-date industry standards of sound breeding, feeding, management practices and practice correct and safe riding and handling techniques.

Not only will youth learn about their horses and how to care for them, but they will develop public speaking skills, decision making skills, integrity, sportsmanship and leadership by participating in club activities, giving demonstrations and exhibiting their projects.

ASTM-SEI approved equestrian helmets are required by the UI Extension 4-H Youth Development program. If a member is on a horse or in a wagon/cart, a helmet must be worn.

4-H and Bureau of Land Management Wild Horse Program

In 2009, the Idaho Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Wild Horse and Burro program teamed up with the University of Idaho Extension 4-H Youth Development program to work together to tame and train weanling/yearling mustangs. The goal was to help increase the adoption of these animals into good homes while also promoting the talents and skills of our local 4-H youth.

The program has adopted over 268 horses and has raised over $22,060 for the horse 4-H clubs that have participated. BLM receives only $25, while the rest of the money that is earned at the adoption/auction goes back to the clubs as a fundraiser. It has been a great experience for our 4-H youth to have the chance to train these horses from the ground up and also to help tame and train a living part of our western heritage.

4-H youth train horses to be available for adoption yearly for the Idaho Horse Expo (April), Western Idaho Fair (August) and Eastern Idaho State Fair (September).