Horses

The New York State 4-H Horse Program and Cornell Cooperative Extension offers a wide variety of Horse projects to New York youth ages 5-19. It is our goal to bring exceptional, educational programming to youth throughout the State while keeping programs affordable for youth and families.

Our programs encourage both understanding and knowledge of the equine industry, as well as leadership and personal development through once in a lifetime experiences. These programs give youth opportunities that develop valuable life skills, increase confidence, and make valuable lifelong friendships and connections with each other and industry professionals. Youth interested in participating in 4-H horse events get the opportunity to learn horsemanship and equine science, not just riding and showing skills. 

The New York State 4-H Horse Program is strongly committed to diversity, equality, and inclusion in all of our programs to serve our communities. We are continually working to remain committed to actively creating and sustaining a culture of belonging that embraces a diverse program audience and volunteer base.

Check out the NYS 4-H Horse Facebook page

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Support the 4-H Horse Program

Girl with horse in stall

We are excited to announce the new statewide NYS 4-H Advanced Equine Program to the NYS Horse Program curriculum. This program was developed in hopes to create a bridge between the 4-H youth with equine interest and the Equine Industries in NYS. Participants will be expected to join monthly zoom meeting to meet with equine professionals on a certain topic, work independently on month projects, complete 10 hours of shadowing a professional in the equine field, and attend an end-of-the-year trip.

two horses touching noses

We are happy to start the NYS 4-H Horse Program Hands On Horse Record. This log sheet isn’t just for those NYS 4-H youth who ride, it is riding, driving, and groundwork as well. Print off the Hands On Horse Record and log your hours with your horse(s). Please use different sheets if you are working with more than one horse. This program will run from January 1st 2022 through December 30th 2022. Logs should be submitted to Jessica Tyson at jms943@cornell.edu by January 1st, 2023. We will pick the top three NYS 4-H youth with the most logged hours to receive merchandise from the NYS 4-H Horse Program.

NYS Horse Education and Advisory Committee

The NYS 4-H Horse Program is governed by the NYS Horse Education and Advisory Committee (HEAC), which is made up of CCE Educators, staff, and volunteers from the various regions throughout the state.

For more information

Contact your local County CCE Association or Brieanna Hughes, NYS 4-H Equine Specialist, at bh548 [at] cornell.edu.