Horse Educational Advisory Committee

The NYS 4-H HEAC is made up of enrolled 4-H volunteers representing County CCE Associations, the NYS State fair Horse Show Superintendent, and Extension professionals from CCE Associations, and faculty and staff at Cornell University.

The committee will consist of the following at a minimum:

1. Two representatives (one CCE 4-H volunteer and one CCE staff member) from each of the 6 NYS 4-H Horse Regions.
2. Two at-large members appointed by the NYS 4-H Horse Specialist.
3. The New York State Fair Horse Show Superintendent.
4. The Chair or designee from any sub-committee established by the NYS 4-H HEAC.
5. The Cornell University Extension Specialist with 4-H Equine program responsibilities.
6. The State 4-H Program Leader, or designee from the State 4-H Office.
7. Teen 4-h member representatives selected by each 4-H Horse region.

The two regional representatives are to be selected by whatever means is determined by each 4-H Horse region. Regions are encouraged to select one representative from among the Cooperative Extension Staff (CCE) with 4-H horse responsibilities, and one from among the volunteer leaders.

Each 4-H region is also encouraged to appoint a teen representative to the 4-H HEAC. Teens will be selected by whatever means that is determined by each 4-H Horse region. Teens must be enrolled 4-H members and be at least 14 years of age but not more than 19 years of age.

The two At-Large Members shall be appointed by the Animal Science Extension Horse Specialist. The At-Large members are selected due to their expertise and/or affiliation with the NYS Horse industry.

The Leadership Team of the NYS 4-H HEAC, consisting of the Chair, Vice-Chair and the NYS Horse Show Superintendent, will make final decisions regarding all discussions and recommendations from the 4-H HEAC. In addition, the Leadership Team will also have the authority for final interpretations of the rules for State wide contests, the imposition of temporary rules when formal action cannot be taken, and the rejection of entries which fail to meet the requirements as published and established. The Leadership Team will also involve the appropriate 4-H HEAC committee chair in final decision making when the issue is related to the work of that committee.

The New York State 4-H Program Leader, or designee, will be consulted regarding all decisions that have the potential to impact overall 4-H Youth Development standards, policies, values, and risk management protocol. University risk management and Cornell Cooperative Extension risk management personnel should be included in all decisions related to risk, liability, EEO, EPO and other key policy areas.

Changes in the state level educational competitions (Horse Bowl, Horse Judging, Horse Communications, and Hippology) typically are dictated by the national competition. The leadership team will consult the Chairperson for that event before any decisions are made regarding rule changes at the state level.

There shall be at least two meetings of the 4-H HEAC each project year, one in the fall and one in the spring. Notice shall be sent to the members of the dates of these and any other meetings called by the Chair at least thirtydays prior to the meeting. The Chair will also ask for recommended agenda items from each region and the agenda will be developed based on this input and any additional issues recommended by the Leadership Team, or committee chairs. The agenda for each meeting will be sent to each member a minimum of 10 days prior to each meeting.

All changes in rules and procedures approved by the Leadership Team during or after the fall meeting will take effect as of the following January. Actions taken as a result of the spring meeting will become effective as of October 1. The only exception would be rules, policies and procedures that have the potential to impact on the safety of 4-H participants.

The NYS 4-H HEAC meetings are open to the entire NYS 4-H Horse community. All enrolled 4-H horse volunteers and CCE 4-H Educators are welcome to attend the meetings. Guests must inform the NYS 4-H Horse Extension Specialist at least two weeks in advance in order to guarantee that an adequate meeting space is available. Food and beverages will only be available for 4-H HEAC members.

The NYS 4-H HEAC will have committees with responsibility for specific tasks and events. The HEAC will approve these working groups during statewide meetings, review their goals, and appoint a Chair for each committee. Additional committee membership is at the discretion of each Chair.

Chairs are responsible for the organization and supervision of their events at the state level, including obtaining all officials and the scheduling of all phases of the event. It shall be the responsibility of the Chairs to work closely with the 4-H HEAC Leadership Team in all aspects of their official duties.

Committees include, but are not be limited to the following:

• Draft
• Cross-Divisional Classes
• Drill / Parade
• Ranch Horse
• Driving/Miniature
• Horse Bowl
• Western
• Horse Communications
• Hunt Seat
• Hippology
• Saddle Seat
• Horse Judging
• Dressage
• Fund Raising
• Gymkhana
• Media and Press
• Mounted Games
• Public Relations