4-H Horse Safety Program Overview

Updated July 2011

The program is updated on an ongoing basis. An overview of the current program follows.

Objectives of the safety program

• Promote safety of youth while working with horses
• Promote safety awareness in youth, parents, leaders, and agents
• Provide safety resources and activities for participants
• Incorporate safety education within existing 4-H projects
• Recognize youth and leaders for safety achievements

Program Components

• Safety references, resources and materials for each county
• Educational programs and activities for youth and adults
• Horsemanship Skills Program
• Safety awards for youth, leaders and clubs

Safety Resources

Videos

• Ground Handling Horses Safely (With Video Facilitator Guide and Lesson Plan)
• Safe Horse Farm Operation (With series of seven equine and farm safety fact sheets)

Text

• Safe Horse, Safe Rider

Booklets

• Pennsylvania 4-H Horse Show Management Guidelines (updated 2016)
• Safety and Emergency Procedures (for 4-H horse events)
• Fire Safety in Horse Stables

Project Booklets

4-H Horse Safety Standards and Checklist and Pennsylvania 4-H Horse Safety Checklist

• Available from Penn State Publications Distribution through county extension office
• Helps 4-H member and family assess safety practices and set safety goals
• Used by 4-H member with parent, leader or project helper
• Can be used at home, with barn checks, club meetings, horse camps, clinics, etc.
• Activities should be done over period of several weeks, months or longer.
• Pages can be separated, used individually and kept in a binder.

Horses Safety and You - How to Work With and Around a Horse Safely

• Available from Penn State Publications Distribution through county extension office
• Information to enhance awareness and promote safety by informing participants of risks associated with equine activities and methods to minimize risks; recommended for all families, youth and volunteers working with horse activities.

Start with Safety: Horse Safety Guidelines (AYHC Safety Manual)

• One copy should be maintained in county office.
• May be duplicated, compliments of the American Youth Horse Council.
• Additional copies may be ordered from American Youth Horse Council website or 1-800-TRY-AYHC

Emergency Contacts Card

• Should be completed and posted next to phone in home and barn.
• One copy should be maintained in county office and duplicated for county/club distribution.
• The card is also on the website, and may be downloaded for county or individual use.

4-H Horse References List

On 4-H Horse Program website; includes many safety resources

The materials listed above are on the 4-H Horse Program website or available from the county extension office.

At least one copy of each of the above items should be maintained in the county extension office and made available to leaders and youth as needed. Materials that are not copyrighted may be duplicated as needed for local use.

Horsemanship Skills Program

A planned progression of skill development and assessment including educational materials and activities and for youth and volunteers. See Horsemanship Skills Program on website for more details.

• Level 1 emphasizes basic, correct and safe principles of handling and riding at the walk and trot.
• Level 2 further develops a foundation of skills, introduces the lope or canter and proper aids.
• Level 3 uses foundation skills to develop intermediate skills.
• Level 4 completes an advanced level of skills of a balanced, experienced horse and rider.

4-H Horse Show Management Guidelines

• Includes detailed safety considerations, guidelines and procedures that should be used with all 4-H shows.
• Information and procedures may be applicable for other horse events/activities.

4-H Horse Safety Awards

• Individuals, groups or clubs are eligible for 4-H Horse Safety Awards.
• Awards will be made at the State 4-H Horse Show or other state or regional 4-H horse event.
• Applications are available on the website or from your county extension office.

Additional Information

We hope this information is helpful in promoting safety in your county. We are happy to work with you in local or regional safety training. If you have suggestions for the safety program, please contact your County Extension Educator, Penn State Equine Extension Associate or Specialist.