Horsemanship Skills Program

What is the Horsemanship Skills Program?

The Horsemanship Skills Program is a planned progression of horse handling and riding skills, with an emphasis on safety and education, not competition! 4-H members are evaluated and must complete one level before advancing to next level. The program is optional, and every youth may participate. Youth may share horses.

Overview and Materials

• Overview of Horsemanship Skills Program - Power Point Presentation
• Volunteer/Professional Resource Book
• Member Resource Book - Includes member skill sheets
• Horsemanship Skills Reference List
• Horsemanship Skills Flow Chart
• Safety Resources

Evaluation Sheets

• Horsemanship Skills Level 1 Evaluation Sheet
• Horsemanship Skills Level 2 Evaluation Sheet
• Horsemanship Skills Level 3 Evaluation Sheet
• Horsemanship Skills Level 4 Evaluation Sheet

Sarah Ford (Allegheny County) and Shelby Kozar (Westmoreland County) were the first 4-H members in Pennsylvania to Master Level Four of the Pennsylvania 4- H Horsemanship Skills Program. They are pictured here with their horses and trophy buckles donated by Kelly’s Tack, Latrobe, PA and Pam Nealer, Shelocta, PA.
 

Information for Examiners

• Approval Information for Horsemanship Skills Examiners
• Testing Information for County Coordinators
• Examiner Requirements
  
• Level 1 Horsemanship Skills Testing Information for Production Members under 12
• Approved Level 1-2 Examiners
• Approved Level 3-4 Examiners
• Approved Examiner Trainers
• Level 1-2 Examiner Recommendation Form
• Level 3-4 Examiner Recommendation Form
• County Summary Sheet for Approved Level 1-2 Examiners
• Horsemanship Skills Completion Certificate

• First PA 4-H Horse Program Members to Master Level 4 of the Horsemanships Skills Series

Information for Youth Who Are Ready to Test Level 3 or Level 4

• Level 3-4 Horsemanship Skills Testing Information Sheet

 Level 3 and 4 Horsemanship Skills Achievers

Level 3 Horsemanship Skills Achievers recognized at the PA State 4-H Horse Show. From Left to Right: Pat Comerford, Extension Horse Specialist; Jodi Lenhart, Westmoreland County; Lindsey Androstic, Westmoreland County; Patty Kelly, PA 4-H Horse Development Comittee; Sue Shuman, Columbia County 4-H Leader who is accepting on behalf of Taylor and Alexis Nedurian of Columbia County. Photograph taken by Stacey Zundel.

Level 4 Horsemanship Skills Achievers recognized at the PA State 4-H Horse Show and presented with belt buckles for their achievements. From left to Right. Pat Comerford, Extension Horse Specialist; Jason Zang, Butler County; Patt Kelly (back) PA 4-H Horse Program Development Committee; Brandy Fuller (front), Columbia County; Danielle Steed, Allegheny County; Jessica Shaw, Wyoming County. Not pictured--Lauren Eichstadt, Mercer County. Photograph taken by Donna Zang.