Youth Recognized for Achievements in Pennsylvania 4-H Horsemanship Skills Program

Level 3 Horsemanship Skills Award, with certificates,
from left: Pat Comerford, Penn State Extension
Horse Specialist, Jodi Lenhart, Westmoreland
County; Lindsey Androstic, Westmoreland County;
Patty Kelly, Pennsylvania 4H Horse Program
Development Committee; and, Sue Shuman, 4-H
Leader, Columbia County, for Alexis and Taylor
Nedurian.  Absent from photo but recognized for
passing Level 3: Alexis Nedurian, Columbia County
and Taylor Nedurian, Columbia County.
Photo credit: Stacey Zundel, Pennsylvania State
4-H Horse Show.

Several Pennsylvania youth were recently recognized for their achievements in the Pennsylvania 4-H Horsemanship Skills Program. The youth were honored at the State 4-H Horse Show in Harrisburg for their mastery of Level 3 or 4 horsemanship and handling skills, which are the two highest levels in the program. Brandy Fuller of Columbia County, Jessica Shaw of Wyoming County, Danielle Steed of Allegheny County, and Jason Zang of Butler County, were recognized for passing Level 4. Alexis Nedurian and Taylor Nedurian of Columbia County and Jodi Lenhart and Lindsey Androstic of Westmoreland County were honored for mastering Level 3.

In recognition of their success at Level 4 the youth were presented with silver belt buckles and certificates of achievement. Level 4 is the most advanced level in the program and requires a high degree of horsemanship ability. Youth passing Level 3 received certificates of achievement and will receive awards by their respective 4-H horse districts. These youth are to be commended for their dedication, accomplishments and outstanding work with their project horses.

Level 4 Horsemanship Skills Award, with certificates
and belt buckles, from left: Pat Comerford, Penn
State Extension Horse Specialist; Jason Zang, Butler
County; Patty Kelly, Pennsylvania 4H Horse Program
Development Committee; Bandy Fuller, Columbia
County; Danielle Steed, Allegheny County; and,
Jessica Shaw, Wyoming County.
Photo credit:  Donna Zang, Pennsylvania State
4-H Horse Show.

The Horsemanship Skills Program is a progressive, educational program to develop safety, horsemanship and life skills of 4-H members. Youth are provided opportunities to learn skills and are tested by trained examiners. Youth must pass all skills within a level before advancing to the next level. The specific program objectives are to: develop horsemanship and safety skills, recognize individual member accomplishment and achievement of goals, educate youth, volunteers and parents, promote cooperation and teamwork and develop life skills in youth.

Several resources for the Horsemanship Skills Program are available to all Pennsylvania 4-H members to use on their own or with an organized club or county activity. Currently the program is optional with two exceptions. Respective counties or clubs may choose to require the program at the local level. Secondly, all youth under 12 years of age are required to pass the Level 1 handling skills with their production project animal in order to be eligible to show that animal.

There are four levels in the program beginning with a novice or beginner level and progressing to an advanced level. All youth must begin with Level 1 and must also start at this level again if they change horses. Level l emphasizes basic, correct, safe handling and riding skills at the walk and trot. Selected skills include, catching, haltering, tying, control of the horse while unmounted and mounted, transitions and an emergency dismount. The canter is introduced in Level 2 to build on skills developed in the first level and further develop a solid foundation for more advanced skills. Level 2 skills include use of basic aids and introduction of lateral movements such as leg yielding. All youth that pass Level 1 and 2 are recognized in the state show program. 

Level 3 skills build upon the skills in Level 1 and 2 to progress to intermediate skills. Level 3 skills include more advanced lateral movements, turns on the forehand and hindquarter, simple lead changes, counter canter and proper lungeing. Level 4 is the advanced level in which the horse and rider must work as a team and demonstrate calmness, rhythm, suppleness and coordination. Level 4 skills include more advanced turns, flying lead changes, ability to demonstrate collection and extension, flying lead changes and trailer safety. Youth that pass Level 3 are recognized with a district award. Youth mastering Level 4 are honored with a state award.

Volunteers are trained to become Level 1 and 2 examiners and test youth at the club or county level. A team of three, trained volunteers test each youth at all levels. Volunteers and industry professionals receive additional training as Level 3 and 4 examiners. Youth in Levels 3 and 4 are tested at a district or state location. Training for examiners is conducted on a regional basis throughout the state and sessions for new and current examiners are planned for 2008.

The Horsemanship Skills Program provides an opportunity to incorporate safety, riding and handling skills into existing 4-H horse activities such as club meetings, clinics, camps and other local or regional events. Resources are available for both youth and adults to use when preparing for or conducting these activities.

For additional information on 4-H Horsemanship Skills Programs in Pennsylvania, contact your county Penn State Cooperative Extension office, or visit the Pennsylvania 4-H Horse Program web site at www.das.psu.edu - click on 4-H programs, then horses.