OUR HISTORY
The horse committee was formed back in 1990-1991 as a result of several people having an interest in establishing a 4-H Horse program in the county. Prior to that time there was no organized 4-H horse activity in the county, no horse shows, no judging team, no clinics, only scattered club activities.
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When this interest came up, Ed Bader, through the advice of the Johnson County Booster Club and others, approached the Johnson County Youth Fair Committee about adding horse activities to the county youth fair. The idea was rejected because they said their insurance would become too expensive due to the dangerous nature of horse activities. It was suggested by the county agent at that time, Bob Harrington, to organize a Johnson County 4-H Horse Committee. The program started with one county qualifying show for the year.
HORSES & HORSEMANSHIP EDUCATION
The Johnson County 4-H Horse Program is designed for youth with an interest in horses and horse events. Youth will be provided with experience to help develop leadership, citizenship, self-esteem, social, and horsemanship skills. This program is for youth ages 8 years to 18, as of September 1st. The 4-H Horse Program includes programs for both those youth who own/have access to horses and those who do not, but still want to learn about the science of equine care and management.
WHAT WE OFFER
Teams, Shows, Education, and Awards
The program started with one county qualifying show for the year to now hosting 4 shows in the spring, and 3 informal shows in the fall (the last show of the year includes our famous Halloween costume class), winter ride nights with limited instruction in January through March. The four spring shows are designed to help the kids who want to go on to District and State competition.
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With our county awards and recognition banquet in June, we now have quite a full schedule. The committee also sponsors and helps support the Horse Judging team, the Horse Bowl team and the Hippology team as non horse learning activities.
JOIN THE 4H HORSE COMMITTEE
The Horse Committee is open to anyone interested in Johnson County 4-H horse activities. The Johnson County 4-H Horse Committee meets on the last Monday night of each month at 7:00pm, at the Extension Office in cleburne.. Unless there is a special need, we do not meet in December. We look forward to new ideas and programs that we may not have thought of, and we do set the rules and requirements for our county's activities.
4H MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
Johnson County 4-H Horse Program4-H is for kids of most ages. Kindergarten,1st and 2nd grades for our Clover kids. Third grade up to a graduating senior age 18 for regular youth. If parents and grandparents choose to join, they may do so as adult volunteers.
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For others who just want to help, there is plenty to do and we can help you find a function you can enjoy and will help the group. The 4-H program is a voluntary, non-formal educational program offered to youth regardless of race, color, national origin, residence or handicap.
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Check with the Extension Office about a club in your area. There are clubs that focus on particular activities, so be sure to ask. For more details and information about the Texas 4-H programs, call the extension office at 817-556-6370 or go to http://www.texas4-h.tamu.edu