HORSE SHOWS
The Johnson County 4-H Horse Committee in Cleburne, Texas sponsors several open horse shows throughout the year. These are open to any age exhibitor on any breed horse and we especially cater to the beginning exhibitor young or old. We have several families who have three generations showing with us which attests to our family atmosphere. You will see backyard horses as well as World Champions at our shows. We are proud to offer a show that appeals to such a variety of exhibitors. Of course these shows would not be possible without the numerous 4-H volunteers who work throughout the year to make it happen.
HIPPOLOGY
Hippology is an activity that can enhance learning for 4-H members by letting them exhibit their knowledge and understanding of equine science and husbandry in a competitive setting. The term "Hippology" comes from the Greek "hippo", meaning horse, and "ology", meaning "the study of". Participants will be able to demonstrate their experience and knowledge gained in horse judging, quiz bowl, speeches, and practical horse management.
HORSE JUDGING
What is horse judging? Basically, it is learning to do what judges do at a horse show - placing the class. However, there is much more to learn than just how to place the class. While judging a horse at halter, we learn about conformation, balance, structural correctness, faults and blemishes. We also learn to evaluate the whole horse. Then we place the horse with the most positives at the top of the class. This is called evaluation and decision making, two very important life skills. We also learn to evaluate all the performance classes at a horse show and place the horses accordingly. It makes watching a horse show a much more pleasant experience.
HORSE QUIZ BOWL
This team activity helps 4-Hers increase their knowledge of horses and the Texas 4-H Horse Project. Teams of three or four use a game show format where they buzz-in their answers to questions against another team. Questions have to do with anatomy, nutrition, genetics, reproduction, history and rules and regulations. This is a great part of the Johnson County 4-H Horse Project and Johnson County teams have always been very competitive and have excelled at the district, state, and national level.
HORSEMANSHIP SKILLS CLINICS
The Johnson County 4-H Horse Program sponsors Horsemanship Skills Clinics several times a year depending on need and availability of facility, as well as winter ride nights in late January, February into early March. These clinics are designed to promote safety of youth and horses, develop handling and horsemanship skills, and support involvement of youth, parents, and volunteers in 4-H horse activities.
JOHNSON COUNTY WILD RIDERS
We are a group that shares a strong interest in all things equine. Together we inspire to create a positive and encouraging learning environment for our future horsemen and women. We strive to prepare our youth with the skills they will need such as leadership, communication, and the ability to work together as a team.
4H HORSE PROJECT
The horse project may include one or all of the following types of project and may involve more than one animal.
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Riding, Training, Management and Development: Feeding, managing, or training - for sale purpose or using for experience gained in management and training as a project.
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Breeding and/or Production: Animal bought or raised and used for breeding purposes.
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Horseless Projects: Participation in Clinics, Horse Judging, Horse Bowl, Hippology teams.