Davis County 4-H Horse Program
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Davis County 4-H Horse program provides opportunities for youth with an interest in horses and horse events. Youth will be provided with experiences to help develop leadership, citizenship, self-esteem, social, and horsemanship skills. This program is for youth in 3rd grade and 8 years old, through 12th grade, as of September 1st of the 4-H year. The 4-H Horse program includes programs for both youth who own/have access to horse and those who do not, but still want to learn about the science of equine care and management. For information about horse clubs in your area, see the list below or call the Davis County 4-H office at 801-499-5370 [option 2].
How to Give
Davis County 4-H Horse Program
Online:
Credit, Debit, PayPal, Venmo or Bank Transfer
Mail:
Utah State University
Davis County 4-H Horse Program
1590 Old Main Hill
Logan, UT 84322-1590
Make checks payable to "Utah State University."
Stock or Wire Transfer:
Contact Michelle Merrill at 435-797-8556 or michelle.merrill@usu.edu for instructions.
2026 EVENTS
Rules Meeting & Vote:
This meeting is for club leaders, parents, guardians and volunteers. Rule change proposals will be presented and voted on.
Education Nights
February 19 @ TBD
Location: TBD
Topic: TBD
March 19 @ TBD
Location: TBD
Topic: TBD
April 16 @ 6:30
Location: USU Wetland Discovery Point
(676 S. 50 W. Kaysville, UT, 84037)
Topic: Opening Social
Shows
Registration for each show closes the Sunday before the show.
May 18 - Novice Show
Check-in and Show Time TBD
Location: Davis Agricultural Heritage Center
June 2
Check-In @ 3:00-3:45pm
Show Starts @ 4:00
Location: Davis Agricultural Heritage Center
June 15
Check-In @ 3:00-3:45pm
Show Starts @ 4:00
Location: Davis Agricultural Heritage Center
June 23
Check-In @ 3:00-3:45pm
Show Starts @ 4:00
Location: Davis Agricultural Heritage Center
July 7
Check-In @ 3:00-3:45pm
Show Starts @ 4:00
Location: Davis Agricultural Heritage Center
July 27 - Region Horse Show
must qualify - top 8 in each age division
Check-in and Show Time TBD
Location: Oakley, UT
August 4
Check-In @ 3:00-3:45pm
Show Starts @ 4:00
Location: Davis Agricultural Heritage Center
September - State Horse Show
must qualify
Check-in and Show Time TBD
Location: Bastian Ag Center
Contests
Demonstration/Public Speaking
Goes towards all-around awards
Date: TBD
Location: USU Kaysville
Register on ZSuite TBD
Portfolio
Required to qualify for any year end award. Also goes towards all-around awards
Upload to ZSuite between September 1-October 1
EVENTS AT EACH WESTERN HORSE SHOW
Written Test - Required
Judged
Fitting & Showmanship - Required
Western Rail
Rotating Event*
- 2025-2026 - Western Equitation
- 2027-2028 - Reining
- 2029-2030 - Western Riding
- 2031-2032 - Bareback Equitation
- 2033-2034 - Trail
Speed
Barrels
Poles
Rotating Event*
- 2025-2026 - Gymkhana Gig
- 2027-2028 - Flag Race
- 2029-2030 - Keyhole
- 2031-2032 - Scurry
- 2033-2034 - Quadrangle
RESOURCES
Written Test Study Material
Additional Senior Material
Contests
Portfolio*^
The Portfolio Contest allows 4-H members to showcase their personal and program achievements through a professionally crafted portfolio, consisting of a resume and cover letter.
Resume: is a comprehensive, two-page document summarizing the member's background, skills, and accomplishments. It should highlight their 4-H experiences, including project involvement, activities, awards and recognitions, leadership roles, and community service contributions. The resume provides a cumulative overview of the member's growth and dedication within the 4-H program.
Cover Letter: Is a one-page narrative tailored to the contest requirements. The cover letter complements the resume by addressing specific objectives outlined in the ZSuite registration. It should provide a personal insight into the member's journey, goals, and the impact of 4-H on their life.
This contest builds essential career readiness skills, helping members prepare for future job and scholarship opportunities.
Demonstration/Public Speaking^`
The Horse Demonstration & Public Speaking contests provides an opportunity for youth enrolled in 4-H horse projects to demonstrate their knowledge of equine-related subject matter while improving their public speaking skills.
Horse Bowl`
Teams of four compete in an exciting quiz bowl that tests their horse knowledge. Using handheld buzzers, participants race to answer questions about animal science, husbandry, and industry standards. This fast-paced event promotes teamwork, quick thinking, and a deeper understanding of livestock.
Hippology`
Teams of four compete in four different phases: Examination, Station, Judging, and Team Problem.
Horse Judging`
Individuals and teams of 4 assess classes of horses in halter/confirmation and performance. This contest challenges youth to apply critical thinking, decision-making, and horse evaluation skills
* Contest is required to qualify for year-end awards
^ Contest scores go towards the all-around award
` Practices are held at the USU Utah House every Thursday from 6-7pm.
1st Thursday - Bowl Contest
2nd Thursday - Judging Contest
3rd Thursday - Hippology Contest
4th Thursday - Demonstration & Public Speaking Contests
WESTERN HORSE COUNCIL PRESIDENCY
Horse Council President: Kathryn Todd
Horse Council Vice President: Karson Anderson
Horse Council Vice President: Mary Page
Horse Show Secretary: Laurie Knighton
YOUTH AMBASSADORS
Ambassador Advisor: Jade Maxfield
Senior Ambassadors
- Alli Hartvigsen
- Bayli Barber
- Blake Larsen
- Kiley Hartvigsen
- Lillianna Muir
- Millie Hansen
- Payton Marshall
Junior Ambassadors
- Brooklyn Bowes
- Callie Larsen
- Chaysi Todd
- Danielle Dalglish
- Elin Connett
- Emily Davis
- Isabelle Savage
- Kaizley Gipson
- Molly Todd
- Samantha Petersen
Questions Regarding 4-H Horse Programs? Contact:
Lauren Montgomery