The 4-H Horse Program is open to youth in 3rd grade and older who are at least 8 years of age. Participants are required to provide their own horse, tack, and transportation to and from events.
This program focuses on western riding and speed events, including ranch riding, showmanship, poles, barrels, keyhole, and more. Each year, we host six shows—three judged and three speed—allowing members to develop well-rounded horsemanship skills.
Youth may choose to start their own club with friends and family or join an existing club. Please contact the USU Washington County 4-H Office for information about available clubs and how to get involved. 435-301-7740
The cost for the program is $60 and includes insurance, awards, and activities.
Resources:
- 2025-2026 Rule Book
- Western Study Material
- Western Show Events Rotation
- Show Volunteers
The 4-H Working Ranch Horse Program provides an opportunity for youth to be involved in western horsemanship activities beyond the traditional show ring. Participants learn the age-old techniques of handling livestock while on horseback. Activities include Cattle Sorting, Reining, Working Cow Horse, and Roping.
Youth may choose to start their own club with friends and family or join an existing club.
For more information, USU Washington County 4-H Office at 435-301-7740.
Resources:
The Utah 4-H Equine English Program is an excellent avenue for youth to get involved with the basics of English riding. From equitation to hunt seat, riders will learn the proper balance and timing that comes with English riding. Youth also get the opportunity to exhibit what they have learned through county and state horse shows.
For more information, contact the USU Washington County Extension Office at 435-301-7740.
Resources:
This program is for youth who do not have a horse or who are looking to purchase a horse and want to learn more about what it takes. This is a fun hands-on program where youth interact with a horse and learn about the parts of a horse, colors and breeds, the tack, and even riding styles. This program is offered twice a year, depending on local interest and volunteer availability.
For more information, contact the USU Washington County Extension Office at 435-301-7740.
The Utah 4-H Western Horse Program focuses on teaching youth to work with a project horse throughout the year, and be tested on their equine knowledge. The youth are given the opportunity to show their horses in multiple western disciplines, including western horsemanship, showmanship at halter, western pleasure, trail, western riding, and reining. The shows offer three speed events that may include barrel racing, pole bending, keyhole, gymkhana, scurry, and quadrangle. The Western horse program is one of the largest project areas within Utah 4-H.
For more information, contact the USU Washington County Extension Office at 435-301-7740.
2026 Show Schedule - All Horse Shows
| Show | Date | Category | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Show 1 | March 23 | Judge Show | (Washington County Legacy Park) Mandatory meeting at 5:45, show starts at 6:00. |
| Show 2 | April 6 | Speed Show (Fair Show) |
(Washington County Legacy Park) Practice show on your own Mandatory meeting at 5:45, show starts at 6:00. |
| Show 3 | May 4 | Judge Show | (Washington County Legacy Park) Mandatory meeting at 5:45, show starts at 6:00. |
| Show 4 | May 18 | Speed Show | (Washington County Legacy Park) Mandatory meeting at 6:45, show starts at 7:00. |
| Show 5 | June 1 | Speed Show |
(Washington County Legacy Park) Mandatory meeting at 6:45, show starts at 7:00 PM. |
| Show 6 | June 8 | Judge Show |
(Washington County Legacy Park) Mandatory meeting at 6:45, show starts at 7:00 PM. |
| Show | Date | Time | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Club Gathering | TBA | Jones Family Arena New Harmony |
4-H Horse Council
4-H Program
Phone: 435 301-7740
Email: benjamin.scow@usu.edu
4-H County Office - Zsuite Registration
Phone: 435-301-7745
Email: katarina.aikens@usu.edu
Horse Council President
Phone: 435-619-3407
Email: daytonhall@gmail.com
Horse Council Pres-Elect Club Leader
Vice President of Western Horse Shows
Phone: 435 632-5039
toni-cutis@live.com
Club Leader, Vice President of Judging and Rules
Phone: 435 703-4112
Email: laceejessop99@gmail.com
Horse Bylaws
Message from the Horse Council
Our 4-H Horse Program is a year-round educational experience that combines both mounted and unmounted learning opportunities. While horses are an important part of the program, 4-H is about developing youth—not just horsemanship skills. Through the horse project, members gain valuable life skills including responsibility, proper animal care, teamwork, training and teaching skills, nutrition knowledge, communication, leadership, and much more.
