• Fall awards and welcome meeting
• Winter and spring project meetings
• Safety meeting and paperwork deadlines
• Open riding nights and drill team practices
• Fair registration deadlines
• Barron County Fair and State Fair events
• Tip: Horse projects require early planning. Families should begin thinking about goals, horse access, and paperwork months before fair season.

• Daily horse care (feeding, watering, stall or pasture management)
• Regular riding or groundwork practice
• Project meetings, clinics, and practices
• Extra preparation time before fair

Costs vary depending on whether a horse is owned, leased, or borrowed.

Tip: Ask experienced families for guidance early. It can save money and stress.

• Feed, bedding, and basic care
• Tack and safety equipment
• Veterinary care, including Coggins testing
• Fair-related expenses

• Horses need consistent daily care
• Youth are expected to actively participate
• Safety and responsibility are core expectations

Drill Team Guide Book

Drill Team Schedule

• Western
• Hunt/Saddle Seat
• Ranch Riding
• Trail (English or Western)
• Pleasure classes

• Gymkhana events (barrels, poles, key race, flag race, cloverleaf)
• Drill Team

• Pleasure Driving
• Reinsmanship
• Cones
• Line Driving

• In-hand classes
• Horseless Horse
• Hippology
• Educational exhibits
  • Tip for New Families: Walk-trot, in-hand, or horseless horse are excellent entry points.

• Educational Exhibits
  • Horse-related topics
  • Face-to-face judged
  • Open to horse and horseless members
• Hippology
  • Knowledge-based contest
  • Held in the spring
  • Open to grades 3–13
• Both contribute to learning and versatility recognition

The Barron County 4-H Horse Project runs year-round. Planning early helps families stay organized, meet deadlines, and enjoy the season.

January

• Attend the Horse Project Kick-Off Meeting
• Learn about Drill Team opportunities
• Confirm horse access and care plans
• Begin conditioning plans for horses and riders

February

• Attend the Horse Project Member Meeting
• Focus on skill-building and education
• Review safety rules and helmet requirements

March

• Continue riding and groundwork as conditions allow
• Review paperwork and Coggins requirements
• Participate in learning clinics when available

April

• Increase riding, conditioning, and grooming routines
• Practice showmanship and patterns
• Prepare tack and equipment for the season

May

• Attend the Horse Project Member Meeting
• Final paperwork and forms are due
• Drill Team sign-ups and deadlines
• Continue consistent riding and care routines

June

• Open Riding Nights begin
• Drill Team practices begin
• All horses must have registration and Coggins on file
• Barron County Fair registration deadline
• Focus on fair readiness and conditioning

July

• Final practices and preparation
• Barron County Fair
• Participate in shows, herdsmanship, and educational judging
• Practice good sportsmanship and teamwork

August

• State Fair activities for eligible members
• Complete record books and reflections
• Clean and store equipment
• Celebrate accomplishments and growth

September

• Re-enroll in 4-H Online
• Review Horse Project rules and expectations
• Begin goal setting for the year
• Start planning horse access, budget, and care

October

• Attend the Awards Banquet and Welcome Meeting
• Celebrate the past year and welcome new members
• Begin informal planning for the upcoming season

November

• Review project requirements and fair rules
• Talk as a family about goals and commitment
• Begin budgeting for feed, tack, and veterinary needs

December

• Finalize winter care plans
• Review paperwork needs and deadlines
• Light groundwork or conditioning as weather allows

• Enrollment in 4-H and Horse Project
• Member in good standing
• Attendance at required safety meeting
• All forms and dues submitted by deadlines
  • Form Checklist, and other forms (will be finalized for February meeting)
  • Animal Health Form (Fair) – coming soon
  • Fair Camping Form – coming soon
• Compliance with Wisconsin 4-H Horse Project rules

Forms (tentative)

SEI-approved helmets are required at all times when riding or driving at any 4-H event. This applies to youth and adults.

• Barron County Fair Book (Horse Department)
• Registration Form and Project Agreement
• Barron County Junior Livestock Code of Ethics & Exhibitor Expectations
• NOTE: No horse may be brought to the fair unless it is registered in a class and all paperwork is complete.

• Riding and horsemanship clinics
• Showmanship practice
• Trail pattern walk-throughs
• Grooming and tack care workshops
• Drill Team skill-building

• Pleasure (Hunt, Western, Driving, Trail, In-Hand Trail)
• Gymkhana
• Ranch
• Driving
• Walk-Trot
• Horseless Horse

Herdsmanship is judged throughout fair week and recognizes excellent care. Plaques and a traveling trophy are awarded.

• Judged on:
  • Cleanliness of stall area (50%)
  • Exhibitor conduct and appearance (10%)
  • Stall decorations and name cards (20%)
  • Overall horse care (10%)
  • Feed and equipment storage (10%)

Showmanship focuses on the exhibitor’s ability to groom, handle, and present their horse.

• Pre-registration required
• Strongly recommended for all exhibitors
• Divisions
  • Junior (Grades 3–5)
  • Intermediate (Grades 6–8)
  • Senior (Grades 9–13)
  • Showmanship is offered in Western, Hunt/Saddle Seat, Ranch, Draft Horse, and Horseless Horse.
• What Judges Look For
  • Horse grooming and cleanliness
  • Exhibitor appearance and control
  • Knowledge of horse care and parts
  • Confidence and sportsmanship

• Wisconsin 4-H Horse Project materials
• Wisconsin 4-H Horse Project Equestrian Guidelines

Some classes are offered by assistance level:

• Novice: Rider with leader
• Beginner: Rider with side walker
• Advanced: No lead person
• These classes are ribbon-only and support riders of all abilities.

High Point Awards– awarded per age group in:

• Pleasure
• Gymkhana
• Ranch
• Walk-Trot
• Horseless Horse

Versatility Award

• Given to the horse/rider combination with the most combined points from horse show classes and educational entries.

Top Groomed

• Selected by judges during the pleasure show for each regular showmanship division.

• Horses must arrive during assigned check-in times
• All required paperwork must be completed and on file before arrival
• Horses must meet all health and soundness standards to remain on the grounds

• Stall decorations are chosen by youth and should show pride in their project
• All decorations must be safe for horses, exhibitors, and visitors
• Stalls and decorations are judged as part of herdsmanship
• Decorations must be completed by noon on Friday

• Exhibitors must arrive on time and be prepared for their classes
• Neat, appropriate attire is required
• Courtesy, sportsmanship, and respect are expected at all times

• Horses must be fed and watered daily
• Stalls must be cleaned and maintained throughout the week
• Youth are expected to actively help with daily care and barn responsibilities
• Herdsmanship scores reflect overall care and cleanliness

• Early release is not allowed
• Horses must remain on the grounds until the designated release time
• Stalls must be thoroughly cleaned before leaving

• Horse Care
  • halter, feed, water buckets, stall tools
• Tack
  • saddle, bridle, pads, spare equipment
• Paperwork
  • health form, Coggins, registration
• Rider Gear
  • helmet, boots, show clothes
• Extras
  • fans, decorations, first aid

• Inspect trailers before travel to ensure tires, lights, flooring, and doors are in good working condition
• Load and unload horses calmly and patiently to reduce stress and risk of injury
• Secure horses properly during transport
• Never leave horses unattended in trailers or tied areas

• SEI-approved helmets are required at all times when riding or driving
• Ride horses that are appropriate for the rider’s skill level
• Follow posted arena rules and staff directions
• Unsafe or reckless behavior is not permitted and may result in removal from the arena

• Offer fresh water frequently, especially during hot or humid conditions
• Use shade, fans, or cooling methods when available
• Schedule rides and workouts thoughtfully to avoid overheating
• Watch for signs of heat stress or fatigue and act quickly if concerns arise

• Do not bring horses that are lame, sick, unsafe, or poorly conditioned
• Horses should be physically and behaviorally prepared for the demands of the fair
• Notify a superintendent if health or safety concerns arise

No. Horses may be owned, leased, or borrowed, as long as the horse is suitable for the project and all requirements are met.

Yes. SEI-approved helmets are required for all riders and drivers, including adults, at all 4-H Horse Project activities.

Yes, if allowed by class rules and the horse is properly registered for each class.

Yes. The Horse Project welcomes youth of all experience levels. Walk-Trot, in-hand, horseless horse, and beginner classes are great starting points.

Yes. The Horse Project welcomes youth of all experience levels. Walk-Trot, in-hand, horseless horse, and beginner classes are great starting points.

Yes. Horseless Horse, in-hand classes, hippology, and educational exhibits allow members to participate without riding.

Yes. Horseless Horse, in-hand classes, hippology, and educational exhibits allow members to participate without riding.

Horses that are sick, lame, unsafe, or poorly conditioned should not be brought to the fair. Contact a superintendent if concerns arise.