Maricopa County 4-H Horse Project
Overview
Youth will develop leadership, initiative, self-reliance, sportsmanship, and other desirable character traits, as well as an appreciation of horse well-being and proper horsemanship with or without a physical horse. Youth will experience the pride and the responsibilities of owning/leasing a horse. Youth will also learn good horsemanship and an understanding of proper management for nutrition, raising, daily care, and training horses. The horse project will provide an opportunity for youth to observe and learn through participation and observation, to accept constructive criticisms and learn new ways of training and caring for animals and provide an opportunity for educational experiences through county, area, and state functions.
Clubs
These clubs offer the Horse Project:
Project Calendar of Events
Gymkhana
Saturday, Jan 11, 2025 – KK Ranch (Lehi area)
Saturday, Feb 8, 2025 – KK Ranch (Lehi area)
Saturday, March 8, 2025—Oasis Healing and Equestrian Center” 2124 E Oasis St, Mesa, 85213 (Lehi Area)
FINALS: Friday, April 25, 2025 - John Volken Academy/Welcome Home Ranch
English & Western
Sunday, October 20, 2024 @ Erica Owen's arena in North Valley
Saturday, November 2, 2024 @ BVM
3. Saturday, December 14, 2024 @ BVM
4. Saturday, January 18, 2025 @ BVM
5. FINALS: Saturday, April 26, 2025 - John Volken Academy/Welcome Home Ranch
Team Sorting
Saturday, Nov 16, 2024 – Rockin A Ranch (Queen Creek area). We will have a clinic in the morning, then the Sorting to follow.
Saturday, Dec 7, 2024 – Rockin A Ranch (Queen Creek area). We will have a clinic in the morning, then the Sorting to follow.
Friday, Jan 24, 2025 – Rockin A Ranch (Queen Creek area)
Friday, Feb 28, 2025 – Rockin A Ranch (Queen Creek area)
FINALS: April 18, 2025 - Rockin A Ranch
Legend:
* Welcome Home Ranch, 26601 S Val Vista Dr, Gilbert, AZ 85298
* BVR - Buena Vista Ranchos Community Arena, 8603 S. Terrace Road., Tempe, AZ 85284
* Rockin A - Rockin A Arena 25807 S. Grapefruit Drive, Queen Creek, AZ 85142
Horse Committee
The County 4-H Horse Program is dependent on volunteers and clubs to provide leadership for events and competitions. The committee consists of a President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary along with an adult and youth member from each club that has a Horse Project. This committee provides input, oversight, support, and leadership by putting on educational clinics, shows/events. The disciplines we offer are English, Western, Gymkhana, Roping, and Ranch Sorting. The committee meets, via zoom, the third Monday of the month at 6:00pm and is always looking for more adult volunteers and youth!
Questions?
Contact Caroline Werkhoven at cwerkhoven@arizona.edu.