Boulder County 4-H Horse Project

• Colorado State 4-H Horse Project Info and Materials
• Colorado State Fair
• Equine Youth Liability Form
• 4-H Animal Care and Housing Form
• Advancement Level Rating Written Test
• 4-H Levels Program Info
• Colorado 4-H Horse/Rider Level Declaration Form

Please visit account.venmo.com/u/BoCoHorse-LeadersCouncil or use the QR code to pay horse fees online.

Visit the 4-H State Website to access manuals and e-record book links.

4-H Record Books are also called e-Records. Each project has its own record book that members are required to complete each year. Record books have a few times to be checked on progress throughout the year:

1. In June, your 4-H leader will be sure your books are started and up to date.
2. Prior to showing at the Boulder County Fair, your record books will be checked by your superintendent to be sure they are up to date and complete as can be in order to participate and show at the fair.
3. Final livestock record books are due to be received at the Extension office by the second Thursday in September. (Please note: your 4-H leader may need an earlier deadline for review and signatures.)

Deadline: Last Thursday in April

In order to declare your project animal(s), Horse project members must complete an Animal ID on 4HOnline for each horse in their project.

Members showing at the Boulder County Fair or Colorado State Fair are only eligible to show the horses they have their Animal ID completely (including required pictures/records) on 4HOnline by the deadline.

New to horse shows? Looking for basic information on the many different types of horse show events? View the Horse Show 101 Guide.

• Colorado 4-H Horse Levels Program
• Levels Rater List

Background of the Program

The Advancement Levels program is a logical step-by-step guide to teach youth horsemanship and horse care. The Advancement Level chapter in the 4-H Horse Member’s Manual serves as a leader’s and member’s guide. This chapter explains the basics of the Levels program.

Safety and proper basics are stressed throughout the Levels program. The skills learned in the beginning levels are reflected in properly mastering the more advanced levels. A solid and consistent foundation is extremely important.

It should be recognized that not every youth will want to master all levels. However, it should be realized that the first two levels teach the basics of horse safety, care, and riding for general pleasure and performance. It is therefore encouraged that all members participate in at least Levels I and II. Level III is for the serious horse person and Level IV is for the youth that is interested in a career in the equine industry or is very serious about his/her riding and training.

Written Tests

Please study before requesting a written test.  The Study Guides posted online will help you prepare for the test. Written tests are taken at the Boulder County Extension office (4-H office), please select a day and time on the Scheduling Page to take your written test. Contact Jeannie Torres with any questions. You may take the test multiple times to achieve a score of 80% or higher. You cannot take the test twice in one day. 

Program Purpose

The Advancement Level program is a teaching guide that combines many aspects of horsemanship and horse care. The 4-H levels program is designed to apply to Western, Working Ranch Horse, and all disciplines within the English division (Hunter Seat, Saddle Seat, and Dressage Seat).

All youth begin at level one and must master level one, either Western and/or English, before moving on to level two. English and Western are kept in two separate paths. Master Western I and II and you can move on to Western III (then Western IV) and/or Ranch Horse II (then Ranch III, then Ranch IV). Master English I and II and you can move on to Hunter Seat III (then Hunter Seat IV), and/or Saddle Seat III (then Saddle Seat IV), and/or Dressage Seat III (then Dressage Seat IV).

Find a list of approved raters, test study guides, and copies of the riding tests on the Colorado 4-H Horse Project page. It is recommended to review the Written Test Study Guide and Riding Test Outline prior to testing.

Interested in Being a Levels Rater?

To become a levels rater, individuals must complete the rater training and re-certify every three years to continue rating. Training includes a general introduction to the program followed by discipline-specific sessions. Raters may become certified at any level or any discipline with which they have a base knowledge and may perform ratings for only those levels/disciplines with which they are certified.

You do not need to be enrolled in a horse project to participate. All 4-H ages are welcome, experience not required!

• Boulder County Hippology
  Coach: Donna Pattee | 303-482-7581
• Boulder County Horse Bowl
  Coach: Carmen Porter | 303-885-5702
• Boulder County Horse Judging
  Coach: Kendra McConnell | 303-956-2885

The Boulder County 4-H Horse Leaders Council is made up of Horse Leaders and parents.  

We are dedicated to providing learning situations for the development of leadership, responsibility, and effective citizenship of our members.  

HLC will also provide educational and challenging experiences that will enable young people to become knowledgeable and skilled in their selected project areas and to provide information and training in other 4-H activities as members’ interests dictate.

HLC meetings are on the first Monday of every month at 6:30 pm via zoom (no meeting in December or August).  Email Kelly Thomas for a meeting link. 

• HLC Bylaws
• HLC 4-H Member Volunteer Form

Boulder County 4-H and Horse programs offer several scholarships for members. Please review the specific requirements for individual scholarship applications.

Note: Updated scholarship info will be available soon.

Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) Information

Please read Virus season: Commonsense practices to keep your livestock healthy from State Extension Veterinarian Dr. Ragan Adams regarding recent confirmed cases of Vesicular  Stomatitis Virus (VSV) in Colorado and nearby states. VSV most often affects horses, cattle, and swine but can also affect mules/donkeys, bison, sheep, goats, and camelids. The article also contains information about signs of VSV and biosecurity strategies that should be observed by our 4-H members, families, and volunteers with Horses and Livestock. 

Additional Resources:

• Rabies in Horses – Colorado Department of Agriculture
• Rabies Information – Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment
• Colorado Rabies FAQ