4-H Horse Program

4-H Horse Program

The emphasis of Virginia's 4-H Horse and Pony program is on equine selection, nutrition, management, riding, recreation, fun, and horsemanship. Horseback riding provides an outdoor sports fitness program for physical, personal, and emotional development, including confidence building. The sport can develop into a life-long hobby or business. Projects are available for youth owning or having access to horses, and also for youth not having access to horses (horseless horse projects).

2018-2019 Application and Information

The NEW Horse Ambassador Program officially began September 25, 2017.  Ambassadors are selected to serve a one year term, leading in a variety of outreach and public service capacities, connecting with the community, assisting with 4-H local and District level equine events, meeting with legislators, and representing our program at the state level. In addition, they serve in very important roles at our State 4-H Horse Shows and Educational events. Opportunities are almost limitless as they are encouraged to use this platform, along with their individual skills, passions and talents, to help grow our 4-H Horse Program and the Equine Community. During their term, they will experience leadership trainings, state-wide travel, public speaking opportunities and networking.

If you are interested having an Ambassador at your event or club meeting, please contact the District or Lead Advisor, who wiill connect you with an Ambassador. For special non-4-H equine or agriculture-related events requesting 4-H Horse Program representation please contact the area District Advisor listed below or the State Lead Advisor, Sandy Arnold for Ambassador support.

2017 Ambassadors (Sept. 25, 2017 - Sept. 25, 2018)

  • Central District
           Ambassador - Taylor Prince, Appomattox Co.
        Contact: Hannah Robbins, 4-H Extension agent, Dinwiddie
     
  • Northern District
        Hannah Beaver, Albemarle Co.
        Katie Define, Albemarle Co.
        Camryn Madagan, Frederick Co.
        Contact: Krystal Williams, 4-H Extension agent, Fairfax

  • Southeast District
        Martina Essert, Chesapeake Co.
        Kacy Goodson, Chesapeake Co.
        Abby Kambarn, Accomack Co.
        Contact: Krista Gustafson, 4-H Extension agent, Gloucester
      
  • Southwest District
        Laurel Pollock, Craig Co.
        Contact: Lauren Kopp, 4-H Extension agent, Smyth

  • At Large
        Maryann Johnson, Southampton Co.
        Caitlyn Russ, Albemarle Co.
        Abbey Rinker, Shenandoah Co.
        Morgan Strickler, Frederick Co.
        Contact: Sam Leech, 4-H Extension agent, Rockingham

  • Ambassador Advisors
        State Lead - Sandy Arnold, Middleburg Office
        State Support - Leona Ransdell and Celeste Crisman, Blacksburg Office
        Central District - Hannah Robbins, 4-H Extension agent, Dinwiddie
        Northern District - Krystal Williams, 4-H Extension agent, Fairfax
        Southeast District - Krista Gustafson, 4-H Extension agent, Gloucester
        Southwest District - Lauren Kopp, 4-H Extension agent, Smyth
        At Large - Sam Leech, 4-H Extension agent, Tazewell
       Advisor Mentors - Libby Arnold, Prince William Co. and Mattie Ruth Stanley

THIS PROGRAM IS SPONSORED BY THE FOLLOWING:

Virginia Horse Industry Board
farm credit logo

Events listed here are 4-H sponsored events only. For your 4-H event to be listed, email the PDF document to Sandy Arnold at least 2 weeks prior to your event date.

4-H Horse Program Newsletters

VT APSC Newsletters with 4-H Horse Program Content

Mary Cole 4-H Horsemaster 50 Mile Trail Ride hosted by the VA State 4-H Horse Program

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:


Olympic Bronze Medal Level Sponsor

VIRGINIA HORSE INDUSTRY BOARD


Diamond Level Sponsors:
Virginia Farm Bureau - Richmond, VA
Virginia Horse Council
Weller & Associates

Ruby Level Sponsors:
Blue Ridge Trailers - Ruckersville, VA

Sapphire Level Sponsors:
Southern States
Farm Credit of the Virginias
Integrity Home Mortgage
Heron Ridge
CarMax
Pizza Hut