4H Classes

[dreamlandnh]

Hoping this is the right place for this question, if not please move it to the correct forum.

In the New England 4H program we were able to get them to open up the classes to allow driving. We did our 3 year trial and though the numbers are still low they are going to continue with the driving but they want to offer a division of Mini in Hand. We need to come up with 4 option classes for mini in-hand. So far we have come up with obstacle, hunter, knock down n out and need one more. We can count Fitting and Showmanship because that is required of all horses and halter is not an option. Can anyone thing of another option class for mini's in hand, need a performance type class.

 

[Sandee]

Hoping this is the right place for this question, if not please move it to the correct forum.

In the New England 4H program we were able to get them to open up the classes to allow driving. We did our 3 year trial and though the numbers are still low they are going to continue with the driving but they want to offer a division of Mini in Hand. We need to come up with 4 option classes for mini in-hand. So far we have come up with obstacle, hunter, knock down n out and need one more. We can count Fitting and Showmanship because that is required of all horses and halter is not an option. Can anyone thing of another option class for mini's in hand, need a performance type class.

What about Hunter. If you want the rules they are in the AMHR rulebook. Jumps are set like a regular hunter class with flowers, blue tarp for water, brick-wallboard, etc. Jumps are 18 to 24" only.

 

[Indian*R*A*I*N*Dance]

A local 4H county added mini classes for us and we are doing fitting and showmanship(required), halter, trail and jumping.

You could do jumping(we have ours timed), pole bending, barrel racing, costume classes.

 

[targetsmom]

How about a "Disciplined Rail In Hand" Class? This can be run like a Command Class (see the Pinto rule book) except entries are not eliminated for mistakes, they are just marked down. Ideally, this would focus on the minis training and communication with handler and give everyone a fairly equal shot at winning. Some "commands" could be walk, trot, halt (and stand), back 3 steps, lead from the wrong side... and for more difficulty add turn on the forehand or haunches (pivot).

 

[dreamlandnh]

Thank you for the idea's everyone.

 

[stormy]

Our 4H state miniature horse show has fitting and showing, jumping, obstacle in hand, barrels in hand and liberty as well as grooms class (a bucket of grooming tools is presented..judge can chose any tool and exhibitor must explain were and how it is used. Can also ask parts of the horse, colors, etc! Great for new members or members that don't own their own horse!)

 

[alphahorses]

Costume if you want a fun class.

If you want an in-hand performance type class for older kids who either have driving horses or are thinking about driving, you could create a "Line Drive" class. Have them line-drive (without a cart) through some kind of pattern (zig-zag through cones, trot a circle or even a figure 8, stand quietly, back up, and .. the hardest of all... walk in a straight line away from the fence! LOL). Judge it on manners, smoothness of transitions, and precision (e.g. was the circle round? did they back or walk straight? etc).