NC 4-H Horse Program Opportunities for 2023

Did you know that North Carolina has one of the largest, most successful 4-H Horse Programs in the country?   Our 4-H Horse Program hosts many events, including clinics, contests, and shows, and has been very competitive on the national level for many years. 4-H Horse Clubs are available in most counties across the state.  There are five Extension and 4-H districts across the state, with many events to attend in the new year.  Be sure to take a look at the NC 4-H Horse Program website for a wealth of information on programs offered.

 
Be sure to read through and sign up for the monthly newsletters to find out what's coming up and what's been going on.  Check out the calendar of events.  Scroll through the educational material and educational events offered.   Contact your county 4-H or livestock agent to find out about horse clubs in your county, and how to get involved today!   

 

Equine Law Webinar Series

 

N.C. Cooperative Extension, Alamance and Chatham County Centers are proud to present the Equine Law Webinar Series with guest speaker, R.L. Adams from Carolina Equine Law. This webinar series was designed with horse owners and equine businesses in mind.

Through this free webinar series, you will learn about several important topics including equine contracts, liability, and insurance. These topics are important if you are considering leasing, boarding, hosting groups/events, giving lessons, etc.

Each webinar will take place from 7–8 p.m. EST on the following dates:

November 4, 2021: Equine Contracts 101

November 16, 2021: Equine Liability & Insurance

Pre-Registration Required: http://go.ncsu.edu/equinelaw21

 

About Zoom (Online Platform Being Used):

This webinar series will be delivered through Zoom, which is an online video communications platform that is free for users. You can download the free app to your phone or you can join by computer. If you cannot join by smartphone or computer, you can call in and listen from any phone.

Once registered, you will be provided with the information needed to join the webinar session.

Questions? Contact Lauren Langley at 336-266-0702 or lauren_langley@ncsu.edu or Kristina Britt at 919-542-8242 or kristina_britt@ncsu.edu.

Tips for Equestrians as We Manage Through COVID-19

 As I thought about what I could focus my article on with so much uncertainty in our world these days, the following simple tips came to mind on how we can locate resources and spend our days as we have more time at home.  You may have an additional ideas that are just as helpful, but here’s a start:

1.     Consider a virtual lesson.  If your horse is not boarded with your trainer, this may be an option if you have someone to tape your ride.  A friend or family member can practice social distancing with you, have a chance to get outside and enjoy the sunshine, and you can still connect with your instructor/trainer!  Google “virtual riding lesson” and you’d be amazed what interesting stories are out there.

2.     Dust off those training DVDs.  We’ve all got them…and often a collection, series or assortment from many different trainers.  Now might be a good time to review some great ones and brush up  on your knowledge.

3.     Are you a young person who depends on a parent or grandparent to get to the barn?  Now is not the time for socializing, but hopefully you can still visit your horse occasionally while mom or grandma reads a book or watches you ride, from the car. 

4.     Check out NC State Extension Equine Husbandry’s resources for youth.   The state horse judging contest will be virtual this year, and on Wednesdays, they are hosting the “Quarantime” lessons for youth on judging.  So many great resources!

5.     Find resources at the NC Horse Council, including great links to the American Horse Council and NC Department ofAgriculture.  The NCHC also offers grants to horse owners in times of need, also found on their website.

6.     Clean and organize.  Most of us have tack or a set of brushes that can use a cleaning, maybe even a horse trailer, tack or feed room, barn loft, etc.  Getting our equipment and barn area organized is not always at the top of our list, but it’s a good use of the extra time.

7.     Goal setting and planning.  Once we get past these days of quarantine, what will be first on your list?  A show, trail ride, clinic?  Now is a good time to really consider what’s next for you and your horse.  Where do you want to be in your riding a year from now?

8.     Spend lots of quality time with your horse.  Now, more than ever, time with our equine friends is so valuable to keeping our spirits up!  With the days getting longer, winter coats shedding out, they will enjoy the extra grooming.  The warm weather and sunshine and exercise will be an added boost to us all. 

Again, these are just a few ideas to consider as you find yourself with extra time. 

Take advantage of it and create your own list.  Enjoy your spring as you staying safe and healthy spending time with your horse!