4-H Horse Programs and Information

2012 Horse Camp - June 4-7 Camp Registration Coming Soon

Douglas County Fairgrounds, Castle Rock

Horse Rules and Regulations

The Douglas County Horse Steering Committee has revised the Horse Rules and Regs for 2012.

Animal Care and Housing Form

If you are enrolling in ANY livestock or horse project this 4-H year you MUST have an animal care form on file for each species. These need to be in the office by your species enrollment deadline. For example, if you are carrying a beef project you will need to have your form in by February 27th in order to have a tag put in your animal’s ear at weigh in. If you have any questions about filling out this form, please contact Vickie or Brenda at the office at 720-733-6940.

2012 4-H Horse Show Buckle Series in Douglas County

Douglas County 4-H ~ Open Horse Show Buckle Series
Five 2012 shows for overall high point!
Our thanks to sponsors:  
Riata West, D.C. Horse Steering Committee, and Rainbow Digitizing & Embroidery
All proceeds benefit the Douglas County 4-H Program
-PAC and RMQHA Outreach approved shows-
Douglas County Fairgrounds - 500 Fairgrounds Rd., Castle Rock, CO 80104
Feb 25 – Indoor Arena April 22, May 19 and June 9– Outdoor Arena June 23 – Indoor Arena

If inclimate weather please check the main page of our website or call 720-733-6940.

Buckle Series Results

Check back for the 2012 results!

Open Riding

Equine facilities at the Douglas County Fairgrounds are available for public use, when not reserved for events.
4-H Open Ride Nights have changed and 4-H will not be hosting them.  The Ride Nights will be open to the public and the policies for use are listed below.  This decision was made by the County to allow greater opportunity for use of the facilities.

New Hours effective November 28, 2011
Outdoor Arena:
Monday – Friday   7:30 am - 10:00 pm
Indoor Arena:
Wednesdays           8am - 10pm
Thursdays               8am – 5pm
Additional weekend and evening hours will be made available as the schedule allows. 
Open riding schedule is published at www.fairgrounds.douglas.co.us—click on the EVENT CALENDAR.
Call first before you drive to the Fairgrounds as the open riding schedule is subject to change.  Douglas County reserves the right to cancel open riding at any time without notice.

Horse show

Rules:
No stallions allowed.
Horses must be kept under control at all times.
No racing, roping, barrel racing, jumping, trick riding, etc allowed.
No Lunging in Indoor or Outdoor Arena. Lunging only allowed in warm-up arenas.
No lessons allowed.
A parent or guardian must accompany anyone under the age of 18 (riders and/or spectators).
All riders must check in, sign a waiver and pay fee prior to riding.
Riders ride at their own risk.
Parking in designated areas only.
Open riding in designated areas only.  Weather and schedule permitting,
Dogs are not allowed in the open riding area.
Stalls are NOT provided for open riding.
Riders are expected to clean up after horses.  Wheelbarrows and shovels are provided.
Do not tie horses to temporary panels.
Alcohol is not permitted.
Anyone not complying with these rules, will be asked to leave.
$5.00 per session per horse or rider:  Cash only / no change given

Jumping Competency Test

The horse committee has added this competency test that will allow members to jump even if they haven’t passed Level 3 on their advancement tests. This will be a simple test that will prove you are capable of safely clearing fences.

If you pass this test, you will be allowed to jump fences in the Hunter Hack class at the County Fair no matter what level you are. (You must still pass Level 1 to show at the County Fair).

You can take this test from any level rater that is certified to test Hunter Hack Levels 3 and above. Or, a Douglas County horse leader who has been certified to give this test can administer it.

We will be offering opportunities to pass at certain Wenesday night rides and the Monday of Horse Camp during level testing. The competency test MUST be on file with the Extension office by the level test deadline that will be published in this newsletter for you to jump at County Fair.

Jumping Competency Certified Raters

Lynette Winans (303)489-6276
Jennie Slade (303)646-1957
Kelly Brown (303)646-5280

Level Testing Opportunities*

The Horse Steering Committe has assigned the due date for the riding and written tests. All must be completed and turned in to the Extension office by July 1, 2011. No exceptions can be made.

Riding Tests

If you would like to Level test 2, contact Vickie the office at 720-733-6940. If you would like to Level test 3 and 4, you need to contact a rater yourself by looking them up on the state list. Just call them and schedule a time. Raters are typically paid $15/test and/or mileage.

Written Tests

Written tests for Level 1 can be taken with your horse leader. All other level tests can be taken at the Extension Office year round. Just call and set a time to take the written test 720-733-6940. Remember, the written test must be taken and passed before taking the riding test.

Check out the advancement level guidelines and study guides to prepare yourself.

Horse Show Organizational Guide

Have you been thinking about holding a show, but you just don't know what all goes in to it and how to get it all done? Well, here's the guide for you with great advice, time lines, checklists and sample show bills and tabulation sheets. So, read all about it and give it a try!

Useful Horse Related Links

  • West Nile Virus Update
  • Colorado State Equine Extension
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