Horses at Willowbrook Farm
4-H Horse Program
The 4-H Horse Program is the most popular animal project
in Albany County. Over 110 youth are enrolled in the horse program.
Horse events include:
- Albany County Horse Shows – the shows are run
by volunteer 4-H Leaders and usually occur in June and
September. Class lists and show rules are available from the 4-H Office.
- Altamont Fair Horse Show – this show is very
well attended, and features 4-H riders from Albany, Greene and Schenectady
counties. It is held each year at 8:30 am on the Friday during fair
week.
- Horse Bowl – Albany County hosts its own event
where 4-H’ers answer a number of questions using the infamous
“buzzers.” This always proves to be lots of fun for those
who participate.
- Hippology Program – the term “hippology”
means the study of horses. This program consists of four workshops
given in October, November, January and February. 4-H members then
test their knowledge at the county Hippology contest, and then play
Jeopardy to learn their answers.
- Clinics – clinics and workshops are held throughout
the year to provide 4-H members with additional skills and knowledge
on a given topic area.
- Regional Level Events – there are three contests
that are held on a regional level – Hippology, Horse Bowl, and
Horse Presentations. Those 4-H’ers who do well at the county
level may be asked to represent Albany County at one of these events.
- State-Wide Events – many of the regional events
also lead to state-wide contests where 4-H horse members compete
against other members from across New York State. Some of these events
take place at Cornell University while others take place at the New
York State Fair.
- Events at the National Level – it is truly
an honor for 4-H members to be chosen to test their skill against youth from across the nation.
A volunteer 4-H Horse Advisory Committee meets every other
month to give guidance to the program and make recommendations for educational
efforts.
Albany County has done well at many of the Regional and
State events. We have also been able to send some of our 4-H members
on to the National Horse Competition in Louisville, Kentucky. Youth
have given public presentations, and have competed in other events at
the National Horse Round-Up.
Last updated July 26, 2019