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.