In honor of the Utah 4-H Centennial, 4-H horse project members in 3rd-12th grades (grade as of October 1, 2011) are eligible to apply to become a Weber County 4-H Horse Ambassador. Ambassadors will get to ride in parades and 4-H Centennial events, present awards during 4-H Horse Awards Night, lead games at the last County Western 4-H Horse Show, and assist with various 4-H horse program promotions. Senior 4-H’ers (9th-12th grades) will also plan and conduct an individual project that helps support or promote the 4-H horse program.
Eligibility: Applicants must have a least one year of prior 4-H membership and be currently enrolled.
Selection Process: Up to four members in each age group (junior, intermediate and senior) will be selected based upon the following criteria:
- Interview – 100 pts.
- Horse Demonstration / Speech – 100 pts.
- Horsemanship / Riding Skills – 100 pts.
- Application – 100 pts. ( Senior 4-H’ers (9th-12th grades) must submit their project proposal with their application.)
A minimum average score of 320 or higher must be earned to be selected.
Recognition & Awards: Each ambassador will receive a 4-H Horse Ambassador western shirt to wear at parades and events. Additionally, each youth earns points based upon the promotional and leadership activities they perform as a 4-H Horse Ambassador. Gold, Silver or Bronze awards will be presented to 4-H Horse Ambassadors who earn the minimum points during 4-H Horse Awards Night.
Dates: Applications (and project proposals for senior 4-H’ers) are due to the 4-H office no later than September 15. The interview, demonstration/speech and horsemanship/riding portion will be conducted on Saturday, October 1st at 9 a.m. (Location to be announced.)
Attire: Youth should follow Weber County 4-H Horse Program rules for show attire (including helmets), tack and equipment for the riding, interview, and demonstration portion of the contest.
Horse Demonstration / Speech: Youth will prepare and deliver a speech or demonstration on any horse-related topic such as health issues, showing, horse industry concerns, ethics, etc. Contestants have a choice of using a speech format or a demonstration format. Please follow the correct time limits for the contest format you select. We encourage contestants to present their horse demo / speech during 4-H County Contest Day next spring (you might as well get extra awards for your effort).
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4-H Horse Public Speaking Format |
4-H Horse Demonstration Format |
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· Juniors and Intermediates: 3 - 5 minutes · Seniors: 7 - 10 minutes |
· Juniors and Intermediates: 5-10 minutes · Seniors: 10-15 minutes |
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No props allowed. |
Posters, props, and other visual aids should be used to teach audience. No live animals allowed. |
Horsemanship / Riding: Each contestant will demonstrate horsemanship skills (walk, trot, lope, change leads, turn, mount/dismount, back, pivot) and will be asked to carry a flag while executing a pattern. Patterns will be announced the morning of the event.
Interview: Each contestant will participate in an interview. Interview questions will include knowledge of the 4-H program, prior 4-H experiences, 4-H goals, and horsemanship knowledge.