Horses, just like people, need to stay clean in order to not only look good but also stay healthy. Grooming not only gets the horse clean; it also relaxes them and allows you to look for injuries, parasites, or skin conditions.

Horses do not speak in words, but they still communicate. They use body language. Understanding horse “language” is important when it comes to safely handling horses. There are several ways horses position their bodies in order to talk to each other.

Just as different people do different jobs, so do different horses perform different tasks. In order to do their jobs well, they need to have the right tack or equipment.

So many activities and interactions with horses require you to know what the parts of the horse are, where they’re located, and how they function. It’s also important to use the correct terminology when speaking with others about horses. For example, telling the vet that a horse has a wound on the withers is more specific than just saying on the back.

This project book is intended for use by enrolled members of the 4-H program. 4-H members interested in completing this book do not need to own or ride horses. Members who have horses may also participate in this project. 4-H members should be active members of a 4-H club and complete this project under the supervision of an adult volunteer leader. 4-H members of all ages may complete this project book. This project is intended to be completed in one year. However, there is no time limit on completion. 4-H members may repeat this book as many times as desired. Members are encouraged to complete one Horse Judging Project Record Book for each year that they are actively participating in horse judging. 4-H members must complete Horse Judging Project Record Book Level 1 before they begin work in this book.

This project book will be used to further the education of 4-H members who are interested in horse judging and have already completed the 4-H Horse Judging Project Record Book Level 1.

Members should also enroll in the Horse Management project and keep an accurate and up-to-date management record. Participate in the riding series is strictly on an elective basis. The riding projects should be closely supervised by a horse project leader. Numerous standard references may be used for completing the diagrams, questions, etc. Members should have the basic equipment for riding and the use of a suitable riding animal.

The economic and ecological considerations of clear cutting wooded acreage.

Fall Panicum is a common annual warm season grass that can be hepatotoxic (cause liver disease) in horses under certain growing conditions. Toxicity in horses was documented in Virginia in 2004 when fourteen horses were diagnosed with liver disease as a result of consuming Fall Panicum hay. Currently, there have been several cases of suspected toxicity in horses grazing Fall Panicum in Northern Virginia pastures since late summer 2015. The trigger that causes toxicity and the amount of grass required to cause illness are not well understood, thus proper identification and treatment are essential for recovery.