We are currently taking appointments for 4-H Horse Level Written Tests. If you wish to take a test or retake a test please contact our 4-H Agent, Claudia Meeks, at
claudia.meeks@colostate.edu to schedule an appointment. Test will ONLY be administered via appointments with the Extension Office.
Riding tests may be scheduled after a 4-H member has passed their written test. Riding test will be scheduled by contacting Claudia with the 4-H member’s name, level to be tested, discipline, contact information, and dates/times that work best for them. A rater will contact the youth to schedule their test.
What is the 4-H Horse Levels Program?
The levels program is a teaching guide to teach youth horsemanship and horse care. Safety and proper horse care are stressed throughout the levels program. While not every youth will want to master all levels, it is important to realize that the first two levels teach the basics of horse safety, care, and riding for general pleasure and performance. Colorado 4-H encourages that all members participate in at least Levels I and II. Level III is for the serious horse person and Level IV is for the youth that is interested in a career in the equine industry or is very serious about his/her riding and training.
Who needs to attempt to level test?
All new 4-H horse project members and unrated riders. Leveling up is not a requirement but encouraged at the comfort level of the 4-H member.
For the Douglas County Fair Horse Show, the High Point and Reserve High Point riders in each division should attempt for the next level. Riders meeting the criteria to level up but do not move up a level are still eligible to compete at the Douglas County Fair Horse Show but are
NOT eligible for high point awards.
There are exceptions to attempting to level up:
·
Level IV riders (no level higher than IV)
·
Riders who move up in age classification may remain in current riding level
·
If there are less than five (5) exhibitors in the riding discipline the year an exhibitor won High Point or Reserve High Point (previous fair year) or youth in the junior age division (8-13) level 2 or 3 that have NOT won Grand or Reserve Champion in the riding discipline two consecutive years.
How many times can I take the written or riding tests?
Members may take written and/or riding tests as many times as necessary to advance. A member must pass the written test with a score of 80% or better. The member must also pass the riding test with the 80% or better on each of the riding test maneuvers and requirements. You must wait 24 hours before you can retake the written test.
Reminder for Douglas County Fair Horse Show Entry
The Douglas County Fair entry deadline is June 13. Riders attempting to level up should do so by June 13. For those who have not leveled up by June 13 and are waiting on their riding test with a rater will need to enter
ALL classes that they think they will level up to. For example, a Level II rider who is attempting to level up to Level III and is waiting to take or retake their Level III riding test will need to enter
the LEVEL III CLASSES they want to ride in at fair. If the exhibitor does not pass the Level III riding test by July 1, they will be entered in the corresponding Level II classes. ALL rider tests must be completed by July 1.
