Start Here!

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New to the Horse Project? We know there can be a lot to learn at first.

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We encourage new Horseless Horse families to:

• Attend the Horse Project new-family orientation.

• Review the Horseless Horse Reference Guide and FAQ.

• Attend our monthly countywide Horse Project meetings.

• Participate in clinics, activities, educational programs, and other opportunities that interest you.

• Get to know your Horseless Horse Buddy and take advantage of opportunities to learn from them.

• Ask questions! If something is unclear or you are unsure where to find information, please reach out to a Horse Project leader.

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The Horse Project provides many opportunities throughout the year, but every member's experience will look a little different. The more you participate, ask questions, try new things, and become involved, the more you will get from your Horse Project experience.

 

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What does horseless horse mean?

To be a Horseless Horse project member, no one in the family may own, lease, or manage a horse/pony (Wisconsin 4-H Horseless Horse Guidelines).​

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What is a horseless horse buddy? 

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A Horseless Horse Buddy is an experienced equestrian who takes a Horseless Horse member under their wing and shares their knowledge of horses.

A buddy may help a member learn about areas such as:

•    Horse care and daily management
•    Grooming and handling
•    Feeding and nutrition
•    Tack and equipment
•    Horse behavior
•    Breeds and disciplines
•    Riding and horsemanship
•    Horse ownership
•    Showing and fair participation, when applicable
 

Every buddy relationship will look a little different depending on the experience, interests, horses, facilities, and availability of those involved.
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For a person to become a HHB please register via 4HONLINE.COM. They will register as a leader of the horse project. In brief the role of the horseless horse buddy is to educate the youth member on horse ownership and proper horsemanship skills.

 

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What a Buddy Is Not

A Horseless Horse Buddy is a horse mentor.
 

The buddy is not responsible for serving as the family's Horse Project leader, explaining every project rule or activity, or managing the family's participation in the Horse Project.

Questions about project requirements, meetings, fair, rules, paperwork, or other Horse Project matters should be directed to Horse Project leadership.

The goal of the buddy relationship is to help youth learn about horses and horsemanship.

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Countywide Meetings Are for You!

Our monthly Horse Project countywide meetings and activities are for ALL enrolled Horse Project members, including:

• Horse members

• Horseless Horse members

• Model Horse members

• First-year members

• Experienced members

 

There are currently no separate monthly Horseless Horse meetings. In previous years, members told us that adding another meeting on top of club meetings, Horse Project meetings, and other activities became too much.

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Instead, our countywide meetings are designed to bring the entire Horse Project together while providing education and opportunities for different ages, interests, and experience levels.

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Meetings are a great place to:

• Stay up to date on project activities and opportunities.

• Meet Horse Project leaders and other families.

• Ask questions in person.

• Participate in educational activities.

• Earn Pony Points and Horse Project Career Record credit.

 

Remember that members must also participate in their local 4-H club and follow their club's requirements.

 

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Your Horse Project Experience

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4-H is a learn-by-doing program.

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Horse Project leaders, volunteers, buddies, clinicians, parents, and youth work together to create opportunities to learn and participate.

We encourage members and families to introduce themselves, participate, volunteer, ask questions, and let us know when they need help.

If you attend an activity and cannot hear, do not understand what is happening, are unsure what you are supposed to do, or simply have a question, please speak up. We would much rather help in the moment than have a member leave confused or frustrated.

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You do not have to know everything when you join. That is why you are here.

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If Your Buddy Situation Changes

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Sometimes circumstances change during the year.

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A horse may become injured or unavailable. A buddy's schedule or situation may change. A member may discover that a particular arrangement is no longer working.

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That does not mean you have to stop participating in the Horse Project.

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Horseless Horse members are always welcome and encouraged to continue attending countywide meetings, clinics, activities, educational events, and other opportunities even if they are temporarily without a buddy horse.

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Please contact Horse Project leadership if you need help figuring out your next step.

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Horseless Horse Resources

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Before jumping in, please review the resources below:

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Horseless Horse Reference Guide
General information for Horseless Horse members and families.

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Horseless Horse Buddy Reference Guide
Information about the buddy role and relationship.

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Horse & Pony Project FAQ
Answers to frequently asked questions.

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Horse Project Handbook
Project information, expectations, programs, and requirements.

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Wisconsin State Horse Project Rules
State-level Horse Project rules and guidelines.

 

Want to Learn More About Horses?

The Colorado State 4-H Horse Project resource is an excellent additional educational tool covering horse terminology and many of the subjects you may hear discussed during Horse Project meetings and activities.

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Colorado State 4-H Horse Resource

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In addition to the various items and videos on our resources page.

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