1. Pennsylvania 4-H Horse Program
Beginner Division

2. Beginner Division
Intended for the beginning rider who is not ready to canter or lope in a horse show setting.
All classes in this division limited to walk-jog/trot only
Has already been present at some county/district shows for several years. Rules may be slightly different than what one may have been used to at their county/district shows in the past years.

3. BEGINNERS
The spirit of this division is to provide safe opportunities for beginner riders.
Because of concerns for safety, the determination of rider participation in this division is non protestable.
The member and their parent/guardian are responsible to determine if this division is appropriate based on the member’s ability.
Professional guidance is encouraged in making this decision.
Professional guidance is encouraged in making the decision to participate in this division, but it is ultimately the member’s decision along with their parent.
We should not be “policing” what is happening at other shows vs what division a youth is participating in at 4-H shows. We CANNOT legislate participation in beginner classes based on whether they canter or have cantered elsewhere.

4. Who is this division NOT intended for?
-- the very beginner who is not ready to safely ride unattended in a group at a walk and trot.
-- the more advanced rider on a green horse. This is a beginner RIDER class, note a beginner HORSE class

5. NOT A BEGINNER HORSE OR GREEN HORSE DIVISION
Green horses that are yearlings to 5 years old are welcome in our Junior Horse Championship Show and Jr Horse project
Well schooled, suitable horses with beginner level riders would be the ideal in the Beginner division

6. Eligibility for Beginner Division is limited to 2 years
Note – riders transitioning from the Therapeutic division are exempt from the 2 year limitation.
Therapeutic – can transition in at any time. Can stay in beginner division for longer than 2 years. Can also transition up to W/T/C classes if they are capable. Again, a parental decision

7. They may share a horse being used by another exhibitor
Exhibitors do not need to own or lease a horse to show in this division
They may share a horse being used by another exhibitor
The horse may NOT be shown by 2 exhibitors in the same class
Give example – friend joining 4-H and sharing your project horse.
Excellent opportunity for horseless members

8. Exhibitors showing in the Beginner Division may show that “primary” project animal in:
Grooming and Showmanship
Beginner Western pleasure & Beginner Western Horsemanship OR Beginner English Pleasure & Beginner English Equitation
Beginner Trail
Driving (Pleasure or Draft)
Exhibitors in this division may not exhibit a SHARED horse in driving classes.
If also showing in Jr horse project – can only do w/t classes there

9. Beginner Trail – Key Points
Scoring will follow the scoring for Open Trail
Obstacles ands course design should be a lower degree of difficulty

10. Walk and Jog/Trot only. No canter
Required obstacles remain the same except riders will be required to walk through an opened gate, but not open or close the gate.
Additions to unacceptable obstacles:
Sidepass
Raised logs
Put on and/or carry slicker
Carry objects

11. Beginner Western Horsemanship or Beginner English Equitation – Key Points
Designed to evaluate the rider’s ability to control horse and execute maneuvers.
Refers to Western or Hunt/Saddle Seat division – clothing/equipment and rider position
Required to walk and jog (Western) or walk and trot (English) on the rail both directions of the ring.
Patterns/tests are optional and should be lower degree of difficulty
May be performed before or after rail work
Judge may request patterns from some or all riders
Follows rules for appropriate division –
western – one vs two handed riding
illegal equipment (contest vs pleasure)
nosebands, tiedowns, legwear
bits (mechanical hackamore)

12. Beginner Western Pleasure or Beginner English Pleasure – Key Points
Judged on manners, performance, conformation, suitability to purpose, and soundness
Follow western or hunt/saddle seat division – clothing and equipment
Riders will work both ways of the ring at a walk and jog or trot
Horse may be asked to back.

13. Staying Connected 4-H Horse List Serv Facebook Pages
PA 4-H Horse Program
PA 4-H Horse Program-Equine Extension Associate-Eastern Region
PA 4-H Horse Program-Equine Extension Associate-Western Region

14. For more info on the Beginner Division
2014 PA 40H Horse Show Rule Book – pages See also the appropriate corresponding pages (western, hunt seat, saddle seat) that discuss tack and attire

15. Questions?

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