Standardbred Horse Project - 4-H Young Horse Option

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The 4-H Standardbred Horse Project is a joint effort of the Alberta Standardbred Horse Association (A.S.H.A.), the Alberta Standardbred Breeders, and administered by the 4-H Branch of Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development.

Open to 4–H members who 12 years of age or older and have completed Rider Level 3 Dismounted who have the permission of their parent(s) and a recommendation from their 4–H leader. Participants must be a member in good–standing of a 4–H club.

Participants care for a Standardbred weanling through winter months and prepare it for the Standardbred Yearling Sale in the fall.

The breeder maintains ownership of the weanling and reimburses the member for all expenses.

Participants in the program have a the opportunity to attend these events:

• Track Day/Day at the Races—see how a racing barn operates during the racing season, jog a horse on the track, ride with the race starter and watch races.
• Farm Day—learn the daily routine of Standardbred training, harnessing, exercising and ways to market your project.

• Do enter the program for the challenges, the satisfaction of doing your best, and the chance to meet new and interesting people.
• Do NOT enter the program with hope of significant monetary gain because many of the factors which determine the auction price of the horse are beyond your control.

• Supply a weanling in good physical condition by January 15th.
• Supply a record of current status of worming and vaccinations or any special requirement of this specific horse.
• Encourage dialogue with the 4–H member throughout the duration of the project.

• Individual daily handling of the horse.
• Attentive care through all seasons. Total family involvement.
• Reduces the time required before formal training can begin.
• Reduces the chance of injury during early training. (Feet have been handled and trimmed regularly, horses have all been accustomed to cross–ties).
• Biweekly measurement of weight, respiration, pulse, temperature, and capillary refill.
• Monthly reporting of all aspects of horse’s development.
• Improved appearance in the auction ring (due to previous show–ring experience).
• Seeing the most positive side of teenagers.
• Insurance coverage of yearling until time of sale.
• Nomination fees are paid to the Alberta Sires Stakes, and either the Western Canada Pacing Derby or the Northlands Filly Pace.
• Waiver of $100 Yearling Sale entry fee.

• 4–H project members 12 years of age or older (as of the January 1 of the current 4–H year) who have completed Horsemanship Level 3 Dismounted. Applicants must have permission and support of their parent or guardian.
• Applicants must have recommendation of his or her 4–H Leader.
• Applicants must demonstrate adequate stabling, feeding and grazing facilities.
• Applicants will be expected to have horse experience, knowledge and adult assistance.

• Feed the horse according to the instructions provided by the Alberta Standardbred Association representative
• Maintain an adequate health program, including immunizations, parasite control, foot care, dental care etc.
• 4–H members keep records of the costs of providing care for the foal and after the sale they will be reimbursed for these costs. After the expenses have been paid the sale price of the foal is split between the breeder and the 4–H member. There is a sliding scale which determines payment.

• Deliver a yearling to the sale which matches or exceeds the competition in condition, grooming and handling.
• Prepare a solid marketing strategy to exhibit the strong points of your horse to prospective clients.
• Most of all, have fun!!

Alberta 4-H Standardbred Horse Project
4-H Office
BAG 600
STETTLER AB T0C 2L0
Fax 403-742-7575

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