| | Eligibility - member | Benefits to breeder | Responsibilities of the breeder | Goals for 4-H members | Functions to attend | Application form
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Application Deadline: November 1
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.
Program Graduates
Many graduate horses from this 4-H program have raced as two year olds including: Navajo Rug, Laughing Eyes, Looting N Shooting, Miss Mannered, No Looking Back, Very Keyed In, Pace My Best, Admiral Scott, Fulminis Flame, MJ Scandals Lady, Very Very, Zarcors Concorde, Jazzy Lee, Petit Poinsetta, Mirth West, and Babe Knows Bo. The list grows annually!
Objectives
- To maintain an industry-based horse project in Alberta.
- To help youth obtain and raise a Standardbred foal for showing and selling at the annual Standardbred Yearling Sale in the fall of the following year.
- To learn the responsibility that caring for a horse demands.
- To learn care, feeding, management and health requirements of a young horse that may be expected to race at age two.
- To learn the economics of raising a horse through regular monthly reporting of expenses.
- To forge a true partnership with the breeder through consistent and thorough reporting of the young horse’s condition and progress.
Eligibility - Member
- 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. 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.
4-H members are responsible to:
- 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 re-imbursed 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.
What is within your control is to:
- 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!!
Benefits to the Breeder
- 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.
Responsibilities of the Breeder
- 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.
Co-ordinators’ Goals for the 4-H Member
- To exceed the Breeder’s expectations in the care of his asset and your ability to communicate your accomplishments.
- To become familiar with all aspects of the Standardbred industry and to treat the project as your business, with guidelines, measured results and successful marketing of your product.
- To have fun with and enjoy the company of your protégé.
Functions to Attend
- Orientation Day – December or January - Meet participating 4-H members, breeders and equine professionals. Learn how to take vital signs, record measurements, proper foal nutrition, deworming and handling.
- Track day at a Training Centre (optional) - Update skills for monthly records; learn daily routine of Standardbred training, harnessing, exercising. Hands-on opportunity.
- Track Day/Day at the Races - Edmonton or Calgary - Visit a racing stable, jog a horse, tour the facilities, enjoy the races.
- Yearling Sale – in the fall (currently the sale is Thanksgiving weekend) - Achievement Day! The day all 4-H members have worked so hard towards. Showmanship, conformation, conditioning, marketing, record books and the sale of the yearling - an exhausting and rewarding weekend.
Expectations of all 4-H members (and their families) applying to the program
- 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 may well be beyond your control.
Questions - Call:
Cheri Ziegler (4-H Volunteer Co-ordinator)
Phone: 780-632-9780
e-mail: ctziegler@digitalweb.net
Send completed applications (available on-line) to:
Alberta 4-H Standardbred Horse Project
4-H Office
BAG 600
STETTLER AB T0C 2L0
Fax 403-742-7575 |
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