4-H Programs

4-H Programs in Onondaga County

I. Public Presentations:
Youth choose a topic of interest, research the topic, and present the topic. Individual presentations, demonstrations, or team presentations are the types encouraged. Some clubs have the topics presented to their club, and then Public Presentations are done for Onondaga County in February. Any 4-H member can present. Junior age group is 8 to 13 years old. Senior age group is 14-19 years old. Volunteer evaluators (two per room) pick the best three presenters out of each room at the county level. Out of the best, three senior presenters and three junior presenters are chosen out of equine (3 of each age division) and general (3 of each age division) topics who then go on to either, Horse Communications with equine topics at the regional level at Horse Bonanza Day, or the general topics to North Central District Presentations on the first Saturday at the NY State Fair. Horse presentations are timed at the regional level 7-10 minutes for individuals and 10-15 minutes for teams in length. General presentations times are beginners (2-5 mins.), Intermediate (4-10 mins.), and Advanced (10-15 mins.). Penalties are applied if under time or over time at this level. Youth who excel at these levels can be chosen to go on to State level. Horse topics are in April and general topics in October. A national level at Kentucky in October is also provided if qualified.


II. Horse Bowl/Dairy Bowl:
It is a quick response knowledge contest where teams of 4-H members test their knowledge in animal science. Participants study past questions, meet regularly to practice answering questions with buzzers (like Jeopardy). They compete on a regional level against other county teams in March. This provides educational experiences for the participants and spectators in a friendly yet competitive way. There are three divisions: Novice (under 14 yrs. and never have competed before), Junior (8-13 yrs.), and Senior (14-19 yrs.) Horse Bowl is at the Horse Bonanza Day, usually held at Morrisville-Eaton High School. Dairy Bowl rotates to different counties and does not have a Novice division. Individuals who qualify go on to the State and National levels. Each specialty holds their own practices and learns knowledge in their specific field.

III. Hippology/Dairy Challenge:
Individuals test their breadth of knowledge in animal science and management of animals in a one-on- one situation. Written tests, identification, 2-4 interactive or reactive stations, and judging are ways of being tested.
There are three divisions: Novice (under 14 yrs. and never have competed before), Junior (8-13 yrs.), and Senior (14-19 yrs.). Dairy Challenge does not have a Novice division. These are regional level activities, and qualified members can go on to State and National levels. Hippology is done on Horse Bonanza Day and Dairy Challenge is at Cornell in March.

IV. Lecture Series:
Speakers are invited to share their knowledge with the 4-H members in the Fall/Winter months. Sometimes the lecture will include a field trip to a farm or stable, or a hands-on experience for the members. Members suggest topics at the beginning of the year that will be included.

V. June Clinic:
4-H ers' attend at riding clinic for a fee. Two instructors per day teach how to better show your horse. Some helpful tips on Fit and Show, and Trail are shared. One day is specific to English riding skills and one day is specific to Western riding skills. Classes are limited to the first 30 riding participants and are held at the Pepsi Ring outside of the Racing Barns at the NY State Fair grounds. Auditors are encouraged if you don't have a horse. Two instructors will also provide non-mounted activities. (Need a horse to participate in mounted skills.) Observation learning is also encouraged.

VI. Youth Fair:
Evaluation of the project animals is done at the NY State Fair grounds in July. Qualified members then show at the NY State Fair. Dairy cows are evaluated at the 4-H Dairy Show on Friday. Horses are evaluated Friday -Sunday depending on the division. A Talent Show is also done on Sunday. To compete animals are required, but there are many volunteer jobs that give many educational experiences as well. An example would be a good speaker could be an announcer at the shows. Learning by observation is also a plus.

VII. Horse Judging Team:
Youth learn how to look for good conformation in judging horses. This can help with selection of a horse for a specific riding use or breeding selection, as well as judging different classes. Team meets once a month and watches videos, shares information, booklets, etc. and does some farm tours getting to see first hand different body types. There are many benefits to competing on a judging team. Youth learn to make accurate decisions and defend those decisions with logical reasoning. They learn to present oral reasons and thus learn to think "on their feet" and become more effective speakers. Judging experiences build character and help youth to become more effective communications. They also become more self-confident. There are travel opportunities. Teams are Senior, Junior, or Novice. Senior is 14-19 years old, Junior is 8-13 years old, and Novice is a 8-13 years old first time competitor.

VIII. Dairy Judging:
Youth learn how to judge dairy cattle. There are farm tours and Dairy Judging competitions (district, state, national). There are many benefits to competing on a judging team. Youth learn to make accurate decisions and defend those decisions with logical reasoning. They learn to present oral reasons and thus learn to think "on their feet" and become more effective speakers. Judging experiences build character and help youth to become more effective communications. They also become more self-confident. There are travel opportunities. Teams are Senior, Junior, or Novice. Senior is 14-19 years old, Junior is 8-13 years old, and Novice is a 8-13 years old first time competitor.


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