About the 4-H Horse Project
The South Carolina 4-H Horse Project offers youth ages 5–18 opportunities to develop leadership, responsibility, and lifelong skills through hands-on experiences with horses. Participants develop a strong foundation in equine management, anatomy, and horsemanship while enhancing essential skills in communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and sportsmanship.
Through activities such as Horse Evaluation, Horse Quiz Bowl, Hippology, Creative Contests, Public Speaking, Project Books, and the State Horse Show, members gain knowledge, strengthen life skills, and grow in confidence. More than an equine program, the South Carolina 4-H Horse Program helps youth build confidence, resilience, and leadership skills that prepare them for success in college, careers, and their communities.
Youth can participate as an individual or part of a club. To find your county and local clubs, visit: https://www.clemson.edu/extension/4h/county/.
Project Objectives
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Develop essential life skills, including decision-making, communication, teamwork, self-confidence, and leadership.
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Develop horse industry knowledge and horsemanship in a positive, supportive, and friendly competitive environment.
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Build valuable skills in record keeping, financial management and written communication.
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Gain valuable life lessons by caring for horses.
Contact And Important Information
4-H Equine Program Coordinator
Holly Jewell
hjewell@clemson.edu
864-789-0148
Opportunities
Horse Bowl
- Date: February 27, 2027
- Location: TBD
Contest Objectives:
- Learn basic animal science and demonstrate knowledge of equine science, including anatomy, nutrition, diseases, management practices, and breeds.
- Strengthen teamwork, communication, confidence and problem-solving skills.
- Challenge participants to think quickly and perform effectively under pressure.
- Develops leadership skills, knowledge, and positive attitudes that can be applied throughout life.
About Horse Bowl
- South Carolina 4-H members, ages 9-18, compete in teams of 4–5 in a quiz bowl-style competition covering a wide range of horse-related topics from the approved references.
- Teams earn points for correct answers, bonus questions, and active participation.
- The competition follows a double-elimination bracket format, providing teams with multiple opportunities to compete and advance.
- Top individuals and teams receive recognition and awards.
- The top 10 individual Senior 4-H competitors are eligible to qualify for the 4-H State Horse Bowl Team, representing South Carolina at regional and national competitions.
Horse Communications Contest
- Date: February 27, 2027
- Location: TBD
Contest Objectives:
- Encourage lifelong learning by inspiring a passion for equine studies.
- Strengthen communication skills
- Demonstrate knowledge of equine science and the equine industry.
- Develop leadership and life skills by building character, encouraging civic responsibility, and strengthening the
knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed for lifelong success.
About the Competition:
- Open to South Carolina 4-H members ages 9-18.
- Public speaking: an individual 4-H member speaks about a horse industry topic.
- Individual presentation: an individual 4-H member presents a demonstration or illustrated talk on a horse industry topic.
- Team presentation: two 4-H teammates present a demonstration or illustrated talk on a horse industry topic.
- Cloverbuds may enter an individual or team presentation. These are noncompetitive events for Cloverbuds per National 4-H rules.
- The top 2 individual Senior 4-H competitors in each event qualify to represent South Carolina at regional and national competitions.
Hippology (2 day event)
- Date: April 16-17, 2027
- Location: TBD
Contest Objectives:
- Encourage lifelong learning by inspiring a passion for equine studies and motivating participants to explore
educational and career opportunities within the equine industry. - Strengthen problem-solving and decision-making skills through practical and theoretical activities that challenge
participants to analyze situations and make informed decisions related to equine care and management. - Demonstrate knowledge of equine science by applying an understanding of anatomy, physiology, nutrition,
health, breeds, and management practices. - Develop leadership and life skills by building character, encouraging civic responsibility, and strengthening the
knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed for lifelong success.
About the Competition:
- South Carolina 4-H members ages 5-18 compete on 3-4 member teams or as individuals in a 4-part contest consisting of an examination phase (test and ID Slides), station phase, team problem phase and a horse judging phase, all from the approved references.
- Top individuals and teams receive recognition and awards.
- The top 10 individual Senior 4-H competitors are eligible to qualify for the 4-H State Hippology Team, representing South Carolina at regional and national competitions.
Horse Judging
- Date: April 16,2027
- Location: TBD
Contest Objectives:
- Utilize knowledge and skills to evaluate and select horses for specific uses.
- Learn to evaluate conformation and performance attributes in various horse breeds.
- Build confidence in making informed, independent decisions and clearly communicating the reasoning behind them while developing strong critical-thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Build leadership skills, strengthen character, develop a sense of civic responsibility, and gain valuable knowledge, skills, and attitudes that can be applied throughout life.
About Horse Judging:
- South Carolina 4-H members ages 9-18, competing as 3-4 member teams or individuals, come together with youth from across the state to test their equine judging skills. Each contestant evaluates several four-horse classes, judging conformation and performance abilities of each horse.
- Contestants then present their placings and reasons to an official and receive feedback, scores and awards.
- The top 10 individual Senior 4-H competitors are eligible to qualify for the 4-H State Horse Judging Team, representing South Carolina at regional and national competitions.
State 4-H Horse Show
- Date: June 9-12, 2027
- Location: Clemson SC
Event Objectives:
- Fosters healthy competition
- Strengthen relationships through statewide participation
- Encourages teamwork
- Showcases animal husbandry
- Supports healthy living through exercise and physical activity
About The Show:
- Open to all South Carolina 4-H members, the State 4-H Horse Show brings together youth from across the state for a fun and competitive multi-discipline event.
- Youth showcase their skills on their project horses in dressage,
hunter, western, ranch, speed, and gaited events. - Top competitors qualify for the Southern Regional 4-H Horse
Championships held in Perry, Georgia, where 4-H equestrians
representing 13 states gather to compete in a multi-day regional
competition. - How to enter:
- Complete the South Carolina 4-H Horse Show Packet by April 30th to verify eligibility and receive the entry forms.
Horse Project Creative Contest
- Date: June 10-12, 2027,
- Location: T. Ed Garrison Arena, Clemson SC
Contest Objectives:
- Encourage lifelong learning and appreciation of the horse.
- Develop leadership and life skills through hands-on activities.
- Educate youth in handicrafts, teaching valuable skills.
- Promote critical thinking through individual expression
- Showcase the youth’s abilities and talent.
About The Competition:
- Open to all South Carolina 4-H members ages 5-18.
- Express your love of horses in various creative formats.
- Contest Categories:
- Horse Poster Contest (Cloverbuds only)
- Horse Drawing Contest
- Horse Photography Contest
- Horse Painting Contest
- Multi-Media Horse Craft Contest (woodworking, sewing, model horse display)
- Horse Poetry and Essay Contest
Upcoming Horse Events
Share Your Snapshots
From trail rides and grooming sessions to shows and service projects, the 4-H Horse Program is full of moments worth sharing. Share your great photos that capture the learning, leadership and lifelong memories! Selected photos may be featured on our website, social media or promotional materials. Help us tell the story of 4-H, one photo at a time.
