Horses

No matter what your interest in horses may be, there is something for everyone in the 4-H horse program! Youth involved in the 4-H horse program area learn responsibility and commitment to a project. The time invested in caring for, riding and training horses improves the quality of life for youth while at the same time teaching life and work skills such as time management, record keeping, problem solving, goal setting and many others.

Members do not need to own a horse to participate in the 4-H horse program. 4-H members will learn about horses at their local 4-H club meetings as well as at state 4-H horse workshops and events. In addition, 4-H members have fun competing in educational contests at the county, state and even national level. While 4-H is not a riding instruction program, members do sometimes ride horses as part of 4-H their activities and 4-H does sponsor horse shows.

For more information, contact your local 4-H office.

Horse Chat - What the Program has to Offer to Leaders & Members

Horse Advisory Council

Membership for State Horse Advisory Council (HAC)

The membership list is updated each year at the Annual meeting held in January. If you are interested in representing your county at the State Horse Advisory Council meetings, please speak with your county educator.

2022-2023 State Horse Advisory Council Representatives

• Barnstable: Jennifer Lewis
• Berkshire: Open 
• Bristol: Nick Barishian, Heather Almodovar
• Essex: Nancy McCarthy
• Franklin: Arthur Martin
• Hampden: Penny Blomgren, Brie-Anna Massoni
• Hampshire: Anne Blizniak, Carolyn Ritter
• Middlesex: Suzanne Ferris, Lanea Tripp, Darlene Welch
• Norfolk: Shari Ackerman-Morris, Nora Reardon
• Plymouth: Priscilla Chandler, Molly Vollmer
• Worcester: Karla Barrows, Michelle Hunting
• 4-H Staff:  Carrie Chickering-Sears

Meeting Dates for State HAC

  ** Meetings are held either by Zoom at 7:00 pm or in-person at a site to be announced prior to the meeting. 

2023 Dates

February 15th 7:00 pm Zoom