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 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 State Horse Advisory Council Representatives
Barnstable: Jennifer Lewis, Katie Schneeweis
Berkshire: Open
Bristol: Nick Barishian, Heather Chmura
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 6:30pm or in-person at a site to be announced prior to the meeting.
2022 Dates
June 15, 2022