Rules & Regulations

4-H Horse Camp has been planned to help both 4-H’ers and their horses “learn by doing.” The program touches on several aspects of horsemanship. The Camp rules are simple and based on the foundation of safety for horse and rider with respect for everyone at camp. 4-H Horsemanship Camp has inherent risks that coordinators and volunteers can not always predict nor protect against. We ask all participants to understand and accept the risk as well as the challenge of awareness to help keep everyone as safe as possible.

Safety is a concern for all participants and animals. As safety issues are identified, a risk assessment will be done by the Horse Committee members and Cooperative Extension Staff. Safety concerns that could be assessed are multiple incidents of kicking, throwing, or biting and horses out-of-control in the ring. Also, if youth fail to follow safety protocols set in place, mistreat their animal or ride in an out-of-control manner in the ring, an assessment may occur. The results of the risk assessment could affect a youth’s participation on the team and could also result in an animal not being allowed to be shown.
The only dogs allowed on the grounds are service dogs. If a dog behaves inappropriately toward an animal or human it may be asked to leave.
A copy of negative Coggins test (good for a three-year period of time), vaccination record, and proof of a rabies vaccine must be sent in with your registration form and money to participate in the camp.

2016 Maine 4-H Vaccination Statement 4-Hers attending 4-H horse events in 2016 must provide proof of current, annual vaccination for rabies as well as a current Coggins test done by a veterinarian. Current EHV-1 and Equine Influenza are also required. Horse owners may, however administer their own EVH-1 and Equine Influenza inoculations and a sales receipt will be sufficient evidence for proof of vaccination. EVH-1 and Equine Influenza are considered effective for six months. Plan the timing of your inoculations by consulting with your local veterinarian to maintain optimal equine health during the fair season. Consult with your local veterinarian for these strongly suggested but not required vaccines: EEE, tetanus, Potomac Horse Fever, WNV and Lyme.

Shoes or boots with 1/2 to 1 inch heels must be worn while riding or in the barn area. No dress shoes and no sneakers. All participants must wear long pants while riding. No shorts.

All riders, all seats must wear an ASTM/SEI approved hardhat with chin harness properly fastened whenever mounted or driving. The original ASTM/SEI seal must be in the helmet. There are NO EXCEPTIONS to this rule. All riders/drivers and parents must sign the Maine Helmet Waiver (PDF).

Upon arrival, participants must check in to registration prior to unloading horses. All participants must enter through the back gate.

In accordance with 4-H rules, stallions will not be allowed.

All campers will participate in all planned activities and will be allowed in the barn areas only during the specified times or with a chaperone or a leader.

Campers will remain at the camp throughout unless permission to leave in writing is secured from the Camp Director.

Due to our short busy schedule, leaders, parents and others are encouraged to visit and observe but not keep the 4-H members from their planned schedules.

Sleeping quarters will be assigned and each camper will remain there at night. A minimum of one VOLT Trained adult per club must be at camp at all times. Any adult attending camp and staying overnight must be a VOLT Trained and certified UMaine Extension Volunteer. Any adult attending camp must attend a mandatory May 17, 2016 Parent Meeting.

No one is to leave their sleeping area until 6:30 a.m. the next morning. Feeding will be done at designated times during the camp. Horses will be watched during the night.

We will be working hard for a few days so you will want to make sure that your horse is fit and that his/her feet are properly trimmed or shod.