Kentucky 4-H Horse Volunteer Certification Program

Guidelines
[Adopted September 1, 2012; Updated December 10, 2013; Updated January 8, 2015; Updated March, 2021]
 
4-H livestock and horse programs/projects may seem to be about animals, but in reality they are about kids. Young people are important to us and we want to make sure that we provide the very best educational experience that we can. For most, animal and animal-related programs/projects will provide a wide variety of life lessons which will positively impact them for the rest of their lives, no matter what career path they choose to follow. For a few, an animal science project will lead to a career. While it is important for youth in livestock and horse programs/projects to gain a basic understanding of animal anatomy, daily care, nutrition, reproduction, and marketing, it’s the learning from hands-on experience—making decisions, then seeing the results, and accepting responsibility for the care of a living animal—where lives of youth are forever changed.


In an effort to make sure that every young person involved in a 4-H animal science program/project has the best possible learning experience, Kentucky 4-H put into place a system of “certification” for 4-H volunteers. In order for a county to offer livestock and horse projects through 4-H, at least one volunteer per club/group must complete specific specialized training. That volunteer must continue to hone his/her knowledge and skills in youth development and animal science to continue as a “certified” volunteer. This is a step toward providing the finest educational experience for youth that we can.

Click on the publication title below to learn more about the Kentucky 4-H Livestock/Horse Volunteer Certification Program.  This document provides the guidelines and policies for the program.

Kentucky 4-H Livestock/Horse Volunteer Certification Program Guidelines Updated March 2021

Below are the various forms pertaining to obtaining approval for and documenting recertification training that are needed by County Extension Agent and the Certified Volunteer Leader.  Please refer to the publication Kentucky 4-H Livestock/Horse Volunteer Certification Program (web link above) for the appropriate use of these forms.

*Please send all Recertification forms to Mary Jane Little at MaryJane.Little@uky.edu.  The 4-H Horse Program has the right to reject training hours if they are deamed not applicable to the 4-H Horse Program.  If there are any questions about whether or not a training will be accepted, please contact Mary Jane prior to the event.

 Recertification Training Form for Livestock/Horse Certified Volunteer Leaders Updated March 2021

 Workshops will begin at 8 am Saturday (local time) and end no later than 4:30 p.m. on Saturday (local time).  Please contact your local County Extension Agent for assistance in registering for one of these workshops.