According to the 4-H website, 4-H is the largest development program for American youth, with nearly six million young people empowering useful skills into their daily lives. 4-H is run by a community of over 100 public universities across the nation, including Iowa State University. Iowa State is the extension office for all of the Iowa 4-H youth to access projects, questions and ways to get involved.
The logo is a four-leaf clover with an “H” on each leaf. The four Hs in 4-H are head, heart, hands and health, which represent the values members work on through fun and engaging projects. These projects are available for youth in grades K-12. Some project areas include: Agriculture and Natural Resources, Animals, Creative Arts, Family and Consumer Sciences, Personal Development and STEM.
4-H statistics show that their youth are more likely to feel positive about their wellbeing, feel competent, make healthier choices, participate in out-of-school-time science programs and make a positive contribution to their communities.
Ellie Evans, 11, (she/her), started 4-H at a young age after finding out about it through a friend of her moms. She joined the Washington County horse and pony club showing horses, as well as showing cattle with the Highland Huskies.
“4-H has made me go outside of my comfort level. I’ve gone on trips which made me go out of my bubble and meet people. It really shapes you on who you are as a person,” said Evans.
Evans currently has four of her own horses and leases two more. She competes in every class with her horses except the english classes. According to the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, classes entail: showmanship, English and western pleasure, english equitation, western horsemanship and various timed events like pole bending, barrel racing and jumping a figure 8 pattern. Ranch classes, like ranch pleasure and trail, are also available. Additionally, classes for miniature horses exist.
Evans has had a very successful career with horses and projects. She does more shows with her horses than just the typical 4-H circuit and competing in the Iowa State Horse Fair, where she received second in ranch horsIe conformation.
“I’ve been grand champion halter horse show for the past four years. I’ve been senior showmanship champion. I’ve done walk, trot horsemanship and received [first place], and then in Washington County, I’ve won barrels, polls and keyhole. In Johnson County, I was placed in speed and handy horse and [have] been somewhere in the top 10 in barrels and poles,” said Evans.
She added, “I also did four projects. They have photography, woodworking and sew in needle art. So I made a saddle bag. They also have home improvement, so I’ve done wreaks and like planter boxes.”
4-H has played a large role in Evans’ life, and now she will be continuing her education at Oklahoma State University pursuing Agricultural Marketing with a minor in Animal Science.
“I think I’m taking horses to college with me, but I’m not taking them for college. So yes, horses have made me who I am” said Evans.
If you want to learn more or get involved visit this interest form.
