Youth Program

(updated 1/20/10)

The Ohio Horseman’s Council Youth Program is being established to recognize the achievements of its youth members in horsemanship, leadership, community service and for participation in other activities which benefit the OHC and the equine industry as a whole. The OHC Youth Program will offer participating youth the opportunity to develop good horsemanship and leadership skills. All youth participating in the program are expected to behave responsibly in caring for themselves and for their horses. The OHC program will offer recognition based on a point system. Points will be awarded for OHC sponsored activities as well as appropriate equine and leadership activities offered by other organizations which shall include, but not be limited to, 4-H, FFA, equine breed or performance associations, etc. Points Criteria

Guidelines

The following guidelines will apply to all youth involved in the program.

	Participants must have a membership in OHC as an individual or through family membership. Youth memberships require a parent or guardian permission.
	Program is open to all OHC members who are under the age of 18 (or are still in high school). Youth shall be separated into two different age groups for the purpose of earning awards. Youth Age 11 and under shall compete for awards as a group and Youth Age 12 thru 17/high school shall consist of the other group. Age is determined as of January 1 of the current year.
	All equine involved in any function shall be healthy and comfortable throughout the event. Riders are encouraged to wear long pants and helmets unless competition rules require otherwise.
	Year end recognition will be awarded on points. OHCYP committee members and OHCYP committee chairpersons will be the final judges.
	Participants are expected to abide by the Ohio Horsemen's Council Code of Ethics.
	Competition year will end December 31, with new competition year commencing on January l.
	All points earned must be independently documented on forms provided by the OHC Youth Program. Documentation must include a contact phone number for each event. Completed forms will be submitted to the OHC Youth Committee for tabulation. All paperwork must be submitted no later than January 31^st. daily log form (.pdf) year end reporting form .pdf. All Entries will be final.

Awards

Youth receiving highest points will be recognized at the State Meeting in March for the previous year. Other merit awards, mileage patches, high mileage awards are available through OHC.

Awards for Age 11 and under:

1st place - $50 2nd place - $30, 3rd place- $20

Awards for Age 12 and over:

1st place - $500, 2nd place - $400, 3rd place- $300, 4th place - $200, 5th place- $100.