About Horse Specialty

The current Horse Specialty Club has a long history in Marion County.  Originally known as the Horse Club started in the early 1970's the club has been continuously evolving for 30 plus years.  One of the longest running 4H clubs in Marion County.  The Horse Specialty Club is what its name implies a 4H club for youth interested in horses.  Horse projects are unique in 4H as the project is not sold every year as in most of the other large animal projects.  While there are many things 4H offers youth, the horse club brings the 4H values with a long term project that youth 8-18 can really have fun with.  (We have started a section for younger youth that by 4H rule cannot yet ride in our shows.  We will be offering horse related projects for the 5 to 7 year olds.)  The club has 5 horse shows in the 4H calendar year which starts in September.  Youth learn to work as part of a group managing the horse shows and raising funds to support the club activities.  Horse Specialty gives to the community through donating funds and service work.  Even while organizing the horse shows our youth are competing and yes trying to win with sportsmanship being stressed at all times.  Horse Specialty Club is a goal oriented club whose members always are wanting to challenge themselves to be better at whatever they do.  Horse Specialty Club members set goals and work toward those goals for the club and themselves.  Club members learn hands on by working together and solving the problems before them.   

We give to our community (starting this year)

• Give food to those in need

• Contribute to a nationwide charity

Horse Show Management

• Hunter Course Design

• Western Trail Course Design

• Concession

Host clinics to improve youth riding

• Dressage, Hunter and Western

• These are open to all youth

A horse project may go for several years with the youth learning to care for and compete with a horse.  Horses are a commitment for not just the youth but the entire family as horses need care daily year round.

Are we perfect?  No, but we work to be better in riding, our shows, and in life as good people. 

In 2006-2007 HSC directly provided a complete Thanksgiving Day meal with all the trimmings to a family who otherwise would not have had a special meal. For  Christmas we provided gifts to a family who couldn't afford gifts for their children.

For 2007-2008 HSC is currently planning to continue to build on last years accomplishments.