Horses are an important industry and pastime in Campbell County.  According to the 2022 Kentucky Equine Survey, there are about 1,600 horses in Campbell County with a yearly income of services of $2,050,000.   The 4-H Horse Program has a strong tradition in Campbell County.  Members and leaders are active on the county, area and state levels.  The Saddle Up 4-H Club members participate in club meetings, fundraisers, 4-H Horse Camp, judging events, UK AG Field Day, State 4-H Horse Show and sponsor 3-4 horse shows locally each year.  Currently we have four certified horse volunteers who present or organize educational programs for our youth and adults to learn more about horses.  These volunteers went to great lengths this year to ensure that members received there required six hours of education.  4-H leaders also worked closely with the Northern Kentucky Horse Network in planning and supporting the Annual Education Day and Horse Health Day.

2023 marked the 33rd year for the Campbell County 4-H Horse Camp.  For many of our youth 4-H Horse Camp is the highlight of their summer.  Camp was held June 4-9 at the Alexandria Fairgrounds. This year we had 57 youth and 70 adult volunteers attend horse camp. This camp has become a true family experience where most participants come and camp out for the week at the fairgrounds and share their love of horses.  Classes were offered for Western Riding, Hunt Seat, Contest, Gaited and Miniature Horses.   Of the 9 instructors, 5 of them attended this camp when they were in 4-H and they wanted to give back to the program that had meant so much to them growing up.   Smaller groups this year allowed time for more one on one instruction.  This agent secured additional financial support for camp from the Campbell County Extension District Board Special Programs Fund and the RC Durr Foundation.

On written and verbal evaluations, campers reported that they learned to be more responsible by caring and working with their horses and 100% reported that they learned at least one new skill.

Fifteen of our horse club members participated at the State 4-H Horse Show June 24-29 and stated that they used information from camp to help them during the show.  As a result, six members received high point award recognition and one member received the Kentucky Department of Agriculture Equine Scholarship.   

This agent worked the Miniature Division during the state show.  I supplied potential patterns for the judge to use and hauled the show equipment, the jumps, poles and other supplies to Louisville for the show.  One Campbell County certified volunteer and her daughter helped all five days of the state show with ribbons and awards and another volunteer served as one of the show announcers.