For many living within the counties of Union, Webster, McLean, Ohio, Hancock, Daviess, and Henderson, the equine industry has a large impact. According to the most recent Kentucky Equine Survey, there are approximately 5600 horses within those counties and an annual income from services at just above $5,000,000. 

Established in 2003, the District 6 North (Green River Area) Horse Camp, was designed to develop additional educational opportunities for youth participating in equestrian programs. The 2018 Horse Camp was held April 20-22, 2018 in Sturgis, Kentucky. 34 4-H members, and 31 adults attended the 2018 Horse Camp. Western, Contest, Trail, Gaited, Beginner Basics and Horseless classes were offered. This is a 76% increase from previous years. In addition to the classes on horseback, this year youth participated in a Break Out game designed to develop stronger teamwork ideals, a yoga workshop, a class to develop a first aid kit for emergencies, as well as a hands-on presentation about medicines and injections.

For 2018, 74% of the participants have attended horse camp previously, up from 57% in 2017. Of the participants, 91% indicated that they learned new opportunities within the Kentucky 4-H Horse Program, 100% indicated that they intend to wear helmets most of the time when riding, and 100% indicated that their showmanship skills have increased due to participation in the area horse camp.

The District 6 North (Green River Area) Horse Camp continues to grow and expand educational opportunities for youth in the industry that provides a strong financial impact to our area.