Horses are an important industry and pastime in Campbell County.  According to the latest Kentucky Equine Survey, there are about 2,000 horses in Campbell County with a yearly income of services of 1.5 million dollars.   The 4-H Horse Program has a strong tradition in Campbell County.  Members and leaders are active on the county, district and state levels.  Currently we have six certified horse volunteers who present or organize educational programs for our youth and adults to learn more about horses.  This agent and these volunteers went to great lengths this year, due to COVID restrictions, to ensure that members received there required six hours of education.  4-H also held four horse shows during the summer of 2020 and worked closely with the Northern Kentucky Horse Network in planning and supporting their education day that was held virtually this year on November 7 and Horse Health day held March 27.

 For many of our youth 4-H Horse Camp is the highlight of their summer.  Thanks to the global pandemic this camp was cancelled in 2020.   In an attempt to return to normalcy, we requested and were granted permission to have 4-H Horse Camp in 2021.   Camp was held June 11-16 at the Alexandria Fairgrounds.  Due to COVID restrictions we were limited to half capacity of camp.  Therefore, we had 44 youth and 72 adult volunteers attend this year.  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 7 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 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.

 Eleven of our horse club members participated at the State 4-H Horse Show July 3-10 and stated that they used information from camp to help them during the show.  Three members received high point award recognition and this agent was recognized with the Outstanding Agent Award.