4H horse bowl

4-H is the nation’s largest youth development organization, with more than 6 million youth participating.  The Virginia Cooperative Extension provides a variety of activities that emphasize 4-H’s “learning by doing” philosophy of youth development.

In 2008, Brook Hill Farm established a 4-H Horse and Pony Club for all of the United Neigh members.  With the four “H’s” standing for Head, Heart, Hands, and Health, 4-H possesses more than a century of experience in youth development programming.

The 4 “H’s”

  • Head – Managing, Thinking
  • Heart – Relating, Caring
  • Hands – Giving, Working
  • Health – Being, Living

The emphasis of the horse and pony program is equine selection, nutrition, management, riding, recreation, fun and horsemanship.  The above picture is awards won by a horsebowl team, a contest on horse knowledge.

It has been proven that participating in 4-H horseback riding provides an outdoor sports fitness program for physical, personal, and emotional development, including confidence building.  Most importantly, 4-H members pledge to build a better community, country and world for themselves and others.

The 4-H program’s positive effect on youth is astounding, and aligns directly with the goals of the Brook Hill mission. 

The 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development, conducted by  Tufts University, shows youth engaged with 4-H activities are…

  • Getting Better grades
  • Staying in School
  • More likely to shun risky behaviors
  • Positive family relationships

Members have the opportunity to participate in…

A picture of the 4-H state show team.  Look and see how many ribbons in the dressage arena!