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Fall Panicum is a common annual warm season grass that can be hepatotoxic (cause liver disease) in horses under certain growing conditions. Toxicity in horses was documented in Virginia in 2004 when fourteen horses were diagnosed with liver disease as a result of consuming Fall Panicum hay. Currently, there have been several cases of suspected toxicity in horses grazing Fall Panicum in Northern Virginia pastures since late summer 2015. The trigger that causes toxicity and the amount of grass required to cause illness are not well understood, thus proper identification and treatment are essential for recovery. renewed NP

General information about horses that extension agents need to know such as the difference between breeds, basic materials that horses wear, basic safety attire riders wear, how to practice general safety around horses, how to measure a horses height, weight, and body condition and score them. Basic disciplines of horse training are given, and the attributes of a healthy horse is listed. Revised |NP 4H-308

Record book for 4-H horse project. Revised 2017 Ages 9-13

Youth are our future. Agriculture is our lifeline. Extension merges these two vital topics together through the 4-H Agriculture Commodities Tour, bringing awareness of the necessity for both to meet on an intimate real-life, out-of-classroom experience. Despite the continual and increasing demand for educated agriculturalists, interest and enrollment in agricultural fields of study has stagnated or declined. Lack of exposure, experience and familiarity with agricultural opportunities is likely a large contributor to this problem. By connecting across the state with Extension Agriculture State Specialists and Agents at the ARECs as part of the 2016 tour, 28 inner-city youth had the opportunity of a lifetime to explore agricultural lifestyles and potential careers. Providing more than basic agricultural information books can ever provide, these youths explored the importance of sustainability and stewardship across the state through talks, demonstrations and experiential hands-on learning opportunities. In addition, while learning how agriculture relates to their lives, this also gave them an awareness of career opportunities in agriculture that interest them. Studies demonstrate these interventions yield positive in attracting youth considering agricultural fields as viable career options (McCallister, Lee, & Mason, 2005; Shivy & Koehly, 2002; Esters, 2007; Ladany, Melincoff, Constantine, & Love, 1997). Although measuring the outcome of our youth and their future is beyond the scope of this initial investment, it is hoped that this tour has made a significant impact on the youth’s perception of agriculture outside of the classroom, and encourages them to seek further into this new world of possibilities.

Introduction to Horse Judging true (Invited?) true (Extension publication?)

Form noting requirements for entry of horses in district and state 4-H horse shows.

Provides information about 4-H horse shows, horse camps, and projects, including horseless educational programs and contests.