The Western Heritage Program consists of safety clinics, regional competitions and a state competition.
Safety clinics
Safety clinics are offered in many different areas across the state from spring to early summer. The safety clinic allows youth to practice each opportunity offered in Western Heritage and work with adult volunteers to ensure that both the youth and their horse are safe to participate in each activity.
At the safety clinic, you and your horse will work with an adult to explore how well you both can safely compete in a specific activity. Once certified, you and your horse are approved to participate in the regional event in each area you are certified.
Regional competition events
You can sign up and participate in one regional event of your choice. Register in 4-H Online after you have completed your safety clinic. Classes offered include round pen roping, breakaway roping, team roping, goat tying and pen-to-pen sorting.
To earn the opportunity to compete at the state Western Heritage competition, you must qualify for your state competition at the regional event. Those who meet the qualifications are allowed to register and advance to the state competition.
2023 regional competition events
Southwest Region - July 16, Al & Kelly Jones Arena, Pipestone, 10 a.m.
Questions? Contact Deb Raaf at deb_raaf@live.com.
Southeast Region - July 16, Lingen Family Ranch, Mankato, 9 a.m.
Questions? Contact Troy Walters at thetwalters@gmail.com.
Northwest Region - July 22, Hawley Rodeo Grounds, 10 a.m.
Questions? Contact Michelle Brown at mrsmichelleabrown@gmail.com.
Northeast Region - July 31, R.J.'s Stables, Sauk Rapids, 9 a.m.
Questions? Contact Becky Molitor at rebeccamolitor@aol.com.
For participants
You must be enrolled in the 4-H Horse Project to participate and your horse must have 4-H horse ID forms and negative Coggins papers.
- Junior: Completed grades 3-5 (regional only)
- Intermediate: Completed grades 6-8
- Senior: Completed grade 9-13
Participants must attend a safety clinic presented by a Minnesota 4-H certified instructor. Regional western heritage events are held throughout Minnesota for additional competition experience. You may participate in one regional event of your choice each year.
- Top-placing participants in grade six and older qualify for the state western heritage event.
- Western heritage is an activity, not a show class.
- Qualification in western heritage does not qualify you to compete in show classes.
Required paperwork
Submit horse identification papers to your local Extension office within 10 days of attending the safety clinic.
Western Heritage judge training
If you are interested in scheduling a Western Heritage judges' training, contact Daryl Sheetz at heelmansheetz@aol.com. Please give 60 days' notice to advertise it for others to participate. Location: RJ's Stables, 4074 5th Ave NE, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
Questions? Contact Becky Molitor at rebeccamolitor@aol.com or Daryl Sheetz at heelmansheetz@aol.com, 320-259-9539
Horse project resources for volunteers
Find horse project support materials and much more on the volunteer site.
To volunteer with 4-H in your area, contact your local 4-H office.