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.
2026 clinic dates and locations
Northwest Region - June 27 at 10 a.m., Hawley Rodeo Grounds in Hawley
Register by calling Brandi Alm at 218-850-9113.
Certified practice
Prepare to compete in Western Heritage at a certified practice.
2026 certified practice dates and locations
Northeast Region - June 25 at 6 p.m., Feist Arena in Jordan
Register by calling Andrea Feist at 612-210-5262.
Regional and state competition events
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.
2026 regional competition events
Register for any of these events in by July 1.
- Southeast Region - July 18 at 9 a.m., Feist Arena in Jordan
- Southwest Region - July 19 at 10 a.m., Al & Kelly Jones Arena in Pipestone
- Northeast Region - July 27 at 9 a.m., R&J Stables in Sauk Rapids
- Northwest Region - Aug. 2 at 10 a.m., Hawley Rodeo Grounds in Hawley
2026 state competition
To participate at the state level, you must qualify at a regional competition event.
Registration is required in 4-H Online three days after your regional qualifying event.
- Competition date: Aug. 10 at 9 a.m., R&J Stables in Sauk Rapids
- Back-up date: Aug. 17 at 9 a.m., R&J Stables in Sauk Rapids
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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected] or Daryl Sheetz at [email protected], 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.