Ongoing Programs
4-H Seeing Eye
The Seeing Eye program utilizes 4-H youth and adults to raise and provide a socialization experience for their puppies through membership and participation in 4-H clubs.
Gerry Leonarski 'Making the Best Better' Memorial Awards
The Gerry Leonarski "Making the Best Better" Memorial Awards are being instituted starting this year specifically for 4-H members enrolled in the NJ 4-H Equine Program.
Mary & Fred Kossatz Awards for Scholarly Achievement in the NJ 4-H Horse Program
This scholarship recognizes a junior and senior 4-H member who have had exemplary accomplishments in multiple 4-H Horse project activities.
Upcoming Events
NJ State 4-H Goat Extravaganza
January 6, 2024
The NJ 4-H Goat Extravaganza is a statewide event for members, parents, and volunteers in the goat project.
NJ State 4-H Model Horse Show
January 20, 2024
The Model Horse project is is a great opportunity for 4-H members who do not own real horses. 4-H members "show" model horses and tack that they have purchased, made, or customized. The contest is open to all 4-H members enrolled in the horse project.
4-H Animal Science Video Contest and Film Festival
March 23, 2024
Youth may work individually or as a team to create educational videos about alpacas, cats, cattle (beef/dairy), dogs, goats, herpetology, horses, llamas, poultry, rabbits, sheep, small animals, or swine to enter in the NJ 4-H Animal Science Video Contest.
Past Events
NJ State 4-H Horse Bowl Competition
February 25, 2023
The horse bowl is based on the collegiate bowl contests that used to be on TV. Contestants are asked questions which have been assigned a point value. Contestants use buzzers to be recognized to respond. By studying for the contest, 4-H members gain knowledge about animal science and horsemanship.
NJ State 4-H Equine Arts Show
March 18, 2023
The 4-H Equine Arts Show is a creative and instructional program that invites 4-H members to display their artistic talents and imaginations, while developing life-time skills and abilities. Participants are able to express their appreciation of the horse through various art mediums, while they are expanding their cultural knowledge. Art projects enable 4-H'ers to learn the value of developing visual exhibits in areas of specific interest.
NJ State 4-H Equine Presentation Contest
March 18, 2023
The New Jersey 4-H Equine Presentations Project is a project area that is beneficial to the total 4-H Horse Program. By learning to give presentations and demonstrations, 4-H'ers gain self-confidence and speaking abilities that are valuable in life situations such as school, the work place and the community.
NJ State 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl
March 25, 2023
Through a quiz bowl format, 4-H'ers have an opportunity to learn about all aspects of the dairy industry and to form lasting friendships with their teammates. This invitational competition gives 4-H'ers throughout New Jersey a chance to interact somewhere other than the show ring.
NJ State 4-H Junior Breeder Symposium
March 25, 2023
The Junior Breeder Livestock Symposium is held annually at the G. H. Cook Campus Farm of Rutgers University. It is sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture Junior Breeder program in cooperation with Rutgers Cooperative Extension faculty and staff. Hands-on workshops are presented in the following tracks: Equine, Dairy, Small Ruminant (Goats and Sheep), and often rabbits as well.
NJ State 4-H Hippology Contest
April 1, 2023
Hippology combines horse judging, the technical knowledge learned in horse bowl, and the practical application of various horse related skills. 4-H members put their knowledge to use as they complete an examination phase, a station phase that includes identifying horse-related items, a judging phase, and a team problems phase that emphasizes teamwork and planning.
NJ State 4-H Horse Judging Contest
April 2, 2023
In horse judging, 4-H members make a careful study of animals measuring them individually against a commonly accepted ideal. 4-H members learn to look at a group of four horses (a class) and compare the balance and type, as well as the correctness of the structures of the horses. Generally, 4-H members also have an opportunity to give oral reasons for why they rated the classes the way they did. 4-H members who participate in horse judging become keen observers, poised and confident speakers, and learn that doing their best is a positive contribution to the team.
NJ State 4-H Spring Model Horse Show Clinic
April 8, 2023
Open to all 4-H members interested in model horses. Participants need to bring a notebook and pen/pencil to take notes. You are welcome to bring your models to display and use as examples for breed identification and colors.
NJ State 4-H Dairy Judging Contest
April 29, 2023
Youth in the 4-H Dairy Judging Contest utilize their evaluation and public speaking skills to rank or rate individual animals and defend their ranking or placing in an oral presentation.
NJ State 4-H Dairy Clip-Off
July 15, 2023
The NJ State 4-H Dairy Clip-Off is a hands-on learning opportunity for youth in the 4-H Dairy Cattle project area to learn how to fit their dairy cattle to be show ready.
NJ State 4-H Dairy Cattle Show
August 15, 2023
Youth in the 4-H Dairy Cattle project learn how to care for and show dairy cattle throughout the year. At the end of the 4-H year, these individuals come together to compete in type and showmanship classes. Youth may exhibit animals they own or lease which are of any of the six Dairy Breeds.
NJ State 4-H Equestrian of the Year
August 19, 2023
The Equestrian of the Year contest is an ambassador program that encourages 4-H'ers to become well-rounded individuals with a comprehensive background in the horse field. Emphasis is placed on participation in the educational equine events such as Horse Bowl, Horse Judging and Hippology; Public Speaking skills through county, state and the Equine Presentation contests; Leadership proficiency by participation in State Horse Project Teen Council (HPTC) and county level teen leadership programs; Community Service Projects; and other equine related activities.
NJ State 4-H Championship Horse Show
August 25–27, 2023
The New Jersey State 4-H Championship Horse Show offers 4-H youth the opportunity to compete at an advanced level and meet other 4-H horse project members from around the state.
NJ State 4-H Goat Show
August 26, 2023
The State 4-H Goat Show is an exciting event that promotes the 4-H goat project and sportsmanship among the participants.