• The NC 4-H Horse Program Achievement Award is an annual application/submission of accomplishments within 4-H, with a specific focus on horse program achievements that is cumulative beginning with the applicant’s first year in the horse program.
• Award levels are on a points-based system that groups like activities completed based on the level of involvement and ranks them. (See the application form for specifics on activities/points/levels).
• There are 4 levels of accomplishment that youth can apply to earn annually. Youth can potentially earn more than level (especially the first year they apply).
  • Bronze: 150 points, bronze patch
  • Silver: 300 points, silver patch
  • Gold: 450 points, gold patch
  • Emerald: 700 points, embroidered jacket

• Any 4-H'er who participates in the 4-H horse program, age 8 and older.
• No minimum requirement for years of participation.
• 4-H'ers who have aged out can submit an application the year immediately following their age-out year.

• This program incentivizes 4-H horse program members to branch out and to experience new activities and leadership roles.
• It recognizes 4-H horse program participants at all levels for involvement in leadership and growth activities.
• The program honors 4-H horse program participants who have been truly extraordinary throughout their program participation.

• The application form can be completed using Google Sheets, Excel, or Typable PDF (see links below).
• The first time an application is filled out, the applicant can go back in time (retroactive) to the beginning of their 4-H career.
• Applications are updated annually and are only submitted when eligible for an award/level.
• Applications must be signed by the 4-H leader and 4-H agent

• Applications are due March 2, 2026 (for activities that took place the year prior and earlier).
• Awards will be presented at the State 4-H Horse Show in July. If a youth is not present, their award will be mailed to them.

2026 Achievement Award Application Google Sheet Application (for achievements through 2025)

2026 NC 4-H Horse Program Achievement Award Application Excel Version (for achievements through 2025)

NC 4-H Horse Program Achievement Application 2026 Typable PDF (for achievements through 2025) (Be sure to save the PDF file to your device before typing/editing, otherwise, your changes might not be saved.)

Completed and signed application forms can be emailed to llstroud@ncsu.edu.

Applications can also be mailed to NC State Extension Horse Husbandry, Box 7621 NC State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7621

If you have questions, feel free to send a message to Lori Stroud or Alaina Cross:

llstroud@ncsu.edu

Alaina_Cross@ncsu.edu