4-H Coordinators - Cherie Ziegler
ASHA Coordinator- Brandy Moerke
| 2011-Member | Breeder | Yearling Name | Sire | Dam |
| Kaitlyn Rosychuk | Lorne Duffield | Rascal Shark | Smart Shark | Pro Bona Fide |
| Shelby Crick | Haining Farms | Little Bit Faster | Northern Dynasty | HF Flying Faster |
| Shelby Fahselt | Al Neurauter | Clintons Passion | Clintons Cigar | Rayalle |
| Maddie Davis | Meridian Farms | Quick Kiss | Ameripan Gigilo | Presidents Lady |
| Brittney Bell | Al Neurauter | Cloud Of Smoke | Clintons Cigar | Keystone Tarbaby |
The 4-H Standardbred Yearling Program coordinated by ASHA is a joint effort between Alberta Standardbred breeders, the Provincial 4-H Program administered by the Department of Agriculture, and Alberta youth currently or previously active in a registered 4-H Light Horse Club. The project was modeled after a similar program launched in Michigan in the early 1980's.
The main objective of the program is to create an awareness of the race industry, the strengths and virtues of the Standardbred and encourage support for the breed amongst existing "horse lovers". The 4-H program encompasses many areas in the life of a Standardbred, including a "hands-on" day with a trainer at the racetrack or local training facility as well as a day at the races.
Youth interested in the program are encouraged to contact the ASHA office or their current 4-H Light Horse Program leader who should in turn be able to provide them with an application form for the 4-H Standardbred Yearling program. An average of six to eight 4-H members per year is an ideal number of participants for the program.
In the latter part of fall, Standardbred Breeders are matched with an enthusiastic 4-H member. The breeder and member arrange for a Weanling to be delivered to the farm or acreage where the Weanling will remain until the Annual Yearling Sale held at the end of August or very early September the following year. An open line of communication and visitation is encouraged between the breeder and the 4-H member. This has led to complete family involvement and long-time friendships.
During the project time period (approximately 9/10 months) the 4-H member will learn the responsibility of care, feeding, management/health requirements, and the economics of raising a horse through regular reporting of expenses, growth, and special conditions unique to the yearling. Throughout the program the 4-H youth is provided support, leadership, information and advice in areas such as dietary supplements, hoof-care, and parasite control.
The ASHA 4-H Program allows for reimbursement of legitimate expenses for the 4-H member and culminates with the usual 4-H Evaluation Day, followed by the sale of the Yearling at the ASHA Annual Yearling Sale. But that's not where it ends. Some of our previous 4-H graduates have gone on to lucrative careers in industry support sectors such as veterinary medicine, retail sales and even the day to day care of Standardbred race horses. Others, have become race fans and are wildly excited when the yearling they helped raise, makes his way to the winners circle.
