115 Development of a statewide educational program for the Ohio 4-H horse program

Abstract

Across the US, 4-H members enrolled in market livestock projects are required to participate in educational Quality Assurance (QA) programs which provide information on animal care, management, and safety. However, few 4-H programs have similar requirements for youth enrolled in horse projects. Without a QA or similar educational requirement, members may not receive appropriate project information, potentially decreasing the educational value of their experiences. The objectives of this study were to utilize stakeholder input to evaluate the need for a statewide educational program, identify important educational topics, and develop a standardized educational program to meet this need. An electronic survey was distributed to county 4-H educators and horse club advisors (n = 109) to evaluate the content and delivery method of information provided to members. Respondents represented 61 of 88 Ohio counties (69.3%). Only 53% of the respondents noted a requirement for annual in-person educational programming. Among counties represented by multiple respondents, 54% demonstrated conflicting responses to the same survey question. This inconsistency in programming across and within counties indicated a need for a statewide educational program. Survey participants were also asked to rank several educational topics in order of their importance. Simple statistics (mean ± SD) and consensus (A) analysis identified safety (1.48 ± 1.07; A = 0.73), handling (3.56 ± 1.64; A = 0.60), nutrition (4.27 ± 1.32; A = 0.60), and healthcare (4.27 ± 1.32; A = 0.67) as the most important topics for members. These topics were refined and included in a subsequent survey distributed to horse club advisors and parents (n = 188). Topics with a minimum rating of 4.5 and consensus (A) value of 0.60 were included in the new Equine Safety Training and Educational Program (EquiSTEP). The curriculum was presented to Ohio 4-H horse advisors (n = 157) for evaluation. Statements evaluating the program's effectiveness produced an average rating of ≥4.5 with a group consensus of A ≥0.60. Value statements produced an average rating of ≥4.0 with a group consensus of A ≥0.60. The program was made available to Ohio 4-H members as an optional curriculum in 2020. To date, 950 individuals have enrolled in EquiSTEP with 434 participants completing an optional 10-question summative assessment, scoring an average of 94%. EquiSTEP will become an annual requirement for all Ohio 4-H horse club members in 2023. This novel program can serve as a model for other 4-H equine programs without a QA component to provide consistency in curriculum for members, thus promoting youth success.