The South Dakota 4-H program has a long history of promoting equine education. Youth participating in equine projects are encouraged to maximize their education by taking advantage of many learning opportunities throughout the year. To mitigate the higher risk associated with participating in equine projects, a minimum of one Youth Horse Literacy (YHL) certified event is required each program year for youth interested in exhibiting equine in a county horse show or the state horse show. (In 2022, YHL replaced the former Horse Safety Program with a more diverse slate of educational opportunities; however, a YHL event must still contain an educational experience focused on safety.)
Procedure (Updated March 1, 2026)
Here is a handy checklist South Dakota 4-H horse exhibitors will complete before the annual June 1 deadline:
- Enroll youth and project in 4HOnline
- Upload horse animal information and photographs
- Upload the lease form, if applicable
- Complete at least one YHL certified event
- If attending the event in your own 4-H county, be sure to sign in at registration
- If attending a YHL event out-of-county, you will receive a completion certificate that you can convey to your home 4-H county's Extension office
