Welcome to all new and returning Dane County 4-H Horse & Pony project members and Non-4H Organization Members. Please carefully review the Horse & Pony educational requirements for the 2024-2025 project year.

• All youth planning to show at the Dane County Fair must complete and meet at least one of the education requirements listed to the right and submit their education card online by June 15.
• NO LATE ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED
• Contact the Fair Office at info@danecountyfair.com to receive approval for educational opportunities not listed.
  • If attending a pre-approved event not sponsored by the Dane County Horse & Pony Education Committee, the participant must have the clinician sign the education card.
• Those in grade 13 are exempt from bringing their horse to a 4-H approved clinic, provided they have fulfilled this requirement for the previous three (3) Fair years. Please contact the Fair office at info@danecountyfair.com by June 15 to request the exemption in order to verify Fair involvement.
• All horses that will be exhibited at the Dane County Fair must be declared by May 1. (The same horse declared must be the same horse used in the clinics.)
• Dane County Fair entry forms have a separate process. Please refer to the Department 6 Rules & Regulations (available in February) and times below for additional information related to Fair deadlines and processes.
  • 6 Horse & Pony
    • Horse and Pony Guidelines (available in February)
    • Horse and Pony Declaration (OPENS IN MARCH) AND Behavior Policy
    • Horse and Pony Trailer-in Request Form (available in April)
    • Horse & Pony Stall Mat Order Form (available in April)

Non-4-H organization members

• Those in grade 13 are exempt from bringing their horse to a 4-H approved clinic, provided they have fulfilled this requirement for the previous three (3) Fair years. Please contact the Fair office at info@danecountyfair.com by June 15 to request the exemption in order to verify Fair involvement.
• Participants must sign the roster for each Dane County Horse & Pony Education Committee event attended.
• If attending a pre-approved event not sponsored by the Dane County Horse & Pony Education Committee, the participant must have the clinician sign the education card.

4-H and Non-4H education requirements for Horse and Pony and Horseless Horse members to show at the Dane County Fair

All members Grade 3 or higher are required to attend a Dane County 4-H Horse and Pony Education Safety Orientation and at least one session of education at an approved 4-H Horse and Pony in-person clinic prior to showing at the Dane County Fair. Members who have successfully completed a safety orientation in prior years do not need to repeat the training.

• 2025 4-H Horse & Pony Education Clinics will be announced in early 2025. Contact the Clinic Coordinator on the registration form (when launched) with any questions. These opportunities are free and available for all Horse & Pony Project Members - 4H and Other Youth Groups. All clinics will be held at the Alliant Energy Center, Pavilion #1, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI 53713.
  • List of clinics and registration links will be launched in early 2025. Contact the clinic coordinator listed on the registration form with any questions.
  • Review the Dane County Horse & Pony Clinic Reminders before attending a clinic.
  • For those attending 4-H Horse and Pony Education Clinics at the Alliant Energy Center, please note that you should enter through the Main Gate off of Rimrock Road and park vehicles and trailers in the South Lot 2 or Southeast parking lot – map. This is a change from years past.
• Private lessons, farrier appointments, and vet appointments do not count toward the educational requirement.

More education links are available on the Dane County 4-H Horse & Pony Education Committee Facebook group.