Equine

August 3rd Hartford Fair Update

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The following information was sent to all families on August 3, 2020…

Let me begin with THANK YOU! Thank you for your patience, thank you for your grace, as we have moved through the planning process for the 2020 Hartford Fair! The Hartford Fair is blessed with families who value kindness and understanding, and we have really cashed in on those traits in 2020! Although this year has brought us much uncertainty, we continue to move forward, work within the guidelines, and provide the best opportunities possible to our Junior Fair youth (and their families)! Let’s not forget how very fortunate we are to call the Hartford Fair “our” fair!

Although I certainly can’t promise that there will be no additional changes after this update reaches your email inbox, I still want to share with you what I do know at this moment – in hopes that it will be of assistance to many of you! I ask that you read through the details carefully, and maybe review a second time, before you begin to reach out with additional questions. There is still much to be done, and we are working as quickly as we can to ensure that all is ready as your family arrives to the fairgrounds over the next week or so.

As we model for our children, let us stay positive and know that everyone is doing their best, always assume the best intentions, and give everyone an extra amount of grace as we move throughout the next two weeks. This spring and summer have not been easy for most of us, but the Hartford Fair has a great amount of normalcy to offer – if we look for it! Regardless of the facial coverings and social distancing, we’ll still be together with our fair friends, enjoying the opportunity to watch our youth exhibit, eating some fabulous fair foods, and making wonderful memories…. We have much for which to be grateful!

  • What I’m asking of you…
    • Wear your mask / facial covering (if you are medically able to do so).
      • No, it’s not always comfortable, but it surely beats the alternative of not being able to see our youth show at the fair…
      • If you aren’t wearing a facial covering, please step away from the barns, show arena and concessions, where larger numbers of people may gather.
      • Facial coverings are not expected within the show ring, but they continue to be welcome – especially in situations where social distancing is not possible.
      • 4-H members are reminded that while state guidelines do not require facial coverings for those under the age of 10, while 4-H guidelines require facial coverings for all 4-H members during 4-H-related events…
    • Daily symptom assessments: check your temperature, monitor for fevers, watch for a dry cough or trouble breathing, sore throat, headache, body aches, chills, and loss of taste or smell…
      • If you’re not feeling well, or experience the above-listed symptoms, please don’t come to the fairgrounds.
    • Don’t forget to social distance when near others from outside of your family. It’s for everyone’s safety and well-being.
    • Wash or sanitize hands frequently…
    • Remember that the exhibitor (and their family) should have no physical contact with their judge during shows, nor their buyer during sales.
      • Buyer thank you notes and any gifts of appreciation should be sent to the buyer following the fair.
    • Be mindful of what you share on social media – and how it represents our fair – and our 4-H and FFA programs!
      • Early fairs were not successful in using facial coverings and maintaining social distance, and many photos were shared as evidence of disregard for those guidelines. Now we find ourselves impacted by those decisions with additional limitations and guidelines. The fairs that are scheduled to take place after us in August, September and October are hoping to be as fortunate as us – to offer Junior Fair programming. If we don’t choose to do the right things during the Hartford Fair, they may pay the price. When we share photos or make posts online, we need to be sure to have a mask on, and show ourselves being responsible. Hartford is often held up as an example to other fairs across Ohio, let us again be a positive example of how to do what’s right!
    • If you have questions, or don’t understand, be sure to ask! We’re happy to help!
  • Fair Schedule…
    • You can find the fair schedule online at www.hartfordfair.com > Schedule. It is in the process of being updated, to remove all of the non-Junior Fair activities and events. The newest version should be posted within a day or so, feel free to check back often! An updated SPECIES SCHEDULE can be found online at  http://www.hartfordfair.com/forms-2020/Department%20Schedules.pdf
    • No open class events will be held – in any species.
    • Junior Fair llama / alpaca show has been cancelled, due to lack of entries.
    • Some changes have been made to department schedules. Those are listed by department further down in the email message…
    • 4-H Center and FFA Building will be open… Check schedule for hours and plan to drop in to see our 4-H and FFA exhibitor displays.
      • Details regarding set-up of 4-H Club booths was distributed on August 3rd to the lead advisor for each club.
    • 4-H Band will be performing at TARA throughout the week, with concerts on Sunday (3:00 p.m.), Monday (1:30 p.m.), Tuesday (6:00 p.m. in NRA near Pond), Wednesday 8:00 p.m. and Thursday (6:00 p.m.). Be sure to go listen…
  • Admission / Attendance…
    • There are currently no limits on who / how many may attend, but all publicity for the fair has been suspended so as to keep attendance to a manageable level.
    • No admission will be charged at the gate.
    • Junior Fair exhibitors and club/chapter advisors are asked to pick up their IDs on Thursday (1-7 p.m.), Friday (1-7 p.m.) or Saturday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.) in B. Carr Family Arena.
      • IDs will still be used to pick up and cash premium vouchers.
    • By state guidelines, attendance in the sale arena during the sale will be limited to buyers and immediate family of exhibitor selling at that time.
  • The Fairgrounds…
    • The only area of the grounds open to attendees will be from the 4-H Center and Tara on the North, going East around the track to the Swine Barn. All areas to the South and West will be closed. (other than the SFB office)
    • Food vendors will be moved to the livestock barn area, with there being 10-15 vendors available. I’m sure that you’ll find some of your favorites!
    • Campgrounds will be limited to campers of exhibitors, advisors, SFB members, fair vet, etc.
      • If you need details about the campgrounds, be sure to reach our directly to the Fair Office.
  • General Notes…
    • Vouchers will be issued to exhibitors following completion of participation in each show.
    • The Bank will be open to cash vouchers, with hours posted on the Bank and in the Junior Fair Board office.
    • Curfew will be in place with everyone asked to vacate the barn / concession / office areas by 10:00 p.m. (or within 30 minutes of the conclusion of any event that ends after 10:00 p.m.).
  • Valuable Resources…

 Department Updates / Changes / Reminders: Updated SPECIES SCHEDULE – http://www.hartfordfair.com/forms-2020/Department%20Schedules.pdf

(I apologize in advance if I missed a change or a change is made after this message is sent… Stay up to date with the Hartford Fair and Licking County 4-H websites and Facebook pages!)

  • Market Steer / Breeding Beef / Steer Pool
    • Steer Pool Vet Check will take place at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday
    • Steer Pool Barn Meeting will take place at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday in the Kohman Wing.
    • Steer Pool will be released at 9:15 p.m. on Monday, following show. Packer truck arrives at 9:15 p.m. Monday for packer load out.
    • Feeder Calf show will take place at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday.
    • Breeding Beef show will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
  •  Dairy / Dairy Feeder…
    • Dairy heifer move in will be open on Tuesday and Wednesday, with all heifers being in place by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday.  Dairy cattle will be released from the grounds after the show on Thursday.  This will allow exhibitors who are bringing dairy feeders to the fair to make one trip if they would like, but will not force the dairy exhibitors to be at the fair any longer than necessary.
    • The Dairy Feeder Steer show on Wednesday starts at 8:30 a.m. with showmanship.  The show itself will then follow immediately after the conclusion of showmanship.
  • FFA Building…
    • Set up: Thursday 9 a.m. (Change!) |  Project arrival : most on Thursday / maybe some on Saturday  |  Judging: Sunday 9 a.m.  |  Removal: Saturday 3 p.m.
  • Market Hogs
    • Market Hogs must be in place by 9:30 p.m. on Saturday.
    • Market Hogs released following show on Tuesday.
  • Rabbit & Poultry Departments…
    • Poster Contest Rules
      • The purpose of the contest is to demonstrate the Junior Fair exhibitor’s project knowledge, to stimulate interest, and to demonstrate to others the diversity of Rabbit and Poultry projects.
        • Each posted must be made by the 4-H / FFA member.
        • Posters must be made using 22”x28” poster board, displayed horizontally, with stiff backing. It is suggested that your posted be covered in plastic.
        • Each poster must be clearly labeled in the lower right-hand corner, in a space no larger than 3”x5” with the exhibitor’s name, club or chapter, and age as of January 1st of the current year.
        • Posted will be judged based upon: Educational Content (50 points) / Neatness & Appearance (30 points), and Originality (20 points).
        • Posters will be displayed during Rabbit & Poultry Shows.
        • Junior Division: ages 9-13 / Senior Division: ages 14-19
        • No entry fee – this is a free class – no premiums will be paid.
        • Rosettes will be awarded for 1st-5th placings.

2020 Hartford Fair Livestock / Equine Forms Due

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Members exhibiting LIVESTOCK and HORSES during the 2020 Hartford Fair are asked to carefully review the information found below as well as here. Many species / departments have forms that must be submitted prior to weigh-in / check-in at the fair. Rather than collecting these forms in paper-form, they will be collected only ONLINE in 2020! With this switch, you are being provided with the details as to which forms must be submitted, and where you can find the forms online… Please ensure that ALL FORMS are submitted by the DEADLINE of MIDNIGHT, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7th!  Please pay careful attention to directions pertaining to if the form is to be completed per animal / exhibitor / department / etc. Respective livestock will not be allowed to check-in / weigh-in at the fairgrounds until forms have been submitted. Don’t wait until the last minute, go ahead and get your forms turned in now…

 

July 16, 2020 Hartford Fair Horse Update

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The Hartford Fair is just around the corner, as a Fair Board we are excited to bring our fair family together for a modified 2020 fair. In an effort to keep everyone safe, your equine committee made the tough decision to hold a three day show for 2020. When making decisions we took time to review all relevant information with health and safety at the forefront of our decisions. Our goal is to provide the opportunity for exhibitors to safely compete at The Hartford Independent Fair.

We have received many great questions in the last month. Outlined below are common questions we wanted to pass along to help you prepare for the 2020 fair. Many of the answers can be found in the rules section of the entry information that can be found here.
If you have questions in the coming week, please do not hesitate to ask if you are not sure or something appears unclear regarding rules for our 2020 fair. Our intent is for everyone to have a fun and healthy fair experience. We are passing along information as quickly as things are decided.

Frequently Asked Questions:
Are we allowed to decorate our stalls?
Yes, we are trying to maintain many of the traditions of the horse complex. We encourage clubs to decorate their stalls, but in a simple approach. Limiting to curtains, lights and signs will cut down on additional sanitizing of objects typically available for high touch contact (props, benches, flower pots, etc). Referencing rule R under Responsible Restart Stalling Rules:
LIMITED STALL DECORATIONS: Only curtains, lights and a decorative sign with exhibitors name, photo, emergency contact info and Club information permitted: MAY NOT BE ATTACHED TO THE BARN WITH NAILS, SCREWS, TAPE, OR STAPLES!!! No extra props, benches or end of barn decorating permitted in 2020.

We have not determined a date and time for decorating to occur, please watch an email near you for that information.

When are horses moving in?
Those who are choosing to stall will move their horse or pony onto the grounds Tuesday, August 11th 6:00am to 2:00pm. At this time, Vet check will be held at the stalls at 2:00pm. All stalled horses will be released on Saturday starting at 9:00am with all horses off the grounds by 1:00pm.

When is grading?
We will be holding grading, it will just look a little different this year. Grading will be held for stalled horses immediately following the barn meeting on Tuesday afternoon. Also, grading will take place each morning 8:00-9:00 for exhibitors choosing to haul-in.

Exhibitor Packets:
Each exhibitor will receive their back number, patterns, and department rules and schedule after they grade. We will NOT be hanging patterns this year to cut down on areas for people to gather.

Who is responsible for sanitizing our stall and tack boxes?
Please reference rule J under Responsible Restart Ohio Rules: Exhibitors and 4-H clubs are responsible for sanitizing their stalls, tack box and tack stall area every day.

Are we permitted to use the wash rack?
Yes, please be mindful of others and maintain 6 feet social distancing when appropriate. Also, clean up after yourself and your horse.

Haul-In Horses/Ponies:
We are trying something new in 2020. For many years, advisors have provided feedback for their clubs haul-in exhibitors to have use of a stall with their club. This year we are going to try it!

Advisors, please provide how many haul-in stalls you will need each day by July 31st to Alisha Tilley via email at equine.education@hotmail.com. In your email please include your club name with your number of haul-in stalls.

We realize some haul-in exhibitors may not need/want a stall. Please confirm how many haul-in stalls each day you expect to need for those choosing to stall for the day they are showing.  For example you have 12 members in your club, 6 of them are stalling, but you will only have 2 exhibitors hauling in each day. We will designate 2 haul in stalls in your block of stalls for your club. Keep in mind your club will be responsible for sanitizing the stalls between exhibitors.

Our goal is to try to meet each clubs desired per day haul-in stall need. Please keep in mind the exhibitors who have requested a stall are first priority. Also, these stalls are going to be haul-in and out same day, this is not an opportunity to stall a second horse.

Rule 14(d) still applies: Only one horse or pony per exhibitor may be stalled at the fair, No switching of horses.

The haul-in rules still apply, horses or ponies are expected to be off the grounds at the conclusion of the show. Please review 2020 Responsible Restart Ohio Haul-In Rules in the attached document.

Volunteering:
Here is a volunteer sign-up sheet for grading, trash clean up and gates. We are going to need extra help each day to clean up and put trash cans out for pick up and pull them back into the complex post pick up.

Seniors:
Unfortunately we will not be holding opening ceremonies at the 2020 fair. We will maintain our senior wall in the front barn for the 2020 fair. Exhibitors who will be graduating out of 4-H this year are welcome to create poster to be hung on the senior wall. Turn in posters to the announcer’s booth during the barn meeting to be hung by the Senior or Junior Fair Board.
Senior Poster Rules:
o        Signs should be constructed on a half poster board sheet (14”X 22”).
o        Please laminate or cover with clear contact paper as they will be outside.
o        No wooden, metal, or full poster board size signs permitted to allow for enough space for everyone.

Again, thank you for all your hard work and patience as we are navigating this evolving environment this year. Please take time to review with your club all the rules in the attached document. This year has presented many unique guidelines to help keep everyone safe and healthy. Please feel free to reach out anytime you may have a question. Due to my work schedule, I can be best reached via email at equine.education@hotmail.com.

Sincerely,
Alisha Tilley
Horse Department Chair
Hartford Independent Fair

REMINDER: Skillathon Registration Due July 15th

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If you plan to compete in the livestock skillathons for 2020, please remember to register for the state level skillathons by Wednesday, July 15th! There will be no skillathon competitions offered at the Hartford Fair for 2020, so competing in the virtual, state-wide livestock skillathons is your only option for this year.

While Skillathon stations will not be offered in person during the Hartford Fair this year, we ask that you register for the State Skillathons – as we will use those contest scores to recognize Hartford Fair exhibitors during the fair! All youth who intend to complete a skillathon must register online by July 15th, with species skillathons being held on the designated dates / times listed below (all will be completed prior to the Hartford Fair)…

Skillathon Dates (pre-registration required by July 15th):

  • Horse Skillathon:               Thursday, 7/23/2020                      10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Goat Skillathon:                 Friday, 7/24/2020                            10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Dairy Skillathon:                Saturday, 7/25/2020                       10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sheep Skillathon:              Wednesday, 7/29/2020                 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Dog Skillathon:                  Monday, 8/3/2020                          10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Poultry Skillathon:            Tuesday, 8/4/2020                          10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Swine Skillathon:               Wednesday, 8/5/2020                   10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Beef Skillathon:                 Thursday, 8/6/2020                        10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Rabbit Skillathon:              Friday, 8/7/2020                               10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

How to Register:

  • Registration is due by JULY 15, 2020.
  • Please register by visiting: www.go.osu.edu/skillathonregistration
  • Please answer all of the survey prompts.
  • All exhibitors with need an email address specific to that exhibitor that can be used as your log-in credential (this is also where the first-time registration will be).
    • For example, a family with 3 children participating must have a unique email address for each child.
    • School email addresses are discouraged, as we have found that some school email systems block external emails generated by the Scarlet site.
    • If the child completed the 2020 QA Test-Out on Scarlet in May, please feel free to use their same email address, as they will already have an account…
  • If you have any questions, please contact 4hanimalscience@osu.edu.

Skillathon Rules:

  • All Skillathons are open to any Ohio 4-H member, age 8 and in the 3rd grade, or 9 years old and older regardless of grade level, to age 18 as of January 1, 2020, and FFA members.
  • You do not have to exhibit a particular species to participate in that species Skillathon.
  • Any specific rules for an individual species will be outlined on the testing site.
  • Skillathons will be delivered through Scarlet, a university-approved distance learning site. You must have access to a mobile device or computer with ability to access the internet.
  • Even though the Skillathons are online this year, each Skillathon must be taken by the youth only without assistance from family or friends.
  • There will be 4 stations in each Skillathon that will make up 4 separate, timed modules. Each station will have a time limit (typically 5 minutes per station).
  • If your child requires any testing accommodations, please contact us in advance at 4hanimalscience@osu.edu and we will work with you to make accommodation arrangements.
  • Results will be posted for each age category, age division, and overall after the Skillathon is completed. Participants will receive an email with a link to view the results.

It’s time to get signed up for Skillathon!

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While Skillathon stations will not be offered in person during the Hartford Fair this year, we ask that you register for the State Skillathons – as we will use those contest scores to recognize Hartford Fair exhibitors during the fair! All youth who intend to complete a skillathon must register online by July 15th, with species skillathons being held on the designated dates / times listed below (all will be completed prior to the Hartford Fair)…

Skillathon Dates (pre-registration required by July 15th):

  • Horse Skillathon:               Thursday, 7/23/2020                      10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Goat Skillathon:                 Friday, 7/24/2020                            10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Dairy Skillathon:                Saturday, 7/25/2020                       10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sheep Skillathon:              Wednesday, 7/29/2020                 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Dog Skillathon:                  Monday, 8/3/2020                          10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Poultry Skillathon:            Tuesday, 8/4/2020                          10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Swine Skillathon:               Wednesday, 8/5/2020                   10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Beef Skillathon:                 Thursday, 8/6/2020                        10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Rabbit Skillathon:              Friday, 8/7/2020                               10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

How to Register:

  • Registration is due by JULY 15, 2020.
  • Please register by visiting: www.go.osu.edu/skillathonregistration
  • Please answer all of the survey prompts.
  • All exhibitors with need an email address specific to that exhibitor that can be used as your log-in credential (this is also where the first-time registration will be).
    • For example, a family with 3 children participating must have a unique email address for each child.
    • School email addresses are discouraged, as we have found that some school email systems block external emails generated by the Scarlet site.
    • If the child completed the 2020 QA Test-Out on Scarlet in May, please feel free to use their same email address, as they will already have an account…
  • If you have any questions, please contact 4hanimalscience@osu.edu.

Skillathon Rules:

  • All Skillathons are open to any Ohio 4-H member, age 8 and in the 3rd grade, or 9 years old and older regardless of grade level, to age 18 as of January 1, 2020, and FFA members.
  • You do not have to exhibit a particular species to participate in that species Skillathon.
  • Any specific rules for an individual species will be outlined on the testing site.
  • Skillathons will be delivered through Scarlet, a university-approved distance learning site. You must have access to a mobile device or computer with ability to access the internet.
  • Even though the Skillathons are online this year, each Skillathon must be taken by the youth only without assistance from family or friends.
  • There will be 4 stations in each Skillathon that will make up 4 separate, timed modules. Each station will have a time limit (typically 5 minutes per station).
  • If your child requires any testing accommodations, please contact us in advance at 4hanimalscience@osu.edu and we will work with you to make accommodation arrangements.
  • Results will be posted for each age category, age division, and overall after the Skillathon is completed. Participants will receive an email with a link to view the results.

Plans are incomplete at this time regarding whether or not livestock project books will be collected and graded, or project interviews held, during the Hartford Fair – and it may indeed vary by species. Additional details will be shared once more information is known.

2020 Hartford Fair Schedule

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The 2020 Hartford Fair livestock schedule has been posted here. Please note that the schedule is being updated and changed as needed. Please check the date in the lower right-hand corner of the page to ensure you are looking at the most up-to-date calendar.

REMINDER: Beeson Award Application Due

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Applications for the Beeson Award “Outstanding 4-H Horse Project Member” are due by Friday, June 19, 2020 to the Licking County Extension Office. Applications must be mailed to 771 E. Main St., Suite 103, Newark, OH 43055.

A 4-H Horse Project member may nominate him / herself, be nominated by an Advisor, or another 4-H member.

Please see the application found here for the full set of guidelines and requirements.

UPDATED: Licking County 4-H Horse Show Information

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Updated Licking County 4-H Horse Show information for the shows in July have been posted to the website. Links to the forms can be found below:

2020 Licking County 4-H Contest Division Horse Show  – Friday, July 10, 2020

2020 Licking County 4-H Western Division Horse Show – Saturday, July 11, 2020

2020 Licking County 4-H English Division Horse Show – Sunday, July 12, 2020

2020 Licking County 4-H Horse Show Entry Tab Form