Congratulations, Barb Jones!

ITHACA, N.Y. — The New York State 4-H Horse Program proudly presented its highest honor, the Head, Heart, Hands & Hooves Award, to Barb Jones during the recent Horse Education Advisory Committee (HEAC) meeting. This newly established award recognizes individuals whose steadfast leadership, service, and commitment have guided the program with resilience, integrity, and heart through times of change.

The Head, Heart, Hands & Hooves Award was created to honor those who exemplify the very best of 4-H values — the wisdom to lead, the compassion to serve, the skill to build, and the unwavering dedication reflected in the strength and spirit of the horse. While the award will be presented only when an individual truly meets its high standard, Barb Jones was the clear and unanimous choice as the inaugural recipient.

Barb has served Cornell University for 25 years, beginning in October 2000 with the New York State 4-H Foundation and later the NYS 4-H Youth Development Office. In 2003, she transitioned to the Department of Animal Science, where she worked alongside world-renowned dairy scientist Dr. Dale Bauman. In 2011, following Dr. Bauman’s retirement, Barb began working directly with the NYS 4-H Horse Program — a role she has held for more than 14 years.

In addition to her work with the 4-H Horse Program, Barb has supported the NYS 4-H Livestock and Companion Animal Program and served as a long-time member of the NYS 4-H Dog Advisory Committee and Animal Crackers Committee. Her impact has spanned programs, species, and generations of youth.

Barb’s connection to 4-H is both professional and deeply personal. She often shares that she “married into 4-H” after her husband, Walt — a former 4-H member himself — took their daughter to a cow show at the Cortland County Junior Fair. That moment sparked a family legacy that now spans four generations of 4-H members in Cortland County, including their children and grandchildren.

Among her most cherished memories are traveling with the NYS 4-H National Horse Teams to the Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup in Louisville, Kentucky, where youth toured Churchill Downs, Keeneland, rode at the Kentucky Horse Park, and visited historic racing farms. Barb often reflects not just on the destinations, but on the transformation she witnessed in the youth themselves — from the moment they boarded the bus to the moment they returned home.

Over the years, Barb has worked alongside countless educators, staff, and volunteers, forming close professional relationships that have helped shape the heart of the program. Through leadership transitions, program growth, and industry changes, Barb remained a steady and trusted presence — the constant that kept the program moving forward.

“Barb has been the quiet strength behind so much of our success,” said NYS 4-H Horse Program leadership. “She leads with humility, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to youth and volunteers. This award was created for individuals like her, that continue to show up through chance and adversity for the benefit of the program.”

As the inaugural recipient, Barb’s name will be permanently engraved on the Head, Heart, Hands & Hooves Award plaque that will hang in Morrison Hall at Cornell University, honoring her legacy and setting the standard for all future recipients.