SPECIFIC RULES AND REGULATIONS
  1. January 1 will be considered the birth date for the age of the equine being exhibited.
  1. A current Ownership and/or Lease Paper must be on file at the Extension Office by May 1 for each equine to be exhibited at the 4-H Fair and IL Jr. Horse Show. In addition, two current photos (one of each side) of the animal must be submitted.
  1. A Negative Coggins test must be shown to the Superintendent, or other specified person, prior to unloading at the show.
  1. Each animal may be measured prior to start of the show by one of the superintendents. Measurement will be from the top of the withers to the ground. One half inch shall be allowed for shoes. (All animals entered in Class #01 will be measured).
  1. Animals need not be registered and no stallions are permitted to show.
  1. If six or more equine are entered of a specific breed, a separate class will be formed at Halter ONLY. Any size (over & under 56”) will show together.
  1. The same animal may not be entered in more than one halter class. Classes #01-04
  1. Helmets are required for ALL riding classes. These helmets must be S.E.I. Certified. All 4-H exhibitors will be required to wear helmets at any time they are mounted on their horses on the Fairgrounds or at the location of a 4-H Horse event or workshop.
  1. Exhibitors may show the same horse or pony in both Western and English.
  1. Exhibitors may show in more than one pleasure class #08, 10, and 11. Only one premium will be paid.
  1. Exhibitors showing in class #09 may not show in any other pleasure class.
  1. Exhibitor may show in more than one gaming class #15 - 17. Only one premium will be paid. A minimum of six entries must be made to hold the Pole Bending, Barrel Racing, and Novelty Classes.
  1. Showmanship classes – The exhibitor is judged on ability to show their animal to its best advantage. Proper showmanship and grooming, both of the exhibitor and animal, are points to be judged heavily. Each exhibitor shall have complete control of his or her animal during the classes or they may be asked to remove the animal from the arena or grounds. Showmanship classes will be shown by age groups.
  1. Horsemanship and Equitation classes are judged on the rider’s ability to exhibit their animal to its best advantage. Specific Western or English tack and attire are required.
  1. Horses will be dismissed following the show and will not be allowed to stay on the grounds during the fair.
  1. Parents, coaches or trainers are not allowed in the arena for warm up or exercise purposes. Coaching from the rail will not be allowed.

HALTER DIVISION – Animal in 4-Her’s possession by – May 1

01 Pony – 56” & under

02 Horse – over 56”

03 English Model Class (Example – Arabian, Saddlebred, Tennessee Walker, etc.)

04 Mule & Donkey Class

SHOWMANSHIP AT HALTER– Any age horse or pony. Animal in 4-Her’s possession by – May 1

05 Senior showmanship (14 years & over)

06 Intermediate showmanship (11 – 13 years old)

07 Junior showmanship (8 – 10 years old)

UNDER SADDLE – Animal in 4-Her’s possession by – May 1

08 English Pleasure (any age)

09 Walk-Trot Pleasure (Exhibitors may not show in any other pleasure class) (English or Western)

10 Western Pleasure, 56” and under

11 Western Pleasure, over 56”

HORSEMANSHIP UNDER SADDLE– Any age horse or pony. Animal in 4-Her’s possession by – May 1

12 Senior Horsemanship (14 years & over)

13 Intermediate Horsemanship (11 – 13 years old)

01Junior Horsemanship (8 – 10 years old)

GAME DIVISION

02Pole Bending

03Barrel Racing

4-H LIVESTOCK SHOW ATTIRE

The 4-H Show can be so much fun that sometimes we forget how important it is to look our best when exhibiting our project(s). This does not mean that you need to be in new or dressy clothing. This means:

  • Be neat and clean
  • Take hats off while showing projects (judges like to see faces when talking to you)
  • Have hair combed
  • Wear closed-toed shoes in the show ring (no sandals or flip-flops)
  • Wear jeans or khakis
  • Wear shirts with sleeves (no spaghetti or tank tops)

Neat appearances will not only make you feel better, it will impress the judge too. Let’s try to look our best, learn all that you can, and have fun when showing your projects.