EQUINE
DEPARTMENT G - Section 940
Individual - Premium Schedule D
Showmanship - Premium Schedule B
Performance Class - Premium Schedule D
The show will follow the standards set forth in 4-H 373–Nebraska 4-H Horse Show and Judging Guide.
If an animal is to be shown at the 4-H Horse Show it must be stalled on the fairgrounds during the entire period of time established by the fair board.
Exhibitor Age Divisions:
Junior (8-13) Senior (14-18)
Entire Level 1 written, riding & demonstration test must be completed by the fair pre-entry deadline (mid-July) for all youth meeting the minimum equine intermediate age level of 12 as of January 1st of the current year.
If Level 1 testing has not been completed,( intermediate age and up youth) will not be allowed to participate in the Dakota-Thurston County 4-H Horse Show.
Level 1 testing will be administered by either a certified Level 1 or 2 horse leader. Level 1 written test can be administered by the Extension Office. Testing appointments will be required by the Extension Office.
Information about what will be covered on this test can be found at https://4h.unl.edu/horse/advancement
Number of Horses Per Exhibitor: A maximum of 3 horses will be stalled per member.
Number of Classes in which an Exhibitor may Participate: Exhibitors will not be limited as to the number of classes in which they may participate. However, each exhibitor will be limited to premium(s) for one (1) showmanship class and a maximum of six (6) other classes. The premiums earned from the six (6) classes must be from at least 3 different horses. Exhibitors will receive a ribbon for each class in which they participate.
Exhibitor Attire:
Exhibitors shall wear hard soled boots, white shirts or blouses (long sleeves are recommended, although short sleeves are permitted), and dark blue denim jeans. 4-H Armbands are required. (See section on attire in 4-H 373 for further details)
Walk Trot Class Eligibility:
Exhibitor can be either Junior or Senior age division to show in a class designated as a Walk Trot Class (classes 917 and 922). If an exhibitor rides in either, or both, class 917 or 922 they can not participate in any other events that require a lope including timed events No high Point Buckle points will be awarded for classes 917 or 922.
Two-year Snaffle Bit Class Eligibility:
An exhibitor must have passed Level III.
Pony Classes:
To be eligible to show in a pony class the animal being exhibited must measure 14.2 hands or under. Any animal shown in class 904 or 906 can not be shown in class 905 or 907.
Western Pleasure Classes:
Any animal shown in class 917 cannot be shown in any other Western Pleasure class. However, if an animal that is 14.2 hands or under is not exhibited in any pony class they can be exhibited in any non pony class.
A stallion may be exhibited only during the calendar year in which he was foaled.
Same horse can NOT be used in like class.
4-H Exhibitors PLEASE take note:
4-H Clubs and Individual 4-H Members will have to share locked Tack Rooms. Tack Rooms are assigned and your assigned area will be noted on the Stall Assignment Sheet posted in the Horse Barn. Please be courteous and respectful of your fellow 4-H members and their equipment.
HALTER CLASSES: (not included in High Point Buckle)
905. Mares 3 years and under
906. Geldings 3 years and older
903. Mares 4 years & older
904. Geldings 4 years & older
907. Pony Mares 14.2 hands & under
908. Pony Geldings 14.2 hands & under
SHOWMANSHIP
908. Junior Horse Showmanship (8-13 years)
909. Senior Horse Showmanship (14—18 years)
PERFORMANCE CLASSES
911. Jr Trail Class (8-13 years)
913. Sr Trail Class (14-18 years)
915. English Pleasure
916. English Equitation
917. Walk Trot (Jr & Sr)
918. Western Pleasure - Ponies (14.2 hands & under)
919. Western Pleasure -(8-13 years)
921. Western Pleasure - (14-18 years)
922. Walk Trot Horsemanship (Jr & Sr)
924. Junior Horsemanship (8-13 years)
926. Senior Horsemanship (14-18 years)
927. Junior Reining (8-13 years)
929. Senior Reining (14-18 years)
930. Junior Pole Bending (8-13 years)
932. Senior Pole Bending (14-18 years)
933. Junior Barrel Racing (8-13 years)
935. Senior Barrel Racing (14-18 years)
936. Discipline at the Rail (2026 Exhibition class only)
HIGH POINT BUCKLE AWARD
1. A high-point horseman will be selected for age groups 8-13,
and 14-18. A trophy buckle will be awarded to each winner. Some trophy age divisions depend on number of entries.
The 4-H Horse Show Age Divisions are: Junior (8-13), Senior (14-18).
2. The winner will be determined using a point system. Points will be awarded in each class (INCLUDING Showmanship), EXCLUDING halter and walk trot classes. Points will be awarded for in the following manner:
Grand Champion 2 Points
Reserve Champion – 1 Point
Purple Ribbon - 4 Points
Blue Ribbon -3 Points
Red Ribbon – 2 Points
White Ribbon – 1 Point
4. If the scorekeeper’s tally results in a tie for total points accumulated, the 4-H youth that places highest in Showmanship will be awarded 1 extra point. If a second tie-breaker is needed, highest place youth from the Horsemanship class will be awarded an additional point.