Written By: Brooklyne Wassel, County Extension Coordinator and ANR Agent, Pike County
Horse shows sometimes get a bad reputation for being overly competitive, stressful, and not prioritizing the best qualities in a showman. That’s where the State 4-H Horse Show is different. This is the show where strangers cheer each other on, where new friendships form across the state, and first-class judges want to give you feedback. This is a show that has something for everyone, regardless of skill level or discipline. It may sound a little too good to be true, but there is a lot of behind the scene magic that happens to bring this show to life.
The State 4-H Horse Show is held in Perry each summer at the Georgia National Fairgrounds which boasts incredible facilities comprised of climate-controlled arenas, covered practice arenas, and plenty of barn space for horses and tack stalls. The show is hosted by Georgia 4-H, so it is run by state 4-H faculty, specialists, and county agents. From the announcers and jump crew to gate call and trail re-set, show personnel comes together once a year to make this event possible for Georgia youth to have a positive, impactful week in Perry.
The full show lasts five days but is broken up into two main arenas with different disciplines going in each, so most riders do not stay the full week but rather stay for the day or two required for their discipline of choice. Classes are offered in: Contest, Dressage, Gaited and Saddle Seat, Hunt Seat, Over Fences, Ranch, and Stock Seat. While most riders have a discipline or two of choice, this show is always welcoming to those looking to “try something new”. Though this is a state-level competition, there are no regional requirements to compete, so there is no day like today to start working towards a time to shine in Perry.
One of the biggest steps to beginning a journey to State 4-H horse Show is to get enrolled with 4-H! Riders who are in fourth through twelfth grade are eligible to show. To get started, simply reach out to your local County Extension office. If you have never connected with them before you can find them by visiting the County Offices | UGA Cooperative Extension page or calling 1-800-ASK-UGA1. Once enrolled, riders will need to own or lease a project horse by March 1. Riders will then need to fill out Intent to Show forms for each horse they may be taking to show. This is not a commitment to show nor does it require a fee, but it helps give the planning committee an idea of how many riders may attend. Riders will have until May to choose classes and submit payment to attend. The positive is the true affordability of this show, and if there are financial hardships, some offices may have access to funds to help offset some costs of showing.
Everyone wants to succeed in their endeavors, so what are the keys to 4-H showing success? Try. Try your very best, and have a good attitude while you are doing it. Everyone has a bad day or the bombproof horse sees the scariest shadow of its life, but by keeping a good attitude the show will go on and fun will be had. Riders truly are coming from every skill level and their horses are as well, so it could be anyone’s day. That is part of what makes it so special. Additionally, each discipline is awarded a sportsmanship award, so those good deeds and kind words really are noticed and appreciated. In additional to sportsmanship awards, each class and division receives awards. Certain classes are eligible to accumulate division points that count towards overall scores. Specific classes also help determine which riders qualify to go to Southern Regionals and represent the State of Georgia, the highest level of horse showing through Georgia 4-H.
While the riding classes are a highlight while in Perry, there are other opportunities to show skill and equine enthusiasm. All 4-H members are eligible to compete in educational contests at State 4-H Horse Show regardless of whether or not they are competing with a horse. Educational contests have something for everyone with categories including: Demonstrations, Drawing, Essay, Painting, Photography, and Public Speaking. These categories are awarded during the show and art is on display in the main arena. This show is truly special and welcomes new and returning riders to Perry this summer. To read all eligibility requirements, the state show rulebook, and educational contest guidelines, simply go to the Georgia 4-H State Horse Show and Educational Contest – Georgia 4-H page or talk to your local Extension office. From the State Horse Show Committee- We hope to see you this summer!
