Showing Horses
at the
Maryland State
Fair
Developed by Karol W. Dyson
Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
Equal Opportunity Access
How do I get started?
Basic requirements
• Have a H & P card on file in your
county 4-H office
• For performance classes: Pass
Horsemanship Standards
Knowledge & Riding Levels 1, 2
and Riding Level 3 (Must be
Jumping if in over fences
classes)
• In hand and Showmanship
exhibitors must pass
Horsemanship Standards
Knowledge & Riding Levels 1 &
2
• All exhibitors must have
participated in at least one
horse show (more preferred)
What’s new for ’08?
• Record book is no longer
required for state show
• Information must be submitted
by county office to Show
Superintendant by August 11 on
spread sheet
• Late entries allowed with a fee
To better prepare your
horse…
• Be sure you and your horse can
maneuver through traffic
• Your horse should have some
experience living in a stall
• Your horse must be polite
around other horses
• Your horse should be used to
new situations
To better prepare
yourself….
• Be able to control your horse
riding AND leading
• Be able to soothe your horse if
s/he gets stressed
• Be able to stay calm under
pressure
• Recognize when you need help!
How to sign up
• Go to the 4-H Horse Section of the Maryland
State Fair web site- Div. F
• www.marylandstatefair.com
• Talk to your parent/4-H leader/riding
coach/trainer about the classes you would
like to enter.
• Consult the Maryland 4-H Horse Rulebook to
answer your questions at
www.4hhorse.umd.edu/resources/index.html
• Contact the Show Superintendant if
necessary: kdyson1@umd.edu
Things to Remember
• Be sure that you meet all of the
requirements.
• Sign up for the appropriate show by
the deadline.
• Email or call your Extension
Educator or the 4-H Horse
Superintendent if you have
questions.
• Read all the info you receive
CAREFULLY.
Other Considerations
• Sleeping Arrangements : in the
barn or at a hotel?
• Educational Displays- all
counties should bring one
• Horse Bedding- straw provided
• Tack, Feed , Setting up your
stall
When you get to the fair…..
• Locate your stalls. A Barn
Manager is there to assist.
• Get your stall set up, unload
your tack, feed etc.
• Unload your horse!
• Security guards will direct you
to trailer parking.
Facilities
• BE SURE to familiarize yourself
and your horse with the ring,
wash area, schooling ring and
barns
• There is grand stand seating on
one side, barns on the other
Carnival background and
rides ARE visible from the
show ring.
Greeting the Public
• Every 4-H
member, parent
and volunteer
serves as an
ambassador at
the State Fair.
• Be prepared to
visit, smile and
inform.
Getting Ready for
the
Show Ring
Remember that the exhibitor is
responsible for all grooming of
the horse or pony.
- Braids/banding recommended
but not required.
Help from others should be
occasional and minor.
No coaching from ringside
during classes.
Qualified judges from around the
country are invited to the shows.
All exhibitors who complete a
class return for the ribbon
presentation or will forfeit the
ribbon and premium.
County and Club Exhibits
- points are assigned for
educational displays
- neatness and cleanliness
are important!
- separate trophies are
given for large and small
counties
An attractive club display.
Educational information is
posted around the sign.
Every youth MUST be
assigned a chaperone. You
may also stay in area
hotels. No space is
available for trailers on the
grounds.
Consult the Rule Book and
the online exhibitor rules
for the fair to answer the
following questions.
•
•
•
•
•
How many horses can I bring?
How many shows can I be in?
What is proper attire?
Class descriptions.
Class rules.
• Who can stay
overnight?
• For how long?
• Can my dog come? NO!
• Chaperones
Have a great time
at the
Maryland State
Fair!
For further information
Karol W. Dyson
Superintendent, 4-H Horse Shows
kdyson1@umd.edu
301 753-8195
MD State 4-H Horse program
www.4hhorse.umd.edu
Maryland State Fair
www.marylandstatefair.com
It is the policy of the University of Maryland, Agriculture Experiment Station
and Maryland Cooperative Extension, that no person shall be subjected to
discrimination on the grounds of race, color, gender, religion, national
origin, sexual orientation, age, marital or parental status, or disability.
Reviewed by Kristen Wilson, Regional 4-H Horse Specialist, UMD