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 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 Contact the Show Superintendant if necessary:

Things to Remember Be sure that you meet all of the requirements. Sign up for the appropriate show by the deadline. 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 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 MD State 4-H Horse program Maryland State Fair 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