4-H and FFA Horse

SPECIAL RULES:
1.       Horses shown at fair must be enrolled in a 4-H Horse project or part of an FFA supervised agricultural experience.  All horses shown at Fair must have an Identification Form on record at the Extension Office.

2.       Each horse is required to be current on vaccinations for influenza, tetanus, rhinovirus and encephalitis (sleeping sickness).  4-H Member will be required to have Vaccination Record Form on file with the Extension Office with the Horse Identification Form.

3.       Administration of any drug affecting the central nervous system of a horse shown in any 4-H class is strictly prohibited.

4.       Each exhibitor may enter one animal per class.

5.       Showmanship is a required class. Horses shown in the showmanship class must be a horse shown in project classes. 

6.       Horses shown in arena classes must be gentle. The Judge will dismiss any entry that is unruly or not in enough control to ensure safety of the handler and other exhibitors.

7.       Unsportsmanlike conduct or abusive language or action and/or abuse of any animal on the part of any 4-H exhibitor, parent, family member, or leader may result in elimination from competition.

8.       All contestants must show in their recognized project class at Fair to show in any other horse class or forfeit premiums and awards for those other horse classes.

9.       The same horse cannot be used in more than one trail class.

10.   In trail, the member will have three attempts at an obstacle and then they must move to the next obstacle.

11.   All tack and equipment must be appropriate to the class entered and age of the horse.  Montana 4-H Horse Show Rules will be followed.  The Judge will make the determination and place individuals accordingly.  At the judge’s discretion, exhibitors may be docked a ribbon placing for equipment violations.  Any questions on equipment should be reviewed prior to the class. 

12.   No stallions allowed (unless a veterinarian certifies that the animal is too young to castrate).

13.   All western division horses 5 years old and older, except those in Green Horse, must be ridden one handed with a curb bit, half-breed or spade bit. In speed events, horses of any age may be shown with a snaffle bit. Roping reins and mechanical hackamores are not allowed. See Montana 4-H bit policy for full rules.

14.   Tie-downs, martingales, roping reins and mechanical hackamores of any type are prohibited in horsemanship classes. A running martingale or German Olympic martingale is optional for two, three and four year olds when using a ring snaffle for the Colt to Maturity and Green Horse classes.  See the Montana 4-H Horse Bit Policy for full rules.

15.   All riders are encouraged to wear riding helmets that meet ASTM and SEI standards.  A helmet is required for all English classes, barrels and poles.  

16.   Grand Champion Junior and Senior Showman will show in the Round Robin Showmanship contest on Saturday.  Showmanship winners are required to bring their horses to the fairgrounds on Saturday of Fair. (Refer to Showmanship Special Rules on Page 8.) Long sleeved, collared, button-up (or snap) shirt and dark pants must be worn for the Round Robin.

17.   Participants in the Horseless Horse Showmanship Contest and Super-Starters do not qualify for Round Robin Showmanship.

18.   Description of classes:

a.             Ranch Horse Pleasure: The purpose of this class is to reflect the versatility and movement of a working ranch horse.  Each horse will work individually, performing the maneuvers as depicted in a pattern.  Pattern will be done at gaits appropriate for rider’s level and may include trail obstacles.  Transitions should be performed where designated in pattern with horse’s manners, responsiveness and quality of movement are the primary considerations.  This is not a timed event and excessive/uncontrolled speed will be penalized.

b.             Reining:  Individual performance where the horse is willingly guided with no apparent resistance through a precise pattern of circles, lead changes, spins and stops.  Pattern is judged on precision.

c.             Western Riding: Individual performance consisting of a pattern that may use all three gaits with reining & trail maneuvers performed quietly.  Pattern mostly done at lope with multiple lead changes within designated areas with emphasis on smooth lead changes.  Pattern ends with a stop and back.

d.             Hunter Hack:  Beginning over-fences class.  Works horses over low fences and on the flat.  Judging based on an even hunting pace, manners, way of going and jumping style.

e.             Hunter under Saddle:  Also called “Hunter Pleasure,” this event is judged on performance, condition and conformation at a walk, trot and canter.  This class is done on the rail with all participants riding at the same time. 

f.              Barrels/Poles: Traditional pattern. Will be judged on control and horsemanship ability.  A helmet is required for this event.

Costume Class: Judged individually and exhibitors may be asked to complete a short pattern.

Horse Dress Code: 

 

Western

Long sleeved, button, zip, or snap shirt with a collar.

Western type pants, belt, western boots, and a western type hat (felt or straw).

Vests, sweaters, jackets, chaps, gloves, and ties are optional.

Spurs are optional unless otherwise prohibited (bareback and showmanship).

Hair that is shoulder length or longer must be contained in a net or braid.

A helmet is required for barrels and poles.  It is recommended the helmet should follow ASTM or SEI standards.
English

Hunt coat (pink, red or scarlet coats are prohibited unless earned as a member of a recognized hunt), breeches, English type blouse or shirt with sleeves, and hunt boots. A helmet is required. It is recommended the helmet should follow ASTM or SEI standards.

Stocks, chokers, or ties required.

Gloves, unrowelled spurs, and crop or bat are optional.

Hair that is shoulder length or longer must be contained in a net or braid.
Saddle Seat

Conservative solid color jacket and jodhpurs are required.

Derby, soft hat, helmet or top hat, and jodhpur boots.

Gloves, stock, chokers, or ties are required.

Unrowelled spurs and crop are optional.

Hair that is shoulder length or longer must be contained in a net or braid.
Bareback Equitation & Showmanship  Western or English attire is allowed. If riding English attire, long sleeved shirt must be worn without the jacket. Chaps, spurs, crops, and bats are prohibited.

 

HORSELESS HORSE
Please see page 23.

 

SHOWMANSHIP

Required to participate in riding classes.
713        Showmanship – Super-Starter (8-9 years old)

714        Showmanship – Junior (10-13 years old)

715        Showmanship – Senior (14 and over)

716        Showmanship – Horseless Horse - Junior (8-13 years old)

717      Showmanship – Horseless Horse – Senior (14 and over)

 
 ARENA CLASSES 
Entries will be judged in the outdoor arena.  Horses will be taken home after the show.  Showmanship is required to participate in riding classes.  Members must be enrolled in the specific project to enter in classes 720-748.  

720        English - Horsemanship Level 1  

721        English - Horsemanship Level 2 

722        English - Horsemanship Level 3  

723        English - Horsemanship Level 4

724        English - Horsemanship Level 5 

725        English - Horsemanship Level 6 

726        English - Horsemanship Level 7 

727        Western - Horsemanship Level 1

728        Western - Horsemanship Level 2

729        Western - Horsemanship Level 3

730        Western - Horsemanship Level 4

731        Western - Horsemanship Level 5

732        Western - Horsemanship Level 6

733        Western - Horsemanship Level 7

734       Driving (Designate Level) *

735        Green Horse Level 1 

736        Green Horse Level 2 

737        Green Horse Level 3  

738        Green Horse Level 4 

739        Colt to Maturity Level 1 - Yearling at halter

740        Colt to Maturity - Two Year Old Horse under Saddle

741        Colt to Maturity - Three Year Old Horse under Saddle

742        Colt to Maturity - Four Year Old Horse under Saddle

743        Colt to Maturity - Five Year Old Horse under Saddle

744        Working Ranch Horse Level 1

745        Working Ranch Horse Level 2

746        Working Ranch Horse Level 3

747        Working Ranch Horse Level 4

748        Packing (designate level)

*The member may be accompanied in the cart by an adult.  Must be assessed by a horse leader.

 

The following classes are open to any 4-H member enrolled in a horse project, except where specified.  Showmanship is required to participate in riding classes.  See pages 14-15 for descriptions of classes.

749        English Bareback – Horsemanship Level 1 & 2 - Walk/Trot ONLY

750        English Bareback – Horsemanship Level 3 & Up – Junior (8-13 years old)

751        English Bareback - Horsemanship Level 3 & Up – Senior (14-18 years old)

752        Western Bareback – Horsemanship Level 1 & 2 - Walk/Trot ONLY

753        Western Bareback – Horsemanship Level 3 & Up – Junior (8-13 years old)

754        Western Bareback - Horsemanship Level 3 & Up – Senior (14-18 years old)

755        Ranch Horse Pleasure – Horsemanship Level 1

756        Ranch Horse Pleasure – Horsemanship Level 2 & 3

757        Ranch Horse Pleasure – Horsemanship Level 4 & up

758        Reining*

759        Western Riding*

760        Trail – Horsemanship Level 1   

761        Trail – Horsemanship Level 2 & 3

762        Trail – Horsemanship Level 4 & Up

763        Trail – Yearling*

764        Trail – Green Horse & Colt to Maturity*

765        Hunter Hack

766        Hunter under Saddle

767        Barrels – Horsemanship Level 1 & 2 - Walk/Trot ONLY

768        Barrels – Horsemanship Level 3 & Up – Junior (8-13 years old)

769        Barrels – Horsemanship Level 3 & Up – Senior (14-18 years old)

770        Poles – Horsemanship Level 1 & 2 - Walk/Trot ONLY

771        Poles – Horsemanship Level 3 & Up – Junior (8-13 years old)

772        Poles – Horsemanship Level 3 & Up – Senior (14-18 years old)

773        Costume Class – Senior (14 and over)

774        Costume Class – Junior (8-13 years old)

* Must pass Horsemanship Level 3 to enter these classes.  

 

HORSE EDUCATIONAL DISPLAY
1.       Entries will be interview judged on Tuesday with the indoor exhibits and then displayed in the Exhibit Building. 

2.       Open to 4-H and FFA members.

 

Class  711     Junior (ages 8-13 years old) 

                712         Senior (ages 14-18 years old)