Horsemanship for 4-H/FFA Rules & Classes

Department: Section 7 (for Horses, Ponies & Mules)

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Missouri State Fair Horsemanship for 4-H & FFA

State Fair Equine Superintendent
Randy Conklin

Superintendent
Mikaila Livingston
Phone: 816-558-0355

MO 4-H State Agriculture Educator
Kelsey Fuller

Show Secretary
Ivy Elwell

July 29 – August 2 Judge- Butch Watson
Juy 30 – August 2 Judge- Stephanie McConnell
August 1 & 2 Judge – Lana Mapes
Timed Events Judge – Bailey Tieman
Ring Steward/Scribe – Ashley Bauer Slabaugh
Ring Steward/Scribe – Bethany Blackmore
Announcer – Jill Billingsley
Performance Class Paddock Manager – Terry Luebbert
Timed Events Manager – Jackie Mammen
Timed Events Paddock – Sammy Watson

Show Sponsors

  • Bomgaars
  • NCMC
  • Missouri Quarter Horse Association
  • Purina Animal Nutrition

No late entries will be accepted. All entries are due by July 13, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
No on-site registration or late registration. Entries may be dropped.

Earliest Arrival: Wednesday, July 29, 7:00 a.m., enter Gate 4 ONLY
**Wednesday, July 29, horses may not be ridden on grounds until after the Exhibitor’s Dinner.

The MSF entries office will contact exhibitors for dinner reservations.

Rules and Regulations

The 2026 4-H Equine Horse Show Guidelines recommended by MO 4-H Equine Council:
Kelsey Fuller, Mikaila Livingston, Tracie Moore, Karen Craighead, Nancy Miller and Kate Engemann.

Exhibitors must comply with all general rules and regulations and animal health requirements for exhibitors in this premium book. Violation of these rules may result in any or all of the following:

  1. Withholding or return of payment for the animal or exhibit, premiums and awards.
  2. Suspension from future exhibiting at the Missouri State Fair for a length of time to be determined by the Missouri State Fair Commission or the Director of the Missouri State Fair on behalf of the Commission. Suspensions can be for any length of time and may be permanent.
  3. Probationary exhibiting at the Missouri State Fair for a length of time and under such terms and conditions to be determined by the Missouri State Fair Commission or the Director of the Missouri State Fair on behalf of the Missouri State Fair Commission or the Director of the Missouri State Fair on behalf of the Commission.
  4. Assessment of any other penalty determined by the Missouri State Fair Commission or the Director of the Missouri State Fair on behalf of the Commission.

The Show Committee has the right to interpret and enforce all rules.

Any announcements made the day of the show supersede any written communication.

The Missouri State Fair is not responsible for injury, accident, illness or theft. (See General Rules and Regulations.)

Eligibility – Exhibitor

  1. Each exhibitor must be enrolled by May 1 of the show year in a 4-H and/or FFA horsemanship project.
  2. At show registration 4-H members must bring a copy of their current horse enrollment form.
  3. The 4-H project leader or Vo-Ag instructor has the responsibility of certifying that membership, age and management requirements are met.

Age

  1. Each 4-H exhibitor must have passed his/her 8th birthday and not have passed his/her 19th birthday before January 1 of the current year.
  2. Active members of the FFA who are continuing their supervised agriculture experience program are eligible.

Ownership

Exhibitors must manage all horses shown beginning no later than May 1 of current year. Although ownership is desired, it is not required. Management is defined as the animal being under the complete care of the 4-H or FFA member for the time the exhibitor is enrolled in the project. A 4-H project horse may be shared by siblings living in the same household. However, that horse must be enrolled as a project horse for each member who uses it as a project. Each member may exhibit the shared horse at the State Fair 4-H /FFA Horsemanship Show. Horses shall not receive professional training, showing or handling after May 1 of the current year.

4-H and FFA members may not show stallions.

General Rules

Because it is in the best interest of all 4-H or FFA members and affiliated adults to maintain a reputation of integrity and to present a wholesome and progressive image, the following regulation is set forth: 4-H or FFA members are expected to conduct themselves according to the best traditions of the 4-H or FFA organization. Unsportsmanlike conduct or inappropriate conduct (drinking, stealing, vandalism or indiscreet behavior) will not be tolerated. Any violation on the part of an exhibitor, his/her family, or representative may result in dismissal of the exhibitor from showing in any further classes.

  1. The Missouri 4-H Horse Show Guidelines (2023) will be followed for all aspects of the 4-H/FFA State Fair Horse Show defining appropriate equipment, clothing, grooming, procedures and exhibiting standards. Show management and show judges reserve the right to interpret and enforce all class rules. Class patterns will be available after registration closes in the Missouri State Fair Premium Guide and within the 4-H Horse project area at the Missouri 4-H website: https://extension.missouri.edu/programs/missouri-4-h/4-h-projects-opportunities/4-h-projects/horses-projects Patterns will be sourced by the judges.
  2. Scoring sheets from pattern classers will be posted in the show office following classes. Scoring information and forms are available in MO 4-H Horse Show Guidelines. Courteous conversations with judges for feedback are held when competitive judging is completed. During the show, judges do not engage in conversations with competitors or their families. Questions can be directed through show personnel.
  3. Substitution: The horses entered by fair registration deadline will be the designated Missouri State Fair project horses. Any changes must be approved by Show Superintendent and Project Leader. (Refer to ownership rule.)
    Ground Rules:
  • Each club or chapter must have an adult supervisor(parent, 4-H leader or FFA advisor) on the grounds at all times.
  • Stalls are available and will be assigned by the Stalling Secretary. DO NOT MOVE STALL CARDS. Horses are stalled by county. Stall Decoration Contest will be judged on Friday and announced during last ride. Theme follows the current Missouri State Fair Theme.
  • All horses entering the Missouri State Fairgrounds during the defined dates and times of the 4-H/FFA horse show must be registered for and show in a class at the 4-H/FFA horse show. Any horses violating this rule will be asked to leave.
  • Horses are to be exclusively ridden by 4-H/FFA exhibitors only in designated areas which are horse barns and warm up arenas.
  • No horse trailers or trucks may be left in front or back of barns per directive of State Fire Marshal or in areas where safety of riders may be of concern. Horse trailers must be parked in designated trailer parking areas ONLY.
  • A current negative Coggin’s test is required on all horses and mules entering the State Fairgrounds and presented to the State Veterinarian for inspection
  1. The horse/tack stall fee is $27 due with show registration. Only the first 400 stall requests will be accepted. All tack stalls must have 2 or more registered exhibitors assigned to them. Only one horse stall will be able to be purchased per animal registered regardless of the number of exhibitors using the animal. Sharing of stalls (by counties or clubs) is a necessity which will allow more youth to participate in the show. We encourage you to only reserve the stalls you absolutely need. Stall by request are not guaranteed (county/club/barn/ect)
  2. Jump-out fee of $15.00 will be charged if you are only going to show for one day and not stay overnight. Overnight stays require a stall.
  3. The Missouri State Fair does not guarantee premium money, merchandise, prizes or special awards. Because the State Fair Commission is without constitutional or statutory authority to borrow money for its operation, it reserves the right to prorate premium money because of state budget restraints.
  4. There will be NO SELLING of clothing, tack or lottery tickets in the barns or out of trailers. If you want to sell items, you must contact the Missouri State Fair office and pay vendor fees.

Class Procedures

  1. ASTM/SEI helmets are required for all timed events and In-Hand-Trail and must be buckled at all times while in the arena, even while entering and exiting. Helmets are encouraged for all other classes. Helmets worn in “show” classes will not be penalized.
  2. Exhibitors showing the novice (walk/trot) classes are not eligible to show in any other classes except for costume classes. Novice is the exhibitor, not the horse. Novice exhibitors are in their first or second year of the horsemanship project.
  3. A horse/rider combination entered in All Ages, W/T are only eligible for classes 1, 8, 16, 23, 28, 33, 38, 40, 43, 52, 58, 72, 75, 80, and 88.
  4. Mules will show in type classes which are most appropriate for their way of movement without cross entering.
  5. Electronic communication devices prohibited in the show ring.
  6. All ponies and mules will be measured from the third wither bone and as they stand. Pony height is 56” and under. If a pony measures out of pony class, the pony may go to the horse class of exhibitor’s age group. EXCEPTION: If exhibitor has a horse already in this class, they must decide which horse to show; only 1 per class
  7. Horses regardless of exhibitor can only be shown in either Quarter Type or Saddle Type Division. Exhibitors cannot show the same horse in both divisions.
  8. Exhibitors are required to wear their two exhibitor numbers on both sides of their saddle pad for all costume, western, and Quarter Type/ Pony English classes. One back number is required for all seats Saddle Type (77, 78, 85, 86), Showmanship (43-51), In-Hand Trail (39), timed events (1-14) and Pony Cart (76) classes.
  9. Plaques are awarded to first place and placings two through ten receive a rosette.
  10. Open costume (38) and Arabian Costume (75) will be judged on originality and presentation. No narratives will be judges. Handlers are required for open costume. Only a walk will be performed.
  11. Native American Costume (72) will be judged on originality and accuracy. The purpose of the class is to commemorate the Native Americans with dignity, honesty and integrity. The costumes can be a composite of many tribes. Exhibitors who fail to meet the standards of the class will not be allowed to exhibit. Handlers are required. Only a walk will be performed.
  12. An exhibitor may show only once in each class number.
  13. Ranch pleasure call back entries may be asked to perform a simple pattern consisting of two or three maneuvers posted at the horse show 1 hour prior to the class. Maneuvers may include loping in a circle; lead change/ simple or flying; stop and back. Extended gaits.
  14. Ranch Trail obstacles may be bales defining space for maneuvers, elevated log or pole maximum 10” height, mailbox, slicker, farm gate, bridge, and ground tying.
  15. Saddles are required for all riding classes. Saddle-type or bareback pads are prohibited.
  16. For timed events, horses must enter and exit the arena (hindquarters fully past the gate) at a controlled/safe walk or trot. Helpers are not to pass the threshold of the gate. Failure to comply will result in a disqualification. Rule to be enforced by the timed events judge. Unacceptable behaviors include but are not limited to horses rearing, throwing their heads in attempt to pull the reins from the rider or pull the rider off, kicking or bucking when “encouraged” with a crop, refusal to enter the arena.
  17. In case of timer failure, the exhibitor will be given a re-ride. The time from the re-ride will be the time that the exhibitor receives.
  18. The judges or horse show management may prohibit the use of equipment that may be considered severe or not consistent with show rules.
  19. Western Horsemanship Challenge class participants will be determined from random drawing from class entries on morning of class to determine 10 participants for each division. You must be checked in to be selected. After studying the pattern for 90 seconds, exhibitors will perform the pattern. Exhibitors will not view other exhibitors. Rail work may follow.
  20. A non-judged special tradition of this show is the ‘Last Ride’ for the 4-H/FFA members who will be retiring from their participation in the state fair horse show. Time for this event is indicated in the show schedule. Scripts (please limit 5 min per rider) must be turned in to show office with music requests no later than the day before the ‘Last Ride.’
  21. Horses regardless of exhibitor may not cross enter western pleasure style classes (western pleasure/trail/horsemanship) and ranch style classes (ranch riding pleasure/ranch trail/ranchmanship). i.e. exhibitor(s) may not show horse(a) in ranch trail and western pleasure but can show horse(a) in western pleasure and trail and horse (b) in ranch riding pleasure and ranch trail.
  22. Trail, reining, in hand trail, and ranch trail time slots will have a designated start time with an end time to be determined no later than the Monday before the show by show management, dependent on the number of entries.
  23. Trail, reining, in hand trail and ranch trail time slots must be signed up for by 5pm the day prior to the class.
  24. No classes will be held for exhibitors who are showing in another arena unless show management has been notified in writing at the time of check in. No class will be held for more than 10 minutes regardless of notification.
  25. Rail work for call backs following at will pattern classes (equitation, horsemanship, ranchmanship) is at the judges discretion. Regardless, the top 10 exhibitors for these classes will be called into the arena for their awards at the conclusion of the patterns.
  26. Ponies entered in class 39 (in-hand trail) cannot be ridden at the show.
  27. All rail and pattern classes (excluding classes requiring time slots) will go to a working order that is randomly selected and posted the day before. *Exhibitors who miss their slot for reasons other than a class conflict will be disqualified. Class conflicts will be added to the end of the class if they miss their initial slot.

Missouri Exhibition General Requirements for Equine

  1. Alteration or substitution of any information on any VS Form 10-11 or any officially recognized federal/state EIA test chart or Certificate of Veterinary Inspection shall cause the document to be invalid and in violation of sections 267.010 to 267.730, RSMo, and may result in civil penalties not to exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000) per violation and be subject to expulsion.
  2. Any equine or other hoof stock originating from a county in which there is a premises under quarantine for Vesicular Stomatitis must obtain an entry permit and must include the statement on the Certificate of Veterinary Inspection that, “The animals listed are free of clinical signs of Vesicular Stomatitis and have not been exposed to Vesicular Stomatitis or located on a premises quarantined for Vesicular Stomatitis within the past fourteen (14) days.” The certificate of veterinary inspection must be written within seven (7) days prior to entry.
  3. The board, organization or manager of each assembly or event is responsible for certifying that all equine admitted or participating meet the regulations in this section and shall not admit or allow participation of equine not so certified. Untested equine shall not be allowed to congregate with other equine. The owner of each animal shall comply with requirements under this section 267.010 to 267.730, RSMo, and may be assessed civil penalties not to exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000) for each violation.

Exhibition Requirements for Equine

  1. Interstate (equine from another state entering Missouri for exhibition only)
    • a. No Certificate of Veterinary Inspection is required.
    • Equine that are to be exhibited must be free of clinical signs of an infectious or contagious disease. Any equine showing signs of infectious or contagious diseases at an exhibition may be excused by the official inspecting veterinarian. When an official inspecting veterinarian is present, all equine will be subject to daily inspection.
    • All equine (except nursing foals accompanied by their dams) must be accompanied by a current VS Form 10-11 or any officially recognized federal/state Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) test chart showing test date within twelve (12) months prior to exhibition for each animal, the name of the EIA accredited testing laboratory and the test accession number assigned by the laboratory, the graphic description of all markings needed for identification, or microchip, or legible tattoo, or unique registered brand or imprinted photograph on any officially recognized federal/state EIA test chart. An electronically generated copy of the VS Form 10-11 or any officially recognized federal/state EIA test chart may be accepted for the purpose of exhibition.
  2. Interstate (equine from another state entering Missouri for exhibition only)
    • A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection is required on all equine (except nursing foals accompanied by their dams) showing identification and description of equidae listed and negative test results of an official EIA test, showing test date within twelve (12) months prior to exhibition for each animal, and the name of the EIA-accredited testing laboratory and the test accession number assigned by the laboratory. All equidae entering without an official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection and/or EIA test shall be excused from the show until proper documentation and test are available.
    • Equine that are to be exhibited must be free of clinical signs of an infectious or contagious disease. Any equine showing signs of infectious or contagious diseases at an exhibition may be excused by the official inspecting veterinarian. When an official inspecting veterinarian is present, all equine will be subject to daily inspection.
    • All equine (except nursing foals accompanied by their dams) must be accompanied by a current VS Form 10-11 or any officially recognized federal/state EIA test chart showing test date within twelve (12) months prior to exhibition for each animal, the name of the EIA accredited testing laboratory and the test accession number assigned by the laboratory, the graphic description of all markings needed for identification or microchip, or legible tattoo, or unique registered brand or imprinted photograph on any officially recognized federal/ state EIA test chart. An electronically generated copy of the VS Form 10-11 or any officially recognized federal/state EIA test chart may be accepted for the purpose of exhibition.
    • A six (6) month passport from states with which there is a reciprocal agreement will be accepted in lieu of a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection. These passports must have proof of a negative EIA test within thirty (30) days of the date of application of the passport and permanent identification for each horse recorded on the passport and the VS Form 10-11 or any officially recognized federal/state EIA test chart, along with other identifying characteristics. In the event of confirmed vesicular stomatitis in any of the states with which reciprocal agreements exist, use of the six (6) month passport will be immediately suspended by the state veterinarian of Missouri.
    • Venezuelan Equine Encephalomyelitis (VEE) vaccination and entry permit is required prior to entry on equine originating from states in which VEE has been diagnosed within the preceding twelve (12) months.

Thursday, July 30, 2026

Coliseum, 9:00 a.m.

*For Speed Events (Classes 1-14) Exhibitors will run in chronological order by back number

  • 1 Pole Bending, All ages (Walk/Trot)
  • 2 Pole Bending, Novice, all ages (Walk/Trot)
  • 3 Pole Bending, 12 & under (ponies 56″ & under)
  • 4 Pole Bending, 13 & over (ponies 56″ & under)
  • 5 Pole Bending, 12 & under
  • 6 Pole Bending, 13 & 14
  • 7 Pole Bending, 15 & over
  • 8 Barrels, All ages (Walk/Trot)
  • 9 Barrels, Novice, all ages (Walk/Trot)
  • 10 Barrels, 12 & under (ponies 56″ & under)
  • 11 Barrels, 13 & over (ponies 56″ & under)
  • 12 Barrels, 12 & under
  • 13 Barrels, 13 & 14
  • 14 Barrels, 15 & over

Mathewson, 8:00 a.m.-TBD

*Horses that compete in any Ranch Class (Class #15-19 and/or 28-37) are ineligible for exhibition in any western pleasure class (Class #40-42 and 52-71). See rule 21 under class procedures for further clarification.

  • 15 Ranch Trail, Novice, all ages (Walk/Trot)
  • 16 Ranch Trail, All ages (Walk/Trot)
  • 17 Ranch Trail, 12 & under
  • 18 Ranch Trail, 13 & 14
  • 19 Ranch Trail, 15 & over

*All Trail and Reining exhibitors: Must sign up for a time to exhibit no later than 5 pm the day prior to class. Please honor the schedule to the best of your ability. See rule 23 under class procedures for further clarification.

Friday, July 31, 2026

*Stalling decorations will be judged this day. Winners will be announced at the Senior Ride in the afternoon. See general rule 3b.

Coliseum, 7:00 a.m.-TBD

  • 20 Reining, 12 & under
  • 21 Reining, 13 & 14
  • 22 Reining, 15 & over

*Horsemanship challenge will start no earlier than 1 pm (official start time to be announced) in the Coliseum and will accommodate classes taking place in the Mathewson. Exhibitors will be drawn for and announced by 12 pm the day of the class. See rule 19 under class procedures for further details.

  • 23 Western Horsemanship Challenge, All ages (Walk/Trot)
  • 24 Western Horsemanship Challenge, Novice, all ages (Walk/Trot)
  • 25 Western Horsemanship Challenge, 12 & under
  • 26 Western Horsemanship Challenge, 13 & 14
  • 27 Western Horsemanship Challenge, 15 & over

Mathewson, 8:00 a.m.

All rail and pattern classes (excluding classes requiring time slots) will go to a working order that is randomly selected and posted the day before.

*Exhibitors who miss their slot for reasons other than a class conflict will be disqualified. Class conflicts will be added to the end of the class if they miss their initial slot.

  • 28 Ranch Riding Pleasure, All ages (Walk/Trot)
  • 29 Ranch Riding Pleasure, Novice, all ages (Walk/Trot)
  • 30 Ranch Riding Pleasure, 12 & under
  • 31 Ranch Riding Pleasure, 13 & 14
  • 32 Ranch Riding Pleasure, 15 & over
  • 33 Ranch Horsemanship, All ages (Walk/Trot)
  • 34 Ranch Horsemanship, Novice, all ages (Walk/Trot)
  • 35 Ranch Horsemanship, 12 & under
  • 36 Ranch Horsemanship, 13 & 14
  • 37 Ranch Horsemanship, 15 & over

*Open costume will begin 30 minutes after the conclusion of classes in all arenas

38 Open costume (please see rule 10 under class procedures for further details)

*Last ride will be hosted Friday, July 31st in the Mathewson after the conclusion of class 38. It will begin no earlier than 4:30 pm. Official start time to be announced. See class procedure rule 20.

Saturday, August 1, 2026

Mathewson, 7:00 a.m. – TBD

  • 39 In-Hand Trail, All ages, (ponies 56″ & under), Helmets Required, ponies entered in class 39 cannot be ridden at the show
  • 40 Trail, All ages (Walk/Trot)
  • 41 Trail, Novice, all ages (Walk/Trot)
  • 42 Trail, 12 & under

Coliseum, 8:00 a.m.

*Showmanship will run 2 classes consecutively. Classes 43 & 48 will be the first to show.

  • 43 Showmanship, All ages (Walk/Trot)
  • 44 Showmanship, Novice, all ages (Walk/Trot) (Saddle Type)
  • 45 Showmanship, 13 & under, (Saddle Type)
  • 46 Showmanship, 14 & over, (Saddle Type)
  • 47 Showmanship, All ages, (ponies 56″ & under)
  • 48 Showmanship, Novice, all ages (Walk/Trot) (Quarter Type)
  • 49 Showmanship, 12 & under, (Quarter Type)
  • 50 Showmanship, 13 & 14, (Quarter Type)
  • 51 Showmanship, 15 & over, (Quarter Type)

Lunch Break

Coliseum (time announced)

  • 52 Western Pleasure, All ages (Walk/Trot)
  • 53 Western Pleasure, All ages (ponies 56″ & under)
  • 54 Western Pleasure, 14 & over, (Saddle Type)
  • 55 Western Pleasure, 13 & under, (Saddle Type)
  • 56 Western Pleasure, Novice, All ages (Walk/Trot) (Saddle Type)
  • 57 Gaited Horse Pleasure, Englis/Western, All ages
  • 58 Horsemanship, All Ages, (Walk/Trot)
  • 59 Horsemanship, All Ages, (ponies 56″ & under)
  • 60 Horsemanship, 14 & over, (Saddle Type)
  • 61 Horsemanship, 13 & under, (Saddle Type)
  • 62 Horsemanship, Novice, all ages (W/T) (Saddle Type)

Mathewson (time announced)

  • 63 Therapeutic Horsemanship (exhibitors not eligible for any other classes)
  • 64 Western Pleasure, Novice, all ages (Walk/Trot) (Quarter Type)
  • 65 Western Pleasure, 12 & under, (Quarter Type)
  • 66 Western Pleasure, 13 & 14, (Quarter Type)
  • 67 Western Pleasure, 15 & over, (Quarter Type)
  • 68 Horsemanship, Novice, all ages (Walk/Trot) (Quarter Type)
  • 69 Horsemanship, 12 & under (Quarter Type)
  • 70 Horsemanship, 13 & 14, (Quarter Type)
  • 71 Horsemanship, 15 & over (Quarter Type)

*Native American costume will begin 30 minutes after the conclusion of classes in all arenas

72 Native American Costume (Required handler, Walk only) See rule 11 under class procedures for further details.

Sunday, August 2, 2026

Coliseum, 7:00 a.m. – TBD

  • 73 Trail, 13 & 14
  • 74 Trail, 15 & over

Mathewson, 8:00 a.m.

Arena will open at 7:30 a.m. for Pony Cart warm up

  • 75 Arabian Costume (Refer to rules, Walk only)
  • 76 Pony Cart (class may be split at the gate), All ages, 56″ & under
  • 77 Hunter Under Saddle, All seats, All Ages,(Saddle Type)
  • 78 Hunter Under Saddle, All seats, Novice, All ages (Walk/Trot) (Saddle Type)
  • 79 Hunter Under Saddle, All ages, (ponies 56″ and under)
  • 80 Hunter Under Saddle, All ages (W/T)
  • 81 Hunter Under Saddle, Novice, All ages (W/T) (Quarter Type)
  • 82 Hunter Under Saddle, 12 & under (Quarter Type)
  • 83 Hunter Under Saddle, 13 & 14 (Quarter Type)
  • 84 Hunter Under Saddle, 15 & over (Quarter Type)
  • 85 English Equitation, All seats, All ages, (Saddle Type)
  • 86 English Equitation, All seats, Novice, All ages (W/T) (Saddle Type)
  • 87 English Equitation, All Ages (Walk/Trot) (ponies 56″ & under)
  • 88 English Equitation, All Ages (Walk/Trot)
  • 89 English Equitation, Novice, All Ages (W/T) (Quarter Type)
  • 90 English Equitation, 12 & under (Quarter Type)
  • 91 English Equitation, 13 & 14 (Quarter Type)
  • 92 English Equitation, 15 & over (Quarter Type)