The Awards Program will be in the Horse Show Complex Pavilion. Everyone is invited to attend and enjoy the presentation of awards and fellowship of other 4-H'ers, parents, and agents from all over the state. All division, breed, and overall awards will be announced and presented at this time. Registration for Regionals will also be finalized after qualifiers are announced. 

High point awards will be presented for each major division (Hunter, Western, Ranch, Dressage, and Speed Events), overall, and high point counties.

*NEW* This year (2026) light refreshments and music available prior to the awards program. Come join your fellow 4-Hers for some fun mingling before awards are presented! Join us at 6:00PM in the Horse Show Complex Pavilion for the fun!

Gloria Watt Emerald Award will be given to the counties (Large and Small) that best convey a theme through decorations using the following criteria:

• **creative theme/original interpretation of a theme (25%)

• innovative use of decorations (25%)

• neat & clean barn area (20%)

• neatness/attractiveness (of decorations, 15%)

• marketing/promoting 4-H (15%)

**The theme this year is "Riding Through 205 Years of American Spirit"! This theme is a slightly patriotic theme, similar to last year’s, that invites stall decorations highlighting meaningful moments and styles from America’s history while also showcasing how horses, tack, riding styles, and the show industry have evolved over the past 250 years. **

Judging for this award will take place any time after noon Thursday until Friday, 5pm. 

County delegations are responsible for disassembling and disposing of decorations at the end of the show and leaving the barn areas in original condition. Please do not use liquid nails or anything else that leaves behind a permanent mark or residue on the facilities. The Fairgrounds will charge $100 per stall damaged by liquid nails or similar products. There is a board along the top of the front side of the stalls that can be used to hang/secure decorations without harming the concrete.

Breed Association Awards - You must include your horse’s PHBA or AQHA registration number or Thoroughbred T.I.P. number on your entry form to be eligible for these awards. No changes or additions will be made after the entry deadline.

• High Point Thoroughbred award will go to exhibitor earning the most points on a registered Thoroughbred in the T.I.P. Program, courtesy of the The Jockey Club. Those with registered Thoroughbreds can apply for a free T.I.P. number. It is a quick process, so there is still time to obtain a number during the entry period.

• High Point Quarter Horse award will go to the exhibitor earning the most points on a registered Quarter Horse, courtesy of FQHYA and the DelVecchio Family.

• High Point Arabian award will go to the exhibitor earning the most points on a registered Arabian, courtesy of Marikate Matthew.

Florida Bred Horse Awards will be presented to the high point Florida bred horse in each of the four divisions, courtesy of the Florida Department of Agriculture. It is important that you indicate if your horse is Florida bred on your entry. You must have verification that your horse was either born or bred in Florida available for leader and agent if requested. No additions will be made after the entry deadline.

Versatility Award will be given to the individual who receives the most points competing AND placing in at least three of the four show divisions (Hunter, Western, Speed Events, and Ranch). Courtesy of Terry Stout.

Horseman of the Year Award – The Florida 4-H Horse Program donates $1000 in scholarships for education and cash awards to be presented to three outstanding 4-H members. The DeBraal family sponsors an additional $300 towards the winner’s scholarship. Selection is based on total 4-H participation, 4-H Horse Program accomplishment, 4-H horse record books, scholarship, civic involvement, and a personal interview.

Elaine Keir Memorial Outstanding Volunteer Leadership Award -  An annual award to recognize outstanding leaders who work with youth and horses within the Florida 4-H program.