Horse

The Wright County Fair 4-H Horse Show follows the current MN 4-H Horse Program Rule Book. Remember you are a 4-H exhibitor at all 4-H events and must abide by all 4-H rules. 

• Cloverbud Livestock Policy: An adult/responsible person (adult/teen leaders, parents, etc.) must be in control of the animal (handling or leading the animal) at all times.

• Members show their own animals. 

• Show committees and 4-H’ers are responsible for cleaning up show arenas following each exhibition.

• Garbage (specifically twine and pop cans) may not be put in manure piles; please dispose of them properly.

• Your animal is your responsibility at the fair. Bring everything you need to feed and care for your animal at the fair including, but not limited to, watering pans, wash pails, hay, straw, grain, and grooming equipment. Equipment is taken care of by the 4-H’er. Members are expected to ensure animals are well cared for and animal areas should be kept clean and neat for the public

• No golf carts allowed on the fairgrounds. 

• A 4-H member (exhibitor) and their properly identified horse are considered as an entry together. A 4-H member who qualifies for a state show class must exhibit the same horse used in that class at the qualifying show. 

• An exhibitor may show up to two (2) horses at the Wright County Fair plus a training horse for a potential total of three (3) horses. Example: 1 performance horse, 1 game horse, 1 training project horse.

• No horse may be shown until it has been properly identified as a regularly enrolled 4-H project horse through the county extension office in which the exhibitor is enrolled.  Only mares, fillies, geldings or weanling colts will be allowed to show at the County Fair. No stallions. Member must own or lease the mare or gelding exhibited.

• The exhibitor’s household must own or lease the mare or gelding exhibited. The horse must be identified certifying ownership and/or management arrangements by the state required date on form HIDA available at the County Extension Office. If substitution, for any reason, occurs after May 15 the horse is not eligible for the State Show.

• All horses must be serviceably sound.

• A horse may be used only once in any event per show. Age, grade or type divisions are considered class divisions and not separate events. The horse may be used in an additional non-qualifying class in the same event. The exception being if a horse is shared between riders where one is showing in State Qualifying classes and one is showing in non- qualifying classes. The horse may then be shown by both youth in the same event.  A rider may compete only one time in any class, Pleasure or Games, with one horse.

• Any person entering the arena not meeting the attire approved guidelines will be disqualified. Suitable, neat attire as stated in the show rules must be worn in all classes and events. It is the exhibitor’s responsibility to bring any questionable attire or equipment they may be considering to the attention of show management prior to wearing or using it in competition.

• The decision of the judge is final. The decision on whatever it may be should be accepted in the true spirit of sportsmanship and 4-H. Exhibitors, parents, or other persons may not approach or communicate with the judge without prior consent of the show committee.

• Good sportsmanship must be exhibited at all times. When an exhibitor or exhibitor's parent, leader, or other person acting for the exhibitor is guilty of unsportsmanlike conduct, the show management may suspend such exhibitor's rights to participate. The exhibitor's parent, leader, or other person will be barred from the show grounds for unsportsmanlike conduct or improper behavior. Adults will conduct themselves in a manner that reflects a positive model for 4-H youth.

• Excessive coaching of an exhibitor while at a 4-H event and/or class is strongly discouraged. If this is deemed inappropriate by judge and /or show committee the individual may be requested to leave the arena.

• Cruel or rough handling of horses will not be allowed at any show or event. A horse and exhibitor may be excused from the ring, show, or event for lack of control, cruelty, rough handling, or unsportsmanlike conduct. The show management or judge has the right to disqualify anyone mistreating an animal or demonstrating unsportsmanlike conduct.

• All exhibitors must have their horses under complete control at all times. The gate must be closed and the rider must be independently controlling the horse before starting the class. Riders will not be allowed to leave the ring until their horses are walking under control. Riders having difficulties in the ring and desiring to leave should request permission to be excused from the ring master or judge.

• Show management reserves the right to refuse an exhibitor entry into any class or event if they deem that entry unsafe for the exhibitor or other exhibitors or animals. All show officials have the authority and must dismiss from the ring any entry that is unruly or not in sufficient control for the safety of the handler or other exhibitors.

• Trainers and adults are not allowed to exercise, work out, or ride 4-H'ers' horses at 4-H shows.

• At county shows the posting of individual patterns may be done at the discretion of the judge, with the exception that Trail patterns must be posted at least one hour prior to the start of the class. 

• A fall of either horse or rider shall be cause for elimination from that class. A horse is considered to have fallen when its shoulder touches the ground. A rider is considered to have fallen when separated from his or her horse in such a way that a remount is required. In judged events (i.e. pleasure, horsemanship, etc.) a fall shall be considered in the time when the judge begins judging and is complete when the judge has marked his/her card. In game classes this shall be when the contestant has entered the course. The course is defined as from the time the timer starts running and continues until the timer stops.

All horse exhibits should arrive between 5-8 pm on Tuesday, July 21 or between 6 am – 8 pm* on Wednesday, July 22.  Please note that entries arriving late cannot be checked in and therefore will be sent home, so be sure you have checked in before 8 pm, or call the office if you are running late due to extenuating circumstances. Exhibitors should first unload their horses and stop at the Horse Check-in booth near the lower barn entrance (south barn) before proceeding to stalling.  Your horses and coggins will be checked, please have your paper form ready.  After stalling, exhibitors also need to be sure to check in at the announcer stand to drop any classes, sign up for volunteer shifts, check the horse achievement books, and pick up required paperwork.

Horses known by the exhibitor to have an infectious, communicable disease, or have been exposed to such disease, or to be from a quarantined herd or flock, may not be entered in the fair.  All livestock will be inspected by the official veterinarian, or their representative, on the opening day of the fair and daily during the fair. The official veterinarian will order the immediate removal from the fair of any livestock with symptoms of infectious or communicable diseases. Warts, ringworm, and abscesses are considered communicable diseases. A statement from a veterinarian that an animal is being treated for these diseases is not acceptable.

All animals must have their stall cards on display throughout the fair, especially for herdsmanship judging. Make sure you have it displayed in a prominent location or ask for a new one if it gets lost or damaged.

Members are expected to do the work in giving the animals proper care, fitting the animal, and for meeting showing/stalling requirements. Members may arrange with other 4-H members to care for animals on show day, but the exhibitor retains responsibility. All members exhibiting animals are expected to keep their stock, pens, tack, and stalls in neat and clean condition, and inviting to the public at all times. Herdsmanship will be judged based on cleanliness of aisle, cleanliness of storage area, cleanliness of stalls, and appearance of animals. We encourage a team spirit in keeping the barns neat and clean. 4-H members are expected to do the work, with limited adult supervision. Clubs with parents working may be docked judging points. Scoring of clubs will be on the following criteria: Cleanliness of aisle, Cleanliness of storage area, Cleanliness of stalls, and Appearance of animals  

Herdsmanship judging takes place between 10 am and 6 pm Thursday through Saturday, and from noon until 4 pm on Sunday. Special consideration will be given on show day.

1. All 4-H’ers participating in any 4-H sponsored mounted activity are required to wear ASTM/SEI approved protective headgear, properly worn and fastened. Failure to do so results in disqualification. Helmet not properly fastened, resulting in helmet sliding back on neck, sliding off the head, or falling to the ground, will result in disqualification. This includes ALL 4-H mounted exhibitors, at any time, while on the show grounds. 

2. Riders must wear a boot with a heel, but can wear other footwear as in the case of physical disability.

3. Dress Code Will Be Enforced. The dress code for the 4-H show will follow the State guidelines of the MN 4-H Horse Program Rule Book. 

4. Riding exhibitors must wear double exhibitor numbers, one on each side of the saddle pad, with the exception of Saddle Seat riders who must wear the number on their backs. If the exhibitor has the wrong number on, OR fails to properly display the numbers, the exhibitor is disqualified from that class.

Wednesday July, 22, 2026 - 9:00 AM Sharp

1. Achievement Level 6

2. Training Program - All Levels

Egg & Spoon will not start before 11 am

3. Pleasure Egg & Spoon - Grade 12-13 

4. Pleasure Egg & Spoon - Grade 10-11

5. Pleasure Egg & Spoon  - Grade 8-9

6. Pleasure Egg & Spoon  - Grade 6-7

7. Pleasure Egg & Spoon - Grade 3-5

8. Pleasure Egg & Spoon - Walk/Trot

9. Pleasure Egg & Spoon - Training

10. Games Egg & Spoon - Grade 12-13

11. Games Egg & Spoon - Grade 10-11

12. Games Egg & Spoon - Grade 8-9

13. Games Egg & Spoon - Grade 6-7

14. Games Egg & Spoon - Grade 3-5

15. Games Egg & Spoon - Walk/Trot

16. Games Egg & Spoon - Training

Driving will not start before 11:45 AM

17. Driving -  Open 

Trail Class will not start before 12:00 PM

18. Pleasure Trail Class - Grade 12-13

19. Pleasure Trail Class - Grade 10-11

20. Pleasure Trail Class - Grade 8-9

21. Pleasure Trail Class - Grade 6-7

22. Pleasure Trail Class - Grade 3-5

23. Games Trail Class - Grade 12-13

24. Games Trail Class - Grade 10-11

25. Games Trail Class - Grade 8-9

26. Games Trail Class - Grade 6-7

27. Games Trail Class - Grade 3-5

**Please note: Training Trail Class riders show in their age division** 

**Games Trail Class tack may be used. This class is NOT state trip eligible**  

Thursday July 23, 2026 - 8:00 AM Sharp

28. Pole Weaving - Grade 12-13

29. Pole Weaving - Grade 10-11

30. Pole Weaving - Grade 8-9

31. Pole Weaving - Grade 6-7

32. Pole Weaving - Grade 3-5

33. Key Race - Grade 12-13

34. Key Race - Grade 10-11

35. Key Race - Grade 8-9

36. Key Race - Grade 6-7

37. Key Race - Grade 3-5

38. Barrels - Grade 12-13

39. Barrels - Grade 10-11

40. Barrels - Grade 8-9

41. Barrels - Grade 6-7

42. Barrels - Grade 3-5

43. Jumping Figure 8 - Grade 12-13

44. Jumping Figure 8 - Grade 10-11

45. Jumping Figure 8 - Grade 8-9

46. Jumping Figure 8 - Grade 6-7

47. Jumping Figure 8 - Grade 3-5

**Please note: Training Games Class riders will show in their age division**

Thursday, July 23, 2026 - 7:00 PM Sharp

48. Cloverbud Barrels

**15 min Tack Change**

49. Cloverbud Horsemanship

50. Cloverbud Showmanship

**All Cloverbud classes are LEADLINE classes. Handlers and exhibitors must adhere to all 4-H Attire requirements. Handlers must have completed 6th grade.

Friday July 24, 2026 - 8:00 AM Sharp

51. Halter - Weanlings, all breeds

52. Halter - Yearlings, all breeds

53. Halter - 2 Year Olds, all breeds

54. Halter - Brood Mares w/ Colt, all breeds

55. Western Showmanship at Halter - Grade 12-13

56. Western Showmanship at Halter - Grade 10-11

57. Western Showmanship at Halter - Grade 8-9

58. Western Showmanship at Halter - Grade 6-7

59. Western Showmanship at Halter - Grade 3-5

60. Western Showmanship at Halter - Training

61. Sr. Western Champion Showmanship

1st or 2nd in classes 55, 56, and 57**

62. Jr. Western Champion Showmanship

1st or 2nd in classes 58, 59**

63. Games Showmanship at Halter - Grade 12-13

64. Games Showmanship at Halter - Grade 10-11

65. Games Showmanship at Halter - Grade 8-9

66. Games Showmanship at Halter - Grade 6-7

67. Games Showmanship at Halter - Grade 3-5

68. Games Showmanship at Halter - Training

69. Sr. Games Champion Showmanship

1st or 2nd in classes 63, 64, and 65**

70. Jr. Games Champion Showmanship

1st or 2nd in classes 66, and 67**

71. English Showmanship at Halter - Grade 12-13

72. English Showmanship at Halter - Grade 10-11

73. English Showmanship at Halter - Grade 8-9

74. English Showmanship at Halter - Grade 6-7

75. English Showmanship at Halter - Grade 3-5

76. English Showmanship at Halter - Training

77. Sr. English Champion Showmanship

1st or 2nd in classes 71, 72, and 73**

78. Jr. English Champion Showmanship

1st or 2nd in classes 74, and 75** 

79. English Pleasure Hunt & Saddle Seat Comb - Grade 12-13

80. English Pleasure Hunt & Saddle Seat Comb - Grade 10-11

81. English Pleasure Hunt & Saddle Seat Comb - Grade 8-9

82. English Pleasure Hunt & Saddle Seat Comb - Grade 6-7

83. English Pleasure Hunt & Saddle Seat Comb - Grade 5 & under

84. English Pleasure Hunt & Saddle Seat Comb - Walk/Trot

85. English Pleasure Hunt & Saddle Seat Comb - Training

86. English Equitation Hunt & Saddle Seat Comb - Grade 12-13

87. English Equitation Hunt & Saddle Seat Comb - Grade 10-11

88. English Equitation Hunt & Saddle Seat Comb - Grade 8-9

89. English Equitation Hunt & Saddle Seat Comb - Grade 6-7

90. English Equitation Hunt & Saddle Seat Comb - Grade 5 & under

91. English Equitation Hunt & Saddle Seat Comb - Walk/Trot

92. English Equitation Hunt & Saddle Seat Comb - Training

**15 min Break for Tack & Clothing Change**

93. Ranch Pleasure - Grade 12-13

94. Ranch Pleasure - Grade 10-11

95. Ranch Pleasure - Grade 8-9

96. Ranch Pleasure - Grade 6-7

97. Ranch Pleasure - Grade 5 & under

98. Ranch Pleasure - Walk/Trot

99. Ranch Pleasure - Training

100. Western Pleasure - Grade 12-13

101. Western Pleasure - Grade 10-11

102. Western Pleasure - Grade 8-9

103. Western Pleasure - Grade 6-7

104. Western Pleasure - Grade 5 & under

105. Western Pleasure - Walk/Trot

106. Western Pleasure - Training

107. Western Pleasure Pony - (54” & under) 6th Grade & over

108. Western Pleasure Pony - (54” & under) 5th Grade & under

109. Western Bridle Path - Grade 12-13

110. Western Bridle Path - Grade 10-11

111. Western Bridle Path - Grade 8-9

112. Western Bridle Path - Grade 6-7

113. Western Bridle Path - Grade 5 & under

114. Western Bridle Path - Walk/Trot

115. Western Bridle Path - Training

116. Western Horsemanship - Grade 12-13

117. Western Horsemanship - Grade 10-11

118. Western Horsemanship - Grade 8-9

119. Western Horsemanship - Grade 6-7

120. Western Horsemanship - Grade 5 & under

121. Western Horsemanship - Walk/Trot

122. Western Horsemanship - Training

• Exhibitors may show up to two horses at the Wright County Fair plus a training horse for a potential total of three  horses**. Example: 1 performance horse, 1 game horse, 1 training project horse.  **A broodmare shown only in halter is not included in the quota count and can be brought in addition to a games, performance or training horse.

• You may only ride 1 horse per class with the exception that a training horse in Levels 4 & 5 may be the second horse you ride in a given games class. 

• If a class is 20 exhibitors or more, we reserve the right to split grades. If the class is 5 exhibitors or less, we reserve the right to combine with either the class older or younger, whichever has the fewest entrants.

• Walk/trot classes are offered for less experienced riders (all ages are eligible). A member can register for either the applicable grade class or walk/trot. Walk/trot and pleasure training classes are not eligible for State Show points or overall high-point horse award. 

• Games Showmanship is not an eligible class for State Trip calculations. If you receive a blue ribbon in this class at County Fair and are awarded a State Fair trip, you may choose to show in either English Showmanship or Western Showmanship. Games Showmanship is eligible for and counts towards High Point Awards.

Please read Minnesota 4-H Horse Program Rulebook for descriptions of all classes and show requirements. 

If a protest should arise (other than a judge’s decision), contact a member of the Horse Project Leadership Team. If protest is not resolved, a written copy must be filed with the Extension Office within 24 hours of the incident. This should include all information regarding protest, signed by protestor and accompanied by a $25.00 check payable to: Wright County Extension. Protest must include names of parties involved and any other pertinent information. If the protest is ruled in favor of the filer, the fee will be returned.

Points are earned as follows:

• First place - 10 points, second place - 9 points, third place - 8 points, continue through 10 places for point assignments

• Red ribbons do not earn points

• Points are earned for horse and rider combination

High Point and Reserve Awards are given for the following categories: 

• Western Performance

• English Performance

• Games

• Overall

The above High Point awards are non-age-specific and are based on horse/rider combination.  In addition, within each individual age group, the Overall Games and Performance High Point and Reserve High Point will be recognized. See the Class Listing section above for the age divisions.  Each High Point will be given the highest award they earn, but only one High Point award per person per year.

The following classes count for points towards a high point award:

State Horse Show Eligibility

4-H’ers must meet the following requirements to earn a State Horse Show trip:

• Completed sixth grade

• Enrolled as 4-H member by May 15

• Registered for County Fair by June 5 on the FairEntry website.

• Horse ID's completed by May 15 (read animal ID page for more information)

• Current Coggins paperwork

• Participation in Wright County 4-H Food Stand and on your club's assigned Wright Hennepin Dinner shift is required to receive a 4-H scholarship to cover a portion of registration fees. 

If a winning 4-H’er does not meet these requirements, their trip will be awarded to the next ranking eligible member. 

All exhibitors who accept State Fair trips should pick up an information packet and registration form at the 4-H Desk and submit at or before the State Horse Show Exhibitor's Meeting  Wednesday July 29 at 6:30 PM at the Public Works Building.

State 4-H Horse Show Trip Selection Process

• Total number of Horse State Trips is allotted to the County by the State, based on previous year enrollment. 

• Distribution of trips according to percentage of horses in performance and games. Distribution is based on the actual number of participants at the close of check in on Wednesday at 8:00pm.

• Distributions of trips include an English trip breakout.

• Points will be awarded in qualifying classes. Eligible classes listed below.

• Points are totaled for each horse and rider combination.

• Attendance at the State Trip 4-H Horse Show information meeting is required by the participant and their guardian.

• A member can accept a State Horse Show individual trip and a State Fair individual trip

• Per state rules, one horse per exhibitor. Game Horse OR Performance OR Training Horse Step 1-5.  Exception: If needed, to fill quota, those bringing a game horse or performance horse may also bring their training horse. Training Trips will be awarded first to those who have not earned another trip. Fees for a second horse will apply.

• Achievement Level 6 and Level 6 Training refer to Minnesota State 4-H Horse Show and Events Handbook.

• Walk Trot are not eligible for State Trips.

• State Horse show lineups will be posted in the 4-H exhibit building by Saturday morning. 

• If there is an ineligible rider who places, that riders points would go unassigned. 

• No red ribbons are eligible to earn point.

The following classes count for points towards a State Horse Show trip:

Trail has its own quota. Trail quota participation must come from state horse show trip winners.

Tie Breakers

1. Participant with the most first places.

2. Participant with the most second places.

3. Participant with the most third places.

4. Draw out of a hat.