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Welcome to your complete guide to show day success! This page includes everything you need to know about both Regular Shows and Two-Handed Shows — from rules and schedules to grooming and preparation tips.
📎 Looking for patterns or study materials? Visit the Resources Page.
WHAT TO KNOW
REGULAR SHOW
REGULAR SHOW
Purpose:
The Regular Show division is designed for exhibitors riding finished or more experienced horses and demonstrating horsemanship skills.
Key Points:
Novice (walk/trot only), Junior, Intermediate, Senior Divisons
Riders compete using one hand on the reins
Exhibitors complete the required written exams.
Classes include showmanship, rail, horsemanship, and speed events.
Emphasis is placed on polish, precision, horsemanship, and overall presentation.
IN-HAND/TWO-HANDED SHOW
IN-HAND/TWO-HANDED SHOW
In-Hand Eligibility:
In-Hand Eligibility:
Horses must be 1–3 years old.
Horses may show in this division for no more than 2 years.
Format:
Format:
Horses are shown in-hand (not ridden).
Focus is placed on handling, groundwork, and presentation.
Two-Hand Eligibility:
Two-Hand Eligibility:
Horses must be 2–5 years old.
Horses may show in this division for no more than 3 years.
Equipment & Riding Style:
Equipment & Riding Style:
Horses must be shown in a snaffle bit or bosal.
Riders use two hands on the reins.
GENERAL SHOW RULES
The bullet points below summarize important expectations for show day. For full rule descriptions and clarifications, please refer to the official Rule Book.
Equine Drug Rule:
Horse shall be serviceably sound
Use of NSAIDS is permissible at the discretion of the owner
Stimulants, depressants, tranquilizers are prohibited
Drug testing may be done at any 4-H show.
If a horse becomes sick or injured prior to show day, a vet note submitted to the council is required to use a different horse on show day.
Conduct & Sportsmanship
No physical or verbal abuse of animals' or people will be permitted
Unsafe behavior by exhibitor, family member, or associate may result in disqualification from class or show.
Class & Gate Policy
Exhibitors are responsible for listening for their gate call.
Anyone missing their gate call in any event without pre-approval from horse council will show at the end of the class and be penalized 1 ribbon placing from the placing awarded.
Horse & Rider Eligibility
One horse per person
After arrival at the show grounds, only the exhibitor may ride the horse until all events are complete
Stallions of any age are prohibited
Safety Standards
Double riding is prohibited anywhere on show grounds
Riding a horse without a bridle is prohibited
"Horse play" activities on or around horses are not allowed
Red ribbon in tail = horse may kick.
Red ribbon in forelock = horse may bite
Attire & Tack
The official 4-H patch must be worn on the upper left sleeve of the exhibitor’s shirt.
Attire must be neat, clean, and in good repair at all times.
ASTM or SEI certified helmets are required for all events.
Western hats may be worn for Showmanship
Spurs are not permitted in Showmanship
Performance Classes
Shank bit with split or romel reins
Western boots
Western belt
Long-sleeved western shirt
Western style long pants
Fancy western show outfits are optional
Vests, jackets, and chaps are permitted but not required
Speed Events
Clean western attire
T-Shirts are permitted
Belts are optional
Any bit is legal
SHOW DAY AT A GLANCE
Show days can feel busy, especially for new members. Below is a general outline of how the day typically runs so exhibitors and families can arrive prepared and confident.
regular show
regular show
Arrival & Check-In
Plan to arrive early to allow time for unloading and finishing grooming
Registration begins at 5:00pm on the East side of the blue grandstands
Parent volunteers will receive their clipboards and assignments
Exhibitor will receive:
Back numbers x3 (first show only)
Patterns
Show Program
Written exam (first two shows only)
Written Exam (shows 1&2)
Exam begins at registration
Youth have till 5:30pm to complete and turn in their exams
Exam is closed book
Online Exam (3rd show only)
Exam links will be available on the Resource page a week prior to show day.
Exhibitors will have 45 minutes to complete the exam once they begin.
Exam is open book
Judges' Meeting
Judges meeting will begin promptly at 5:30pm
All exhibitors are expected to attend
Warm-Up
Youth will have 15-20 minutes to warm up their horses prior to the first class.
Show begins at 6:00pm.
Gate calls will be given for the first division in each arena.
Gate keepers will assist in lining up exhibitors.
Classes
Classes will begin with Showmanship at Halter (unsaddled) then move into Rail and Horsemanship.
Gymkhana and Poles will run concurrently
Barrels will conclude the show.
Awards & Wrap Up
Awards will be announced following the completion of the show in the blue grandstands
Parents are asked to assist with cleaning up remaining obstacles and returning equipment to the shed
IN-HAND/TWO-HANDED SHOW
IN-HAND/TWO-HANDED SHOW
Arrival & Check-In
Plan to arrive early to allow time for unloading, finishing grooming and warmup
Show begins at 3:30pm in the indoor Warm-Up Arena
Classes
Classes will begin with Showmanship at Halter & Longe Line (in-hand) followed by Rail, Horsemanship, and Trail (both).
Trail will be set up in the outdoor warm up area
Awards & Wrap Up
Awards will be announced following the completion of the regular show in the blue grandstands
Parents are asked to assist with cleaning up remaining obstacles and returning equipment to the shed
PREPARING FOR SHOW DAY SUCCESS
Organization and preparation build confidence in and out of the arena. Taking time to prepare ahead of show day helps reduce stress and allows exhibitors to focus on doing their best!
Grooming
Bathe your horse the night prior or a few hours before the show
Brush thoroughly
Detangle and condition mane and tail. Trim ends
Shave bridle path and fetlocks
Trim ears, muzzle and whiskers around the eyes
Optional: clear or black hoof polish
Ensure hooves are trimmed/shod
Tack
Clean and oil saddle and bridle night before
Double check tack for any wear and tear
Clean or wash halter a couple days prior
Clothing
Make sure shirt and pants are clean
Wipe down boots and oil
Attach your 4-H patch prior to
Hair should be neat and secure
Optional: laminating back numbers
Mental Prep
Review patterns and class expectations
Visualize riding your class smoothly and confidently
Arrive early to avoid rushing
Focus on process and sportsmanship
SHOW DAY CHECKLIST
Want a quick reference to make sure you're fully prepared?
Download and print our complete Show Day Checklist to help you stay organized before and during the show.
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