What the Horse Communication and Creative Arts Contests Are
These Alabama 4-H contests let horse project members compete with their words and their artwork instead of in the saddle. On March 14, 2026, 4-H members took part in public speaking, presentations, a horse quiz bowl and a creative arts show in Montgomery. Everything entered must relate to the equine industry. Winning creative arts entries are displayed at the Southeastern Livestock Exposition.
Contests You Can Enter
| Area | Events |
|---|---|
| Communications | Public Speaking (no visual aids), Individual Presentation, Team Presentation (two members), Horse Quiz Bowl |
| Creative Arts | Artwork, Artistic Expression, Creative Writing, Model Horse Scene, Photography, Photo Picture Story, Digitally Altered Photography, Poster Contest: Consumer Choices |
Public speaking, individual presentation and creative arts have Junior and Senior divisions. Team presentation has one division. Juniors are Alabama 4-H members ages 9 to 13 and Seniors are ages 14 to 18, as of January 1, 2026.
Communications Rules
- Public Speaking: 7 to 10 minutes. Individual Presentation: 9 to 12 minutes. Team Presentation: 10 to 15 minutes. Three points come off for each minute or fraction outside the range.
- No live animals in presentations. Notes are allowed, though heavy use can lower the score.
- Officials supply two tables, two easels, a computer and a projector. Presenters bring any other equipment.
- Public speaking is scored out of 100 on introduction, organization, content and accuracy, stage presence, delivery, general impression and conclusion.
Horse Quiz Bowl
Teams are county-based with four players, and only one team per 4-H club. A short quiz sets the seeding. Round 1 is individual (8 questions, +1 for a correct answer), Round 2 is one-on-one (8 questions, +1 correct, -1 wrong), and Round 3 is toss-ups (8 questions, +2 correct, -1 wrong). Players must buzz in within 10 seconds and begin answering within 10 seconds of being recognized. Tied teams play five more toss-ups.
Creative Arts Rules
- One entry per 4-H member in each category; photography allows one entry per class.
- Artwork: flat drawing, painting or sketch, no frames or glass, no paint-by-numbers, up to 3 by 3 feet.
- Creative Writing: any form, uploaded during registration for judging beforehand.
- Model Horse Scene: up to 3 by 3 feet, two or more model horses and a written description of one page or less.
- Photography: a single photo up to 16 by 22 inches. Photo Picture Story: two or more photos up to 22 by 28 inches. Top 10 placings in each.
- Digitally Altered Photography: include the unaltered original, taken by the member, and written answers to "What did you want to achieve?" and "How did you digitally manipulate the photo?"
- Poster: 22 by 28 inches on comparison shopping for equine equipment, services, animals, feed or health products.
- Each entry must be the member's own work from the previous 12 months and be identified on the back.
The Day: Schedule
- 7:30 to 10:00 a.m.: creative arts drop-off at the Garrett Coliseum South Gate.
- 8:00 a.m.: Quiz Bowl check-in at the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries. Quiz Bowl begins at 8:30.
- 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.: lunch break.
- 1:30 p.m.: communications contests begin.
- 4:00 p.m., or after communications finish: awards for all events.
- After the contests: creative arts pickup at Garrett Coliseum by the member, a parent or guardian, or county Extension staff.
Key Dates and Awards
Registration ran January 26 through March 2, 2026, in 4HOnline (v2.4honline.com). First-place Seniors may represent Alabama at the Southern Regional 4-H Horse Championships. Seniors who have already represented Alabama at a regional or national contest in an area cannot compete again in that area at state. Junior winners cannot re-enter the same contest at the Junior level but may compete again after moving up to Senior.
Questions
Where do I take my poster or photo?
To the Garrett Coliseum South Gate between 7:30 and 10:00 a.m.
Can a county agent drop off my entry?
Yes. Entries may be delivered and picked up by county Extension staff or club members, though members are encouraged to attend.
Who do I contact?
Nancy Alexander, Extension Specialist for 4-H Youth Development at Auburn University, or your county Extension office (www.aces.edu/directory).
Official Links
Alabama Cooperative Extension System: The Essentials
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System carries out the land-grant mission of Alabama A&M University and Auburn University, in cooperation with Tuskegee University, and lists 67 county offices, per its A Ready Partner flyer.
What it covers
Program areas include agriculture, forestry, wildlife and natural resources, family and consumer sciences, community development, 4-H and urban affairs. The state office is at Duncan Hall, Auburn University, phone (334) 844-4444.
Soil tests and 4-H
Soil sample boxes come from your county office or a garden center, per Auburn's sampling guide. Alabama 4-H is open to ages 9 to 18, with Cloverbuds at 5 to 8, per the eligibility page.
Next steps
Call your county office before you visit, and ask which agent covers your question. The Master Gardener Helpline is 1-877-252-4769.
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Alabama Farmers Federation Annual Meeting
Annual meeting of the Alabama Farmers Federation, held in Montgomery on the organization's events calendar for December 6-7, 2026.
- SLE Rodeo and Livestock Week
Southeastern Livestock Exposition rodeo and livestock week at Garrett Coliseum in Montgomery, posted on the Bama Beef calendar for March 19-21, 2027.
- SLE Youth Livestock Judging Contest
Youth livestock judging contest tied to the Southeastern Livestock Exposition in Montgomery. Held each year; the most recent date was March 11, 2026.
Montgomery, AL | Organizer: Alabama 4-H Official event details - Youth Livestock Judging Contest at the Southeastern Livestock Exposition
Held each year in Montgomery during the Southeastern Livestock Exposition; the most recent date was March 11, 2026.
Montgomery, AL | Organizer: Alabama 4-H Official event details - Junior Livestock Expo
Youth beef, dairy and swine exhibitors compete at Garrett Coliseum and Teague Arena in Montgomery alongside the Southeastern Livestock Exposition. Held each year; the most recent dates were March 16-18, 2026.
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.