What the Alabama 4-H State Horse Show Is
The Alabama 4-H State Horse Show is the state championship for 4-H youth who ride and show horses. The 2026 show was held May 16-17 in Montgomery. It runs under the Alabama Cooperative Extension System's 4-H horse show rules, and it is also the qualifier for the Southern Regional Horse Championships in Perry, Georgia.
Who Can Enter
- Membership: an active member of a chartered Alabama 4-H club, enrolled at least 90 days.
- Age: 9 to 18 before January 1 of the 4-H club year. Junior is ages 9-13 and Senior is ages 14-18.
- Horse: owned by the member or an immediate family member, or leased from a non-family member. The member must be the primary caretaker and trainer. Stallions are not eligible, and ponies must be 58 inches (14.2 hands) or less.
- Condition: horses must score at least 4 on the Henneke body condition scale.
- Beginners: a Walk-Trot division is for beginners only. Walk-Trot riders may enter only Walk-Trot, Halter and Showmanship, and these classes do not qualify for Southern Regionals.
Classes
| Division | Sample classes |
|---|---|
| Speed | Barrel Race, Pole Bending, Stake Race, Arena Race |
| Western | Western Trail, Western Showmanship, Western Pleasure, Western Horsemanship, Stock-Type Mares and Geldings |
| Hunter | Hunter Hack, Working Hunter, Hunter Under Saddle, Hunt Seat Equitation, Hunt Seat Showmanship |
| Gaited | Gaited Halter, Gaited Showmanship, Gaited Pleasure, Gaited Equitation |
| Ranch | Ranch Riding, Working Western Rail, Ranch Ground Handling |
Dressage and Trail are offered in alternating years. Classes marked with an asterisk in the rules qualify for the Southern Regionals.
How It Works
- Register, and request stalls and RV hookups, through 4HOnline. There are no additions or changes after registration closes.
- Check in at the gate during the class before yours. If you miss a gate call you have one minute to enter the arena or you are scratched with no refund.
- Ride your class. Patterns are posted at least one hour before a class. Go orders are drawn randomly.
- Only the registered exhibitor may school, longe or ride the horse on the grounds.
Awards and Southern Regionals
First place in a qualifying class with five or more entries earns automatic qualification for the Southern Regional Horse Championships, as does first place in a qualifying Gaited class and second place in a class of eight or more. Up to 10 at-large pairs can be selected by the Rules Committee, with priority to high school seniors and consistent performers. Every delegate must have competed at the state show.
High Point and Reserve High Point awards go to one rider in each of the Western, Hunter, Gaited, Ranch and Speed divisions. To be eligible for high point buckles, a member must also take part in an educational event and turn in a horse project record book. Points are given to the first 10 placings in classes of 25 or fewer, and first place earns up to 15 points in the largest classes.
Fees and Refunds
Each stall includes two bags of wood shavings, and only wood shavings may be used. RV hookups carry a fee paid in 4HOnline. A protest costs $100 in cash and is returned if upheld. A full refund requires a written request before 1:00 p.m. on the final show day. Stall fees are not refundable.
Safety Rules
ASTM/SEI-approved helmets with chinstraps fastened are required whenever mounted on the show grounds, and bicycle helmets are not allowed. Riders may not be tied or fastened to the saddle, and chemical stimulants and depressants are prohibited. An EMT or trained person is on the grounds during competition.
Where
Montgomery, Alabama, May 16-17, 2026. The show packet with class numbers and the schedule comes with the 4HOnline registration.
Questions
Can my horse be a stallion?
No. Stallions are not eligible.
What if my horse is a pony?
Ponies must be 58 inches (14.2 hands) or less.
Who can I ask?
Ask your county Extension 4-H agent. Special-needs documentation questions go to Nancy Alexander at Auburn University, (334) 750-0839.
Official Links
- 2026 Horse Show Rules: eligibility, classes, awards and rules
- Alabama 4-H state events calendar: dates
- Alabama 4-H Horse Project: forms and resources
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 - Alabama 4-H Horse Communication and Creative Arts Contests
Held each year in Montgomery for Alabama 4-H horse project members; the most recent date was March 14, 2026.
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.