What the State 4-H Horse Judging Contest Is
The Arkansas 4-H State Horse Judging Contest asks 4-H members to place classes of horses and defend their placings with oral reasons. The most recent edition was April 2, 2026, at the Pauline Whitaker Animal Science Center Arena, 1335 W. Knapp Drive, Fayetteville. It was held in conjunction with the State FFA contest, and members who qualified for the FFA contest could enter both 4-H and FFA, with two scantrons.
How It Works
Teams may have three or four members, and contestants may also enter as individuals. A lone entrant from a county is randomly added to others to make a team of three or four. Counties can enter multiple teams or individuals in either the Junior or Senior division. Contestants receive a scantron plus patterns and scoresheets, and 6-8 classes are judged. Classes may include:
- Halter classes: American Quarter Horse, Morgan, Appaloosa, Arabian, Palomino, American Paint and Stock Horse Type
- Performance classes: Western Pleasure, Western Horsemanship, Reining, Hunt Seat Equitation, Hunter Under Saddle, Western Riding, Hunter Hack, Trail, Ranch Rail, Ranch Trail and Ranch Riding
Seniors may be asked to give up to two sets of oral reasons; Juniors may be asked to give one.
Rules
- Bring your own clipboard and #2 pencil. Scantrons are provided at the contest.
- No cell phones may be used or possessed during the contest.
- No talking between contestants while the contest is in progress; questions go to group leaders.
- No printed material may be carried, used or referred to, other than the judge's score sheets. Blank paper is provided.
- Notes may not be used when giving oral reasons. Use of notes carries a minimum 10-point penalty.
Key Dates and Fees
- Contest date: April 2, 2026;.
- Registration deadline: March 25, 2026, through the online form.
- Fee: $15 per participant.
Awards and What You Get
| Award | Junior | Senior |
|---|---|---|
| High Point Halter | Yes | Yes |
| High Point Performance | Yes | Yes |
| High Point Reasons | Yes | Yes |
| High Point Overall | Yes | Yes |
| High Point Team Overall | Yes | Yes |
The two highest-scoring Senior teams are eligible to represent Arkansas at a national competition (AQHYA Youth World, Eastern Nationals, All American Quarter Horse Congress or the Denver Stock Show) as well as the Southern Regional Horse Show. Out-of-state trip expenses for the national contest, but not Southern Regionals, are provided if funding is available. Results are posted at judgingcard.com.
Preparing
The Arkansas 4-H horse program publishes a U of A Horse Judging Manual (2nd Edition) and a sample of the scantron used in the contest on its horse events page.
Questions
Can I enter without a team?
Yes. Individuals may enter and are placed with others if needed to form a team.
Can I enter both 4-H and FFA?
Yes, if you qualified for the FFA contest; you use two scantrons.
Who do I call?
Mark Russell, Equine Extension, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture: 501-671-2190.
Official Links
- Arkansas 4-H Horse Events: fact sheet, flyer, manual and results
- 2026 contest flyer
- Online registration
University of Arkansas Extension: The Essentials
The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and has a physical office in each of Arkansas's 75 counties, per the Extension "About" page.
What it offers
Four program areas: 4-H and youth development, agriculture and natural resources, community, professional and economic development, and family and consumer sciences. Farmers get help with crop pests, soil testing, livestock and marketing, and homeowners with lawns, water quality and timber.
4-H
New members can join at any time at no cost, and returning members re-enroll September 1 through December 31, per the Division of Agriculture. The county 4-H agent matches each child to a club.
Next steps
Find your county office at uaex.uada.edu/counties, or call the state office at 501-671-2000 or toll-free 888-884-5565.
Read the full guide: University of Arkansas Extension: County Offices, 4-H and Help for Producers
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Northwest 4-H Qualifying Horse Show
Northwest Arkansas qualifying horse show for 4-H members, run at the Pauline Whitaker Animal Science Center Arena; the most recent date was May 30, 2026.
Fayetteville, AR | Organizer: Arkansas 4-H Official event details - Rodeo of the Ozarks
The 82nd annual Rodeo of the Ozarks in Springdale, preceded by a rodeo parade at Parsons Stadium; held each year, with the most recent dates being June 24-27, 2026.
- Arkansas 4-H State O-Rama
Held each year; the most recent dates were July 20-23, 2026. About 40 competitive events run at county, district and state level, with state-only contests such as archery, tractor driving and welding.
- Tontitown Grape Festival
Tontitown Grape Festival, a long-running fair and festival honoring the town's grape-growing heritage, with a 5K, food and crafts. Held each year in early August; the most recent dates were August 4-8, 2026.
Tontitown, AR Official event details - Washington County Fair
Washington County Fair in Fayetteville with livestock, horticulture and home economics exhibits. Held each year in late August; the most recent dates were August 25-29, 2026.
Fayetteville, AR Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.