What the Georgia 4-H State Horse Show Is
The Georgia 4-H State Horse Show and Educational Contest is the state championship for 4-H horse projects. Members from counties across Georgia bring their horses to the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry for several days of riding classes, written and spoken contests, and a champion and reserve champion in every division and age category. Spectators get in free. The most recent show ran June 2-6, 2026, with riding classes in Perdue Arena and Sutherland Arena from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. each day.
Divisions and Age Groups
| Division | What is shown |
|---|---|
| Stock Seat (Western) | Western pleasure-style classes in Perdue Arena, plus Stock Seat Trail |
| Ranch Horse (Western) | Ground Handling, Working Ranch Rail, Ranch Riding, Ranch Reining, Working Cow Horse, Ranch Trail, Herd Work, Ranch Roping and Ranch Sorting |
| Hunt Seat (English) | Over Fences and Flat classes in Sutherland Arena |
| Dressage and Gaited | Dressage classes, then Gaited classes |
| Contest Events | Timed and running events, with a tack check before classes |
Exhibitors ride in one of three grade groups. Cloverleaf is 4th grade, plus 5th and 6th graders with limited experience. Junior is 4th through 6th graders with demonstrated skills, plus 7th and 8th graders. Senior is 9th through 12th grade. The 2025 rulebook limited Cloverleaf riders to the walk and trot.
Educational contests
Educational contests are open to both exhibitors and non-exhibitors. Participants choose either an individual Method Demonstration or an individual Public Speaking contest, not both, and speeches must relate to the horse industry. Drawing, painting, essay and photography contests are also offered.
Who Can Enter and Rules
- There are no qualifying shows. Any enrolled 4-H member in the county where they live or attend school can enter through their county Extension office.
- The horse must be owned or leased by March 1 (March 1, 2026 for the latest show). An Intent to Show form with proof of ownership or lease goes to the county office by mid-March.
- Exhibitors must work through the Novice Horseman workbook. Cloverleaf and Junior riders must finish at least half of it; Seniors must finish all of it, signed off by the county agent.
- From the 2025 rulebook: helmets meeting ASTM and SEI standards are required in every mounted class, a negative Coggins test within one year of the show is required, stallions are not allowed, and a rider may enter up to three different horses but only one horse per class.
How It Works: The Timeline
- March 1Own or lease the project horse by this date. In 2026 the Intent to Show deadline was March 13.
- Early MayCounty staff submit online entry forms (May 5 in 2026). Hard-copy forms and fees are postmarked to the State 4-H Office about a week later (May 11 in 2026). County deadlines may be earlier.
- Tuesday, check-in dayStalling opens in Horse Barn #2 at 8:00 a.m.; the Horse Show Office opens at noon in Perdue Arena; evening workouts for Hunt Seat Over Fences and Stock Seat.
- Wednesday through FridayClasses start at 8:00 a.m. (Hunt Seat Over Fences) and 9:00 a.m. (Stock Seat) on Wednesday, then Hunt Seat Flat and Ranch on Thursday, and Dressage, Herd Work, Ranch Roping, Sorting and Gaited on Friday. Classes not finished on their day roll to the next day.
- SaturdayContest Events with a tack check at 8:00 a.m.
Fees, Awards and What You Get
Fees in the 2025 rulebook were $15 per class, $25 once for Over Fences, $40 per stall, $10 per day per horse for grounds if no stall is rented, and a $5 administrative charge and $5 residue-testing fee per horse and rider. Refunds were for medical excuses only.
Points are earned by placing in each class. Top ten finishers in each division receive rosettes. In 2025 the four Senior Champions each received a $500 college scholarship and the four Reserve Senior Champions each received $300, and the Senior Champion Horseman earns Master 4-H status.
Where to Go
Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter, Perry, Georgia. Horse Barn #2 is the stalling barn.
Questions
Do I need to win a qualifying show first?
No. The state show has no qualifying shows.
What does it cost to watch?
Nothing. Spectator admission is free.
Who do I call?
The Georgia State 4-H Office, 706-542-8892, or your county Extension office.
Official Links
- Georgia 4-H State Horse Show and Educational Contest: divisions, deadlines and forms
- 2026 tentative schedule: day-by-day class order
- 2025 State Horse Show Rulebook: fees, rules and awards
- Georgia National Fairgrounds event page: venue, hours and free admission
Georgia UGA Cooperative Extension: The Essentials
UGA Cooperative Extension has personnel in all 159 Georgia counties and describes its help as free and research-based, per the Extension overview. It is a collaboration between the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and the College of Family and Consumer Sciences.
Three program areas
Agriculture and Natural Resources covers soil fertility, pest management, crop varieties, water quality and herd health. Family and Consumer Sciences covers nutrition, food safety and family finances. 4-H serves more than 170,000 students in grades 4 through 12, per the programs page.
How it helps
Expect workshops, field days, newsletters, phone and in-person consultations, and on-site visits to farms, businesses and homes on request.
Next steps
Use the "Find Your Office" link on the Extension site to reach your county office.
Local programs differ by county.
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- ABAC Sigma Alpha Emerald Exhibition
Weekend livestock exhibition in Perry hosted by the ABAC Sigma Alpha chapter at the Georgia National Fairgrounds.
Perry, GA Official event details - GJLF Expo
Four-day Georgia junior livestock expo at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry, scheduled in the 4-H and FFA winter calendar.
- Georgia 4-H / FFA Rabbit Show
Statewide rabbit show for 4-H and FFA members held at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry.
Perry, GA Official event details - Houston County High FFA Dairy Heifer Show
Dairy heifer show hosted by Houston County High FFA at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry.
Perry, GA Official event details - Georgia Junior National Livestock Show
Statewide junior show hosted by Georgia 4-H, Georgia FFA and the UGA Rhodes Animal & Dairy Science Department, with market beef, hog, lamb and goat classes plus breeding heifer, ewe, doe and dairy classes.
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.