What the Draft Horse Shows Are
The Indiana State Fair draft horse shows bring heavy horses and draft ponies to Corteva Coliseum in two back-to-back weekends. Percheron and Clydesdale shows run August 13 to 16, 2026, and Belgian, Haflinger and draft pony shows run August 20 to 23. Each evening has an "Open Ceremonies" session of hitch, cart, under-saddle and youth classes, and each morning is given over to halter classes, group classes and youth contests. The fair is a point show for the North American 6-Horse Hitch Classic Series, and the 2026 show hosts the National Belgian Show.
Ways to Enter
| Division | Dates | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Percheron and Clydesdale | Aug. 13-16 | Eight-horse hitch on opening night; halter classes Aug. 14 (Percheron) and Aug. 15 (Clydesdale); Best of Breed each Friday and Saturday evening; Combined Six Hitch Aug. 16 at 3:00 p.m. |
| Belgian, Haflinger and Draft Pony | Aug. 20-23 | Belgian halter Aug. 21; Haflinger halter Aug. 21; draft pony halter Aug. 22; National Belgian Futurity and AHR Futurity Aug. 22; Belgian Classic Series Combined Six Hitch Aug. 23 at 11:00 a.m. |
Classes include stallion, gelding and mare halter, group classes such as mare and foal, three mares and stallion and three mares, ladies and men's carts, pleasure cart, mare and gelding teams, unicorn, four-horse and six-horse hitches, and under saddle in English and Western. Youth classes include showmanship, decorating, judging, under saddle and junior driver teams and carts.
Who Can Enter and Rules
- Stallions, mares and registered geldings must be registered with, or eligible for, the breed registry for their breed. The entry must list the animal's name, birth date, registration number and sire and dam.
- Halter entries must be made in exactly the same name as the owner on the registration certificate.
- Ages are figured from January 1 of the year of foaling.
- Ownership must be in place by July 31, 2026. Bred-and-owned classes use the original owner as of July 1, 2026.
- In hitch classes, drivers and attendants must be properly dressed (no jeans). At least two horses in a four-horse hitch and four in a six-horse hitch must belong to the exhibitor, and junior drivers (10 to 18) must be accompanied by an adult.
- Youth classes are for a son or daughter or immediate family member of an exhibitor, or an employee. Showmanship and decorating contestants must be 10 and not older than 18 during the year. In decorating, youth must roll a mane, tail and foretop in 30 minutes.
- Only two premiums are paid per exhibitor in any class, and all draft horses must be paraded in the arena whenever management orders.
How It Works: The Timeline
- Percheron and Clydesdale arrival: Tuesday, August 11 from 1:00 p.m., with all horses stalled by noon Wednesday, August 12.
- Open Ceremonies: Thursday, August 13 at 6:30 p.m., Friday, August 14 at 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, August 15 at 6:00 p.m. in Corteva Coliseum.
- Percheron and Clydesdale horses are released after showing on Sunday, August 16.
- Belgian, Haflinger and draft pony arrival: Tuesday, August 18 from noon, with all stalled by 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 19.
- Open Ceremonies: Thursday, August 20 at 5:00 p.m., Friday, August 21 at 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, August 22 at 4:30 p.m.
- Sunday, August 23: classic series six-horse hitch at 11:00 a.m.; Belgians, Haflingers and draft ponies released at 1:00 p.m.
Fees and Awards
The department fee is $70 if you enter May 18 to July 1 and $130 from July 2 to July 26. Stall rent is $45, and you get only the stalls you paid for (each is 9 1/2 by 9 1/2 feet). No stock is released and no premiums are paid until stall rent and feed bills are settled. Exhibitors who receive $600 or more in awards must supply an IRS Form W-9. Premium checks are mailed in October.
Where
Corteva Coliseum and Youth Arena, Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46205.
Questions
Do I have to enter online?
Yes. Entry is through Exhibitors Corner with online payment; entries are not taken by phone.
Who do I call?
The Entry Department at 317-927-7515, or the fair at 317-927-7500.
Official Links
- Indiana State Fair livestock show schedule
- 2026 Open Draft Horse Entry Book (PDF)
- Open livestock entry books
Indiana County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows: The Essentials
Indiana's 92 counties each host a fair, and most run in July, per the Farm Bureau's 2026 county fair guide. Allen County ran June 23-28 and Adams County July 19-23.
State fair
The 2026 Indiana State Fair ran August 7 to 23 in Indianapolis, with 4-H beef, swine and sheep shows starting August 7, per the livestock show schedule.
IDs and health
Animal ID goes into Indiana 4-H Online by May 15, per the 2026 ID chart. Indiana animals need no BOAH health certificate unless the show asks, per the state requirements.
Who can show
Indiana 4-H runs from third grade through grade 12, up to ten years, per the eligibility policy. Members enroll each year in 4-H Online.
Show week
Harrison County opened livestock check-in June 19 and held its auction June 25, per its 2026 handbook.
Next steps
Ask your county Extension office for your fair book and ID day dates.
Rules and entry limits differ by fair.
Read the full guide: Indiana County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Marion County Fair
Mark June 26 to July 5, 2026 for the Marion County Fair in Indianapolis (10 days, Friday start). Held each year; the most recent dates were June 26 to July 5, 2026.
Indianapolis, IN Official event details - Indiana 4-H and FFA State Horse Judging Contest
Open to 4-H and FFA members, this state contest at the Indiana State Fair teaches youth to evaluate horses, and no Area Contest qualifier is required. Held each year; the most recent date was August 6, 2026.
- Indiana State Fair
The Indiana State Fair fills the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis with livestock shows, 4-H exhibits and farm displays, closed Mondays. Held each year; the most recent dates were August 7 to 23, 2026.
- Indiana State Fair 4-H Beef Showmanship
Young Indiana 4-H exhibitors lead their beef animals before the judge in showmanship classes at the state fairgrounds in Indianapolis. Held each year; the most recent date was August 7, 2026.
- Indiana State Fair Open Cattle Show
Breeders from around Indiana bring beef cattle to the Open Cattle Show at the state fairgrounds in Indianapolis, which shares its day with 4-H beef showmanship. Held each year; the most recent date was August 7, 2026.
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.