Entry Information​

• Exhibitors must be currently enrolled Rhode Island 4-H members or otherwise eligible participants under RI 4-H.

• Entry fee: $1.00 per entry. Entry fees must be paid at the time of entry.

• Entry deadline: Online entries are due no later than July 1.

• Enter Here!

• Submit your entry fee here (Venmo)

NRI 4-H Horse Department

The NRI 4-H Horse Department follows the official Rhode Island 4-H horse rules. New England 4-H Horse Program Show Rules & Guidelines are followed at all district URI 4-H horse shows. In cases not covered by those guidelines, USEF and AMHR/ASPC/ASPR rulebooks apply. Exhibitors should also review the current Animal Exhibit Guidelines and Animal Health for Fairs documents before entering.

Eligibility and Project Requirements

Exhibitors must be enrolled as Rhode Island 4-H members during the current 4-H year. All exhibits and project work must be the result of the current year’s work of the 4-H member. Members must do their own work to prepare their animal for show and show their own project animal. Horse ownership or management deadline is April 1.

Health and Safety Requirements

All animals at fairs, shows, or exhibitions must be in proper physical condition and are subject to examination before unloading and during the exhibition for signs of infectious or contagious disease or any condition that would render the animal unfit for exhibition. Horses over 6 months of age must be vaccinated for rabies at least 30 days prior to showing, and the vaccination must still be valid. Horses 3 to 6 months of age must have been vaccinated for rabies prior to showing. Vaccination certificates must be presented at the fair. All horses competing in RI 4-H horse shows must follow USEF Equine Drugs and Medications Rules. If animal health guidance conflicts with state regulations or updated outbreak requirements, state regulations take precedence.

Required Attire and Equipment

ASTM-SEI approved equestrian helmets are required for all riders regardless of discipline and for drivers and the driver’s passenger. All drivers must be accompanied by a passenger 19 years of age or older, except when driving minis. Neat attire and proper boots are required. Martingales are prohibited in flat classes. Standing martingales only are allowed in over-fence classes. Horses that kick must wear a red ribbon on the tail. No stallions or nursing mares may be shown by a 4-H member in any 4-H event or show and are not permitted on the grounds.

Show Procedures

URI 4-H horse shows place a strong emphasis on Equitation or comparable classes and Fitting and Showmanship. Riders must complete the Trail Class, if offered, within the designated time. Gate holds are limited to two minutes for tack changes requested in advance at the secretary’s booth. Tack changes must be performed at the in-gate within sight of the judge. Any and all coaching from the rail is prohibited. All decisions of the judge are final, and no person, rider, or driver may approach the judge without permission of the show manager, superintendent, or steward. Lyrics must be approved by the show manager in advance. Dogs must be under the owner’s direct control and on leash at all times. Entry fees are non-refundable.

Divisions and Class Categories

The following divisions are recognized for URI district 4-H horse shows: Cloverbud Leadline, Junior (canter/lope), Senior (canter/lope), Junior Walk/Trot, and Senior Walk/Trot. The walk/trot division is for juniors and seniors who have never shown at the canter or lope. Riders who have shown at the canter or lope must enter the appropriate canter/lope division. Driving is limited to two-wheel vehicles.

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Horse classes offered through the URI district 4-H format include Fitting and Showmanship, Equitation or comparable classes, Reinsmanship, In-Hand Suitability, Pleasure, Driving, In-Hand, Performance, Bridlepath Hack, Working Hunter Under Saddle, Hunter Over Fences, Trail, Discipline Rail, and Obstacles. On the day of the show, classes may be split, combined, or canceled at the discretion of show management based on entries.

Official Documents

For complete horse rules and requirements, exhibitors should review the official URI 4-H Horse page, the URI Summer Fairs page, the current Animal Exhibit Guidelines, the current Animal Health for Fairs document, the New England 4-H Horse Show Rules and Guidelines, and the New England 4-H Horse Show Bit and Spur Guidelines.

Horse Classes​

The following horse classes and divisions are the URI-confirmed class structure for District 4-H Horse Shows. Classes may be split, combined, added, deleted, or canceled by show management based on entries. Driving is limited to two-wheel vehicles.

Divisions

• Cloverbud Leadline (must be accompanied by an adult or Senior 4-Her)

• Junior (canter/lope)

• Senior (canter/lope)

• Junior Walk/Trot

• Senior Walk/Trot

Class Categories​

• Fitting and Showmanship — Division Classes and Championship

• Equitation (or Comparable) — Division Classes, Reinsmanship, and In-Hand Suitability

• Pleasure — Division Classes, Driving, In-Hand, and RI Horse Program Benefit Pleasure Classic

• Performance — Bridlepath Hack, Working Hunter Under Saddle, In-Hand, and Hunter Over Fences

• Trail — Division Classes

• Discipline Rail — Driving and In-Hand

• Obstacles — Driving and In-Hand

Official Rules and References

For complete horse rules and requirements, exhibitors should review the official URI 4-H Horse page, the URI Summer Fairs page, the current Animal Exhibit Guidelines, the current Animal Health for Fairs guidance, and the New England 4-H Horse Program documents identified by URI for local horse shows.

Notes​​

Additional reminders, check-in notes, and department updates will be posted here.​​​​​

Questions?

If you are unsure which class to enter:

• Ask your club leader

• Ask a parent/guardian to review this page with you.

• Contact your superintendent before the deadline.