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Animal Sciences Department

Animal Sciences Department

Florida 4-H State Horse Show

July 9-11, 2026
Florida State Fairgrounds, Tampa

2026 Registration linked HERE

Please visit the 2026 State Horse Show website HERE

State Hotel Block at the newly renovated Sheraton Brandon/Tampa. To book your room, follow the link HERE. Room block is released and discounted rate expires on JUNE 12TH, 2026.

2026 State Horse Show Schedule - subject to minor changes based on class entry total

Congratulations on qualifying for the Florida 4-H State Horse Show! Approximately 300 4-H'ers from around the state will compete for the opportunity to be one of the 80 youth representing Florida at the Southern Regional Horse Championships.

The State 4-H Horse Show will be held at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center at the Florida State Fairgrounds. This page has all the information necessary to enter and participate in the show. You should also receive an entry packet (or email) from your 4-H Agent. That packet will contain all of this information, plus county-specific instructions for completing the entry process.

2026 Entry Fee Summary

  • Required by Everyone:
  • Entry fee: $25 per class
  • Horse Stall: $75
  • FSF waste disposal fee: $15
  • Optional Costs:
    -Tack Stall: $75
    -Schooling "class" (3mins): $25
    -Cattle Class fee: $30 per class
    -Arriving before Wednesday or
       leaving after Sunday:
       $25 per stall per day
    -T-shirts paid w/ entry: $15
       (No on-site t-shirts)

Related Resources

  • 2026 Exhibitor Packet Coming SOON
  • Official Rules
  • **Show Information Booklet**
  • **Show Information Booklet**

    - 2026 COMING SOON

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  • **Schedule**
  • **Schedule**

    2026 State Horse Show Schedule

  • Class List
  • Class List
  • Rulebook, 2026
  • Rulebook, 2026

    2026 Area & State Horse Show Rulebook

  • Bit Rule Help
  • Bit Rule Help
  • Check-in Procedures
  • Check-in Procedures

    Exhibitor Packet coming soon

  • Helmets
  • Helmets

    In order to participate at the State 4-H Horse Show, helmets MUST meet the proper requirements as stated in the Florida 4-H Horse Show Official Rules - Revised 2023. All riders are required to wear an SEI or SEI/ASTM approved equestrian helmet (with chin harness) anytime when mounted, in all classes, and in all warm-up and class make-up areas. It is up to the exhibitor and his/her responsible adults to ensure that helmets are in compliance, fitted properly, and in good condition.

  • Over Fences Classes & Schooling
  • Over Fences Classes & Schooling

    Florida 4-H State Horse Show
     -Over Fences Classes and Schooling O/F

    Those entered an over fences class (classes 44-50) may sign up for a schooling time slot. A $25 fee will be charged for those that decide to sign up to school. If Hunter Hack is your only over fences class, you are still eligible for a schooling trip.

    For reference, this is the order of the Schooling and Hunter Over Fences classes:

       - Schooling, 2’9”
       - Schooling, 2’6”
       - Schooling, 2’3”

    As a reminder, about the Low and Medium/High sections:

    • All sections are open to any height horses/ponies & any age rider.
    • All entries in a section will jump at the same specified height.
    • A horse/rider combination may show in only one section at a single show. Entrants with 2 horses may enter one horse in one section and the other in another.
    • Entrants do not have to enter the same section at Area & State.

    Which Schooling Trip to choose?

    • Riders may choose whichever height they prefer.
      • Most will want to school over the same fence heights as they will face in competition.
      • Some prefer to school over lower heights to ease the horse in and build his confidence.
      • Some prefer to school over higher fences so the competition heights feel easy in comparison.

    To sign up for your schooling trip, you must indicate so on the online entry form and pay the $25 fee to be included in the schooling time block. On that form, all three height options will be available to everyone. If you pay for schooling and are not in one of classes 44-50, a schooling trip will not be granted, nor refunded.

    Schooling trips will be one at a time in the arena of which the jumping classes take place in. The jumps will be set in the orientation of the show course. Rider's may ride the jumps in whichever order and however many times they are able to in the 3 minutes they are allowed to school (with the understanding that they will not be jumping the fences backwards for safety). Trainers are allowed inside the arena with the youth to assist them in schooling as they see fit. We ask that the trainer does not move any fences and leave the arena as it was found (i.e. pick up poles knocked, etc.). Youth must wear boots, show number, and helmet for the schooling trip. If the rider is not on time for their posted schooling time (will be provided at least by the day before schooling/showing over fences), they will not be able to go at a later time. 

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  • Bit Checks
  • Bit Checks

    Exhibitors in every division may be subject to random bit checks at any time during the show, whether ready to compete or only schooling.

    Bits of Timed Event exhibitors only will be checked in the picnic area in front of the show office TENTATIVELY on Friday, July 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. If you are not arriving until Saturday morning, have your bit checked at the office when you check-in. All participants in the speed events must have their bits checked for compliance with 4-H State Horse Show Rules before competing.

  • Pony Measurement
  • Pony Measurement
    • Thursday from 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
    • Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.

    Ponies in classes 1, 6, 34, and 39 will be measured in front of the tower during these times. Ponies that are not measured will not be allowed in their classes.

  •
  • Awards
  • Awards

    Light Refreshments and Social - Saturday, July 11th, 6:00PM

    Awards Program - Saturday, July 11th, 7:00PM (T)

    The Awards Program will be in the Horse Show Complex Pavilion. Everyone is invited to attend and enjoy the presentation of awards and fellowship of other 4-H'ers, parents, and agents from all over the state. All division, breed, and overall awards will be announced and presented at this time. Registration for Regionals will also be finalized after qualifiers are announced. 

    High point awards will be presented for each major division (Hunter, Western, Ranch, and Speed Events), overall, and high point counties. Keep reading for other awards!

    Gloria Watt Emerald Award will be given to the counties (Large and Small) that best convey a theme through decorations using the following criteria:

    • **creative theme/original interpretation of a theme (25%)
    • innovative use of decorations (25%)
    • neat & clean barn area (20%)
    • neatness/attractiveness (of decorations, 15%)
    • marketing/promoting 4-H (15%)

    **The theme this year is "Riding Through 205 Years of American Spirit"! This theme is a slightly patriotic theme, similar to last year’s, that invites stall decorations highlighting meaningful moments and styles from America’s history while also showcasing how horses, tack, riding styles, and the show industry have evolved over the past 250 years. **

    Judging for this award will take place any time after noon Thursday until Friday, 5pm. 

    County delegations are responsible for disassembling and disposing of decorations at the end of the show and leaving the barn areas in original condition. Please do not use liquid nails or anything else that leaves behind a permanent mark or residue on the facilities. The Fairgrounds will charge $100 per stall damaged by liquid nails or similar products. There is a board along the top of the front side of the stalls that can be used to hang/secure decorations without harming the concrete.

    Breed Association Awards - You must include your horse’s PHBA or AQHA registration number or Thoroughbred T.I.P. number on your entry form to be eligible for these awards. No changes or additions will be made after the entry deadline.

    • High Point Appaloosa awards will go to the exhibitor earning the most points on a registered Appaloosa, courtesy of Karen Neal.
    • High Point Thoroughbred award will go to the exhibitor earning the most points on a registered Thoroughbred in the T.I.P. Program, courtesy of the The Jockey Club. Those with registered Thoroughbreds can apply for a free T.I.P. number here. It is a quick process, so there is still time to obtain a number during the entry period.
    • High Point Quarter Horse awards will go to the exhibitor earning the most points on a registered Quarter Horse, courtesy of Florida Quarter Horse Association with special thanks to the DelVecchio family for facilitating.
    • High Point Arabian award with go to the exhibitor earning the most points on a registered Arabian horse, courtesy of Marikate Matthew.

     Florida Bred Horse Awards will be presented to the high point Florida bred horse in each of the four divisions, courtesy of the Florida Department of Agriculture. It is important that you indicate if your horse is Florida bred on your entry. You must have verification that your horse was either born or bred in Florida available for leader and agent if requested. No additions will be made after the entry deadline.

    Versatility Award will be given to the individual who receives the most points competing AND placing in at least three of the four show divisions (Hunter, Western, Speed Events, Dressage, and Ranch). Courtesy of Terry Stout.

    Solomon Award will be presented to the rider earning the most points in the over-fences classes. Courtesy of Showtime Horse Sales.

    Horseman of the Year Award – The application deadline is June 1st (online submission). Finalists will be invited to interview not long after the application deadline. All applicants - please be sure to keep an eye on your email for notification of interview. Work with your county 4-H Agent and review the requirements and procedures for applying for the scholarship: Go to online application information

    Dallas C. Osborne Horsemanship Scholarship – Previous “Area B” 4-H’ers are eligible for this award with similar criteria to the Horseman of the Year Scholarship. The application deadline is also June 1st and finalists will be contacted for interviews, with the Horseman of the Year interviews via Zoom.
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  • Class Changes
  • Class Changes

    No class changes will be allowed unless your horse does not meet height requirements or an error is made by the State office. Therefore, be extremely careful that you enter the proper classes. Check to make sure that the correct class numbers and names match what you meant to enter. Corrections can be made by County staff up to one week after the entry deadline.

  • Dogs
  • Dogs

    You are strongly encouraged to leave your dog at home. Any dogs on the showgrounds must be on leash. Loose dogs will be removed from the grounds by the Hillsborough County Animal Control Center. No dogs are permitted in the pavilion, indoor arena building, class make up areas, or along the outside of the show rings in use.

  • Patterns
  • Patterns

    Current orders of work, heats, patterns, etc. will be posted at least an hour before the applicable class at its scheduled arena. In lieu of a printed pattern book, all of the patterns will be posted online by Tuesday of show-week. It is the entrant’s responsibility to access the online patterns or ascertain this information from what is posted.

  • Scored Classes
  • Scored Classes

    For all classes with a finals pattern (possibly Western & Hunter Showmanship, Western Horsemanship, Hunt Seat Equitation), scores for each rider will be shown after completion of the preliminary pattern. This will help give entrants an idea if they need to be ready to come back for a finals pattern. Scores for finals patterns will not be shown after each ride.

    Judges’ score cards for classes scored based on a 70 +/- system will be available to view at the show office after all classes are completed each day. These cards also will be posted online during the week after the show.

  • Stalls-Shavings
  • Stalls-Shavings

    Horse stalls are mandatory and there are an ample number of stalls available. There are also plenty of stalls for tack and county hospitality. Stall fees are $75 each for use 12:00 noon Wednesday through noon Sunday.

    There is also a $15 waste disposal fee that is a pass-through charge by the fairgrounds (horse stalls only, not tack).

    Entrants will be assigned a specific stall. Please do not use stalls other than the one assigned to you.

    Stalls will not be bedded, but shavings and T&A hay may be ordered online and picked up Wednesday 8 am-7 pm, or 7 am-5 pm on show days.

    You may want to bring a fan for your horse.

  • Transportation on Showgrounds
  • Transportation on Showgrounds
    • No bicycles, carts, skateboards, etc., are allowed in the indoor arena building.
    • Operators of any motorized vehicles (mopeds, golf carts, ATV’s, etc.) must have a valid driver’s license.
    • Vehicles must park in designated parking areas only. Otherwise, they will be in tow-away zones.
    • No vehicles are allowed to remain around barns unless loading/unloading.
    • Powered personal moving devices (Segway, hoverboards, etc.), should always yield to and use caution around horses.
  • Security
  • Security

    State Fairgrounds security patrols the entire property 24 hours a day. However, keep in mind that it is a large facility near a casino and to keep your valuables secure. Please post your stall card indicating your name and where you can be reached in case the security guard needs to contact you regarding your horse.

  •
  • Dressage
  • Dressage

    Ride Times will be linked on the show website by 5 PM on the Friday before the show. Minor changes may be made due to scratches.

    The Dressage classes are on Saturday, July 11th. All riders will be assigned a ride time and that schedule will be included in the Order of Go which will be posted online at least a week before the show.

    Unless entries are much lower than expected, there will be two Dressage rings running concurrently. Rides will be grouped by test chosen, not necessarily all of one age group and then the other. All of Training Level will be in one ring, and Western then First Level will be in the other ring.

    Western Dressage will be ridden in a Small arena, and Training/First Level will be in a Standard arena. There will be a short break before First Level to reset the arena size.

    Dressage results will be announced no sooner than 30 minutes after the last rider for each class. Tests may be picked up from the show office any time after results are announced.

  • Lunging
  • Lunging

    Lunging horses in close quarters with many riders schooling their horses can be dangerous to all involved. Suggested areas acceptable for lunging include the open area in front of barns B and C, and the warm-up area behind (north side of) the east show ring. Areas not suitable for lunging are warm up areas near a competition arena, competition arenas when they are open for schooling with other riders present, and other congested areas. If you are lunging in an area that is inappropriate or causing an unsafe situation, a show official may ask you to move elsewhere.

  •
  • Regionals Sign-up
  • Regionals Sign-up

    The Southern Regional 4-H Horse Championships will be held in Perry, GA on July 29 - August 2. The 70 highest point earning Seniors/Intermediates who competed as Seniors, along with the top 10 Juniors/Intermediates who competed as Juniors, will be eligible to attend the regional horse show. Qualifiers will be announced at the Awards Program. 

    All regional entry procedures need to be completed before the end of the sign-up period on Saturday evening. Each person who qualifies and plans to attend Regionals, including alternates, must be represented or must have already submitted a form/release/payment/Coggins before departing the Fairgrounds. A Regional entry may be completed at any time throughout the show to ensure the 4-Her’s spot at Regionals in the event of qualification.

    The State's entry deadline for Regionals is immediately after our show. So be sure you can go if you sign up because we will submit the entries on the Monday following our Saturday sign-up. Please show consideration to your fellow exhibitors and sign up for Regionals only if you plan to participate. If your plans change for any reason, please contact us immediately so an alternate can go in your place.

    Be aware that 4-H University is from July 27-30, so it is a direct overlap to the start of Regionals. 

     

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  • Coggins Check
  • Coggins Check

    Coggins information should be submitted through the State Show online registration. If your horse’s Coggins expires between the Area and State shows, you should bring a current copy with you to the State Show. You should always travel with an extra copy of your Coggins test whether you have turned one in or not. And as always, your horse’s name on the Coggins should match his/her show name.

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  • Health Care Supplies
  • Health Care Supplies

    There will be a veterinarian on call and farrier on the grounds during most of the horse show. Bedding and hay (T&A) can be purchased online and picked up Wednesday from 7 am-7 pm, and 7 am-5 pm on show days.

  • Participation Form
  • Participation Form

    All participants must have this form updated on 4-H Online to ensure proper medical treatment and discipline. They should have been updated within the current 4-H year (starting Sept. 1st, 2022). Youth not traveling with their parents are encouraged to bring a copy of the Participation/ Health form with them for use during the trip.

  • Class Calls
  • Class Calls

    If you miss your gate call, you will be disqualified from that class. You will not be allowed to work out of order or in a different heat except in the case of conflicting classes. Permission for any order-of-go or heat changes can only be made by UF Staff/Faculty. Printed Order of Go books will not be provided, but all participants will have online access to the Order of Go at before the show; the same Orders of Go showing any recent scratches are posted at the gates of the arenas and on the show website; and everyone has schedules listing start times and locations.  Classes with individual working orders tend to run more quickly than many people think. Just because you are well down a working order, do not assume that you have plenty of time to wait at the barn.

    Due to unforeseen problems with any mechanical device, the PA system and paddock calls over the system must be considered a courtesy. It is the responsibility of exhibitors to be sure that their horses are at the gate at the prescribed time. While every effort will be made to maintain a working PA system to carry calls, no protest will be upheld, nor will any action be changed on the basis of a PA malfunction alone.

  • Remind App
  • Remind App

    Sign up for the "Remind" App for updates

    Updates about the show will be sent periodically through the "Remind" App. This will not replace any of the standard announcements – it simply allows show management to send direct updates about the status of each ring. Just like the PA system being a courtesy, rule #4 on pg. 7 of the rulebook applies.

    • Text @fl4h-state to 81010. You do not have to download the App; updates will come as texts to your phone.
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(352) 392-1981

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