Horse Educational Contests

Horse Presentation Contest

Presentations may be either demonstration or illustrated talk format, but the subject matter must pertain to the horse industry. A demonstration may be individual or a team of two members. Creative audio-visual aids may be used, but you must be involved in making or designing them. Presentations should be 10-15 minutes in length and major reference materials must be cited after the conclusion.

Horse Public Speaking Contest

Speeches should be 7-10 minutes in length pertaining to the horse industry. no visual aids or public address system will be used and you must cite your major reference materials after the conclusion.

Hippology Contest

The Hippology Contest provides a friendly but competitive setting to demonstrate the breadth of your knowledge and understanding of equine science and management, and in particular, the practical application of this knowledge and skill. You can use the Hippology Educational Resource list to study for the different phases.

The Hippology Contest has four (4) different phases:

1. Examination Phase
2. Station Phase
3. Judging Phase
4. Team Problem

Horse Bowl Contest

Demonstrate your knowledge of horse-related subject matter in a competitive setting! This is an educational experience for both participants and spectators. Teams submit question to be used in the contest based on official sources listed on the Horse Bowl Educational Resources list.

Horse Judging Contest

Teams of 3 to 4 members judge the following:

• Three to six halter classes in various breeds
• Three to six performance classes

Teams will have 15 minutes to judge all classes, make observations, take notes and fill out their placing cards. Each contestant will then have 2 minutes to give oral reasons to the judge.

REGISTER BY JUNE 9th

Late entries allowed for all contests except Horse Bowl.

Use the form to enter. Invoices for payment will be sent separately. 

Required Entry Documents

The following is required for each Education Contest entry to be complete:

1. Complete one Educational Contest Entry form for each participant (online entries only). Youth should only enter ONCE per contest - youth entering as part of a team are eligible for individual awards and do not need to enter as an individual also.
2. Updated 4-H Youth Medical Treatment Authorization Form (in ZSuite)
3. Updated 4-H Youth Health History Information Form (in ZSuite)
4. CA 4-H Waiver of Liability (open on desktop to complete)
5. Brookside Equestrian Center Waiver of Liability
6. 2024 CA 4-H Horse Classic Volunteer Form (see Volunteer Time requirement)
7. Entry fees paid in full.
8. Optional: Sponsorship form (see Sponsorship page)

Fees

$20 per individual per contest received by June 28th

Late entries will be accepted for Judging, Hippology, Public Speaking and Presentations with an additional $5 late fee per entry until June 24th.

No late entries accepted for Horse Bowl.

• Fees can be paid by credit card, check, certified check, or money order.
• All checks, certified checks, or money orders must be made out to: UC REGENTS.
• All check payments mailed to the State 4-H Office must be received by June 28, 2024.

California State 4-H Office
ATTN: Erica Pettey
2801 Second Street
Davis, California 95618

• ONLY checks and cash will be accepted at the show.

A penalty of $30.00 must be paid if a check for payment of entry fees is refused by the bank. Only cash, certified check or money orders are acceptable for fees and penalty payment.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

The submission of your registration is a contractual commitment to California 4-H (CA 4-H) of your intent to participate in this event. Expenses for venues, judges, awards, and administrative needs are based on the number of registered participants. California 4-H will incur financial penalties when those numbers change. 

Written requests to withdraw from this commitment received by June 10, 2024, will receive a 50% refund. Refunds requested after this date will only be considered for horse/rider injury or illness. Requests must be submitted with valid doctor or veterinarian documentation. 

Refunds for injury or illness DURING the show MUST be submitted no later than July 10, 2024. No refund requests will be accepted after July 10, 2024.

Submit withdrawal and/or refund requests to ca4hequine@ucanr.edu.

Contact Brookside Show Park directly for information related to refunds for stabling, feed, or RV fees as these are paid directly to the facility.

Volunteer Agreement

California 4-H programs are all volunteer run. Volunteer help is essential to ensure events run smoothly for the 4-H youth participants. Each exhibitor (or a family member or friend) must volunteer a minimum of two (2) hours during this event. Exhibitors must submit a 2024 CA 4-H Horse Classic Volunteer Form  with their entry form documents with contact information (phone where they can be reached during the event) for their designated volunteer.

Volunteer shifts will be available via digital sign-up prior to the event and at check-in at the event. To confirm the volunteer shift, please visit the show office upon arrival to the event. Your participant’s packet and exhibitor number will NOT be released until you or your designee have signed up for a volunteer time slot.