California 4-H Horse Classic
This is an in-person event
About the Event
We are excited to host the 29th annual California 4-H (CA 4-H) Horse Classic State Show and Educational Contests at Brookside Show Park in Elk Grove, CA again this year.
The primary purpose of the CA 4-H Horse Classic event is to create a forum where 4-H members can demonstrate their horsemanship skills and equine knowledge while having fun and making new 4-H friends. The CA 4-H Horse Classic offers a variety of horse show classes, recreational events, and social activities.
4-H youth can also display their equine knowledge through participation in the state qualifying equine educational contests: Horse Bowl, Horse Judging, Hippology, public speaking, and team/individual presentation contests. The top placing Senior 4-H individuals or teams in the educational contests will have the opportunity to advance to the national 4-H contests and represent California 4-H at the Western National Roundup in Denver, CO (January 2026).
Agenda
Equine Educational Contests - state qualifiers
Location: Brookside Show Park. Elk Grove, CA
The top-placing Senior 4-H (14-18 years old) individuals or teams are eligible to qualify to represent California 4-H at the National 4-H Horse Classic at the Western National 4-H Roundup in Denver, CO (January 2026).
Contest Rules and Guidelines
CA 4-H Horse Classic Education Contest rules and information
Download rules for individual contests below.
Study Resources
Resources to prepare for the Horse Bowl, Hippology, and Horse Judging can be found on the CA 4-H Resource Center - Equine Science page
4-H Horse Classic State Show
Location: Brookside Show Park, Elk Grove, CA
This year's Horse Show at the CA 4-H Horse Classic will have double the classes! New this year: Ranch will now have a Walk/Trot for Novice.
Horse Show Information
Registration - information coming soon!
Made Possible By
California 4-H Horse Classic - Sponsorship
The California 4-H Horse Classic is open to 4-H horse project members statewide. This event includes the state horse educational contests (qualifier for the Western National Roundup in Denver, CO) and a horse show competition. This event is a highlight of the 4-H program year for youth in the horse program and for counties with a common interest in strengthening the 4-H horse program.
Please join us as a supporter of this year’s event to ensure that dedicated 4-H horse project members will have opportunities to participate, expand their equine knowledge, and prepare for future competitions.
Sponsorship Levels
- Horse Show Class Sponsor: 1 Class for $25 or 5 Classes for $100
- High Point Award Sponsor $100
- Horse Show Division Sponsor: $200
- Educational Contest Sponsor: $300
Sponsors will be recognized on print materials, online in social media and during announcements at the event. Sponsors of $500 or more will have banners with their name (and logo) displayed during the show.
To become a sponsor, please download the Sponsorship form and mail it with your check payable to “The California 4-H Foundation”. The completed form and payment should be mailed to: California 4-H State Office, Attn: CA 4-H Horse Classic, 2801 Second Street; Davis, CA 95618.