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Department A – Horses

Our Horse Shows this year will include:

Clarke County
Junior Exhibitor Horse Show
Friday, August 15th at 9 AM

Clarke County
Ruritan Horse Show

Saturday, August 16th, Classes will start at 8:00

*Go to the Upcoming Events Page for classes and details*
  • All barn exhibitors are expecting to follow the 4-H code of conduct.
  • Any one that does not comply to the rules or who exhibits rude or poor behavior will be asked to leave.
  • All Exhibitors must participate in the Showmanship Class in the Show Barn on Tuesday and the 4H Show on Friday.
  • Exhibitors must do their own work. Parents may only help exhibitors by holding or loading mounts.
  • Mounts must be sound and aged 4 years and over.
  • Unruly, uncared for, lame mounts or those mounts showing illness will be excused from the grounds
  • Horses are allowed in the barn/ round pen or show rings only.
  • Horses must be hand walked to and from the show ring by the exhibitor with a leader or adult accompanying. Exhibitors may only ride under adult supervision.
  • Horses must be cleaned before riding and sponged off or washed after riding. (we share the wash rack with the dairy barn– please work together)
  • Horses must be in their stalls by 6:00 p.m. and all tack must be in the tack rooms.
  • Have a Stall Card for your horse with the Horses Name, Riders Name and Phone Number for emergencies.
  • All riders must wear an approved helmet and boots with heels. No Bareback riding.
  • All Riders are expected to follow the proper dress code
  • Appropriate footwear (no tennis shoes or sandals)
  • No short shorts, ripped jeans, or tights
  • No spaghetti straps, mini tube tops, or bare midriffs.
  • Cell phone use will be limited to lunch time and appropriate free time or parental calls.
  • Stalls must be cleaned by 9am
  • Stalls must be picked out and water buckets topped off several times a day. Some hay must be available in the stall throughout the day.
  • If using a hay bag/net, it must be hung up high to ensure the horses safety.
  • Tack, rooms, and aisle ways must be kept organized and clean for safety of exhibitors and visitors.
  • Rakes, forks, and other tools must be put away in hay stall after use.
  • Tack trunks must not obstruct the aisle ways and chairs must not clutter or obstruct the walkways.
  • If you cannot be there to take care of your horse for any reason, you must make arrangements with another exhibitor to do so.
  • Stalls must be stripped and limed before leaving the barn at the end of the week.
  • A set up day will be Wednesday, August 6th at 6pm. We will set up each stall with shavings, buckets, hay nets etc. Horses will arrive at noon on Sunday August 10th. Mandatory Exhibitors meeting will be in the show barn at 1pm.
  • Any Exhibitor bringing a horse to the fairgrounds for Fair Week will need to show proof that:
  • Their horse has received a negative Coggins Test within the last 12 months.Their horse has been vaccinated for Eastern and Western Encephalomyelitis, West Nile Virus, Tetanus, Flu, and Rhino.
  • Any horse deemed unhealthy looking for any reason will need a veterinarian to check it before coming off of the trailer on Sunday, August 10th.  No horse may be unloaded until the above paperwork has been received and a committee member has looked at the horse.

Junior Horse Exhibitor Rules

For All 4-H and FFA Exhibitors on the Fairgrounds

  • The Friday 4-H/FFA Horse and Pony Show is open to all youth enrolled in a 4-H or FFA Horse Project by May 1st, year of the show. All entrants must show a copy of their current 4-H Horse Project Eligibility/Declaration Form to show management at time of registration. In the event a mount is being substituted, a letter of explanation from the 4-H leader or FFA advisors required.
  • Juniors are riders less than 14 years of age by January 1st, year of the show. Seniors are riders 14 or older by January 1st, year of the show.  Beginner Division riders may only cross enter into Showmanship; however, they may enter other classes on an unjudged basis..
  • All horses entering the Clarke County Fairgrounds must comply with the Fair’s general health requirements written above.
  • Points are awarded per rider/horse combination and are accrued as follows:
    • 5 points for 1st place
    • 3 points for 2nd place
    • 2 points for 3rd place
    • 1 point for 4th place
  • All Clarke County 4-H and FFA members are required to participate in a Showmanship Class. Special awards are given to the high-scoring Clarke County 4-H and FFA member in each Showmanship class. Showmanship is judged 50% on fitting and 50% on showing. All work must be done by the 4-Hor FFA member or with the assistance of other 4-H or FFA members. Senior exhibitors must present the horse braided or banded; this is not a requirement for Junior 4-H or FFA members.  This Show will take place Tuesday morning at the Show Barn.
  • All judges’ decisions are final. Sportsmanship is the 4-H and FFA way. Rudeness on the part of exhibitors or family members will not be tolerated. Unsportsmanlike conduct may result in disqualification, loss of accrued points and ineligibility for show awards.
  • All 4-H and FFA rules regarding safety while handling horses shall apply at all times. Any rider or mount demonstrating unsafe behavior may be excused by show officials. All riders must wear helmets for all classes, including Showmanship. Equipment may be checked for safety by any show official, and if there is a safety concern, the rider may be asked to substitute more appropriate tack.
  • Dogs are not permitted by the show ring – leashed or unleashed.
  • Ribbons and trophies for the 4-H and FFA Horse and Pony Show were donated by the Clarke County Ruritan Club and individual donors. The Clarke County 4-H Equine Clubs thank the Ruritans for their longstanding and generous support of the 4-H Horse Program.

The William Jenks Perpetual HIgh Point Youth Award

This award is presented annually to the overall high point youth winner, junior or senior 4-H member of the 4-H Horse and Pony Show at the Clarke County Fair. This award is limited to Clarke County 4-H members. The trophy will be engraved with the name of this year’s winner and retained until the following year when it will be returned and awarded to the new winner. A replica will also be awarded to each year’s winner to be kept permanently.

Senior Champion High Point Award

Each year the Clarke County Ruritan Club presents a trophy to the 4-H Senior Champion High Point Winner and the 4-H Senior Reserve Champion High Point winner.

Junior Champion High Point Award

Each year the Clarke County Ruritan Club presents a trophy to the 4-H Junior Champion High Point Winner and the 4-H Junior Reserve Champion High Point winner.

Clarke County Ruritan Horse Fitting & Showing Awards

Trophies are presented each year by the Clarke County Ruritan Club to the first place winners from Clarke County in the Junior and Senior Fitting and Showing Divisions.

The 4-H Fun Award

In memory of ORIE J. ROYSTON who promoted sheep showing and judging in Clarke County, an award will be presented to the Clarke 4-H or FFA sheep exhibitor, who in the opinion of the committee, does the best job of caring for and presenting his/her animal(s) to the public during the 2023 Clarke County Fair. Factors to be considered are neatness of the stable area, cleanliness of the animal(s) at all times, care of equipment, personal appearance and conduct, and spirit of cooperation. Possession of award is for one year until the 2024 Clarke County Fair. A member winning the award any three years will have permanent possession.

Best Kept Stall Awards

In memory of James L. Ramey, Sr. an award will be presented to the Junior and Senior 4-H exhibitors who do the best job of caring for their animals while at the fair. Factors to be considered are neatness of stall area, cleanliness of animal at all times, care of equipment and personal appearance. Six or more entries are required. To be given at the discretion of the 4-H Horse and Pony Club leaders. These awards are sponsored by Lockwood Family.

Hoff Memorial Award

In memory of Mr. Floyd Hoff and Mr. Jock Hoff, a banner will be presented to the exhibitor of the Reserve Grand Champion Market Lamb by an anonymous donor.

Bred and Owned Market Lamb Champions Award

H-Squared Livestock and The Hartsell Family will present banners and awards to the exhibitors of the Grand Champion Bred and Owned Market Lamb and the Reserve Grand Champion Bred and Owned Market Lamb.

Best Kept Tack Award

In memory of James L. Ramey, Sr. an award will be presented to the Junior and Senior 4-H exhibitors having the “Best Kept” tack.

Top Dude's Perpetual Challenge Trophy

All 4-H members are eligible to try and win this trophy. All classes and mounts count towards the rider’s points. Top Dude was Renee Davis’s project horse for five years. A replica trophy will be awarded for the winner to keep. This award is sponsored by Barbara Byrd.

“Pinky” Award

In memory of James L. Ramey, Sr. an award will be presented to the Clarke County or Frederick County youth who displays excellent spirit of cooperation, enthusiasm, and conduct during the week of the fair. Given at the discretion of the 4-H Horse and Pony Clubs leaders. This award is sponsored by the Light Horse and Pony Club.

Grooming Award

In memory of James L. Ramey, Sr. an award will be presented to the junior and senior 4-H exhibitors who present the best groomed horse or pony during the week of the fair. Given at the discretion of the 4-H Horse and Pony Clubs leaders. These awards are sponsored by Julie and Mary Willis.

Sportsmanship Award

Karen Fox and Dirck Holscher of Windy Ridge Farm will award a halter to the youth exhibiting the most sportsmanlike conduct both in and out of the ring, not only toward their own mount but towards other competitors, horses, judges and all others involved. To be judged by the 4-H Horse and Pony Club leaders.

Most Improved Award

This award will be presented to the youth who shows the most improvement during fair week. To be judged by the 4-H Horse and Pony Club leaders. This award is presented in memory of little Bucky.

Perseverance Award

Sponsored by Barbara Byrd

Best Match

(Mount and Rider in Barn) Sponsored by Barbara Byrd

Big Sister - Little Sister

Sponsored by Equine Enthusiasts

Timex Award

Given to the rider who “takes a licking and keeps on ticking”; Sponsored by the Equine Enthusiasts.