2024 Michigan 4-H State Horse Show was a great success!
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EmailOver 300 youth exhibited at the 2024 Michigan 4-H State Horse Show!
Every August, youth from across the state gather at the MSU Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education to display their equine skills during the Michigan 4-H State Horse Show. This three-day event, hosted by Michigan State University Extension and Michigan 4-H, has over 275 classes including gymkhana, trail, dressage, English and Western rail classes, and much more for youth enrolled in the 4-H horse and pony project. Each county in Michigan may send delegates to compete in classes throughout the weekend.
Despite the rainy conditions, over 300 youth competed in the 2024 event. Friday, the first day of the show, opened with gymkhana events for youth of all ages as well as the miniature horse show. Senior participants (ages 16-19) displayed their skills all day Saturday in classes such as showmanship, hunter hack, Western and English rail, dressage tests and more. Junior participants (ages 13-15) arrived on Sunday and competed in similar classes.
Youth who advanced from age division classes moved on to the championship classes. Championship classes resulted in selection of the top five exhibitors for each event, who received banners and ribbons. The champion and reserve champion youth and horse pairs in each event received a backpack or folding chair as their prizes.
Youth participants in the Proud Equestrian Program (PEP) showed on Sunday in showmanship, equitation and pattern classes, including an obstacle course. This year’s event also saw the addition of ranch riding to the showbill; there was an outstanding group of riders for the inaugural year of the class. In addition to the variety of riding and showing classes, youth could also enter the symposium classes with creative writing, a logo design for the following year’s 4-H State Horse Show t-shirt, or a photography submission.
The 4-H State Horse Show is a competitive event which promotes good sportsmanship for all who participate or attend the show. Good sportsmanship promotes displaying respect for animals, opponents, the “game”, and others. Throughout the weekend, youth and adults who went above and beyond were recognized for their exceptional sportsmanship, helping to make the entire weekend a great success! One of the most exciting things about the show is that there were over 100 volunteers who helped to run the event across all three days.
Plans are already underway for the 2025 4-H State Horse Show, which will run August 14-17. Watch closely for details to be posted on the Michigan 4-H Horses and Ponies registration information page. To learn more about 4-H and the horse and pony project, contact your local county MSU Extension office.
