The URI 4-H Horse Program engages youth in equine science and horsemanship. No experience necessary!
In addition to our state shows, we offer hippology and judging events, clinics, non-riding volunteer opportunities, and fun club activities. Check out the following ways you can get involved:
Shows
URI 4-H horse shows place a unique emphasis on Equitation (or comparable class) and Fitting & Showmanship. This is to recognize 4-H members for the talent and skill they possess as competitors.
Each season, URI 4-H offers several 4-H horse shows. Click here for the 4-H horse show rules. The 2024 horse show season includes the following shows:
- SRI Fair Horse Show – June 30. Click here for class list.
- NRI Fair Horse Show – July 27. Click here for class list.
New England 4-H Horse Program Show Rules & Guidelines will be followed at all district URI 4-H horse shows. In cases not covered by these guidelines, USEF and AMHR/ASPC/ASPR rulebooks apply.
Before registering for a district show, be sure to review the Animal Exhibit Guidelines and Animal Health for Fairs found on our summer fairs page. These documents provide a comprehensive set of rules for each 4-H species. Be sure to review the general rules as well as those specific to horse.
A few notes on URI 4-H horse shows:
- Cloverbuds may not compete in classes over fences. Cloverbuds will not receive ribbons or placings per National 4-H regulations.
- The walk/trot division is for juniors and seniors who have never shown at the canter/lope. Riders who have shown before at the canter/lope must enter the walk/trot/canter division. Riders who have shown at the canter/lope must continue to do so even if they change horses or seat. Riders entered in the walk/trot division are not eligible for the Eastern States Exposition (ESE).
- For a description of the various classes offered at a URI 4-H horse show, check out the University of Florida 4-H Program’s class descriptions.
Educational Events
Find dates for all upcoming events on the URI 4-H Calendar.
Hippology – “Hippology” is the study of horses. During hippology events, 4-H members participate in friendly competition and test their knowledge of equine science. Participation in these events is a great way to learn, meet other 4-H members, and have fun!
Want to practice? Try these quizzes to test your knowledge:
- Beginner/Intermediate Hippology Quiz 1
- Beginner/Intermediate Hippology Quiz 2
- Advanced Hippology Quiz 1
- Advanced Hippology Quiz 2
Horse Judging – During a horse judging event, 4-H members will evaluate and rank several horses of the same breed and gender. Horse judging enables youth to increase their knowledge of horse breeds, evaluate and select a horse for a suitable purpose, learn what ‘form to function” means, and make critical choices and form opinions. Before you begin judging, it is important to know: basic horse anatomy, common coat colors and markings and the ideal or standard for each horse breed (all of which can be learned at hippology events or at club meetings!)
Clinics – URI 4-H offers clinics on a variety of topics: in-hand control, walk/trot, etc. Attending clinics is a great way to boost confidence, build skills, and receive personalized instruction before the start of the show season.
Get Involved!
Check out the various ways you can participate in the URI 4-H Horse Program:
- Volunteer at a show – Volunteer at a RI horse show as gatekeeper or ringmaster! Training will be provided and no experience is necessary. Simply contact a show manager and learn how you can get involved.
- Join the Event Planning Committee – Do you have an extensive knowledge of equine science? Do you like planning fun events? Join the URI 4-H Horse Program Event Planning Committee to help organize and run various events including hippology workshops, Quizbowls, trail rides, horse shows, and more!
- Go to the Big E – Eligible 4-H members may participate in a variety of Big E horse programs. Read about the “Eastern States Exposition” to learn more.
- Judge a Show – become a 4-H carded judge with the New England 4-H Judges School.
Documents and Forms
URI 4-H Competition Guidelines – All 4-H members must be familiar with the URI 4-H competition guidelines. These guidelines provide general rules that apply to all animal and non-animal competitions.
New England 4-H Horse Show Rules and Guidelines (2024) – These rules are set forth by the New England 4-E Horse Committee, and will be observed at local URI 4-H horse shows as well as at the Eastern States Exposition at the Big E. The New England 4-H Horse Committee revises these documents every two years”.
Horse Verification Form – 4-H members intending to show a horse at the ESE must complete a horse verification form for all horses they wish to show. Horse verification forms are due on May 1.
ESE Lease Form – 4-H members intending to show a horse they do not own at the ESE must complete an ESE lease form. ESE lease forms are due on May 1.