About

The Eastern States Exposition (ESE) horse show is held annually at the Big E fair in West Springfield, MA. Each year, a team of qualified youth represent URI 4-H at the ESE horse show. The URI 4-H horse team will stay at the Big E in a dormitory for the duration of the show. The horse team will be accompanied by URI 4-H chaperones (parents are welcome to volunteer as chaperones). Find more information about staying at the Big E. 

The rules for ESE are determined by the New England 4-H Horse Program Committee. This committee is composed of Cooperative Extension staff and 4-H volunteers from each New England state. Click here to learn about the Committee’s show guidelines and bit guidelines. 

How to Apply

To participate in ESE, youth must undergo a selection process designed by URI 4-H. Youth must complete an application that will be reviewed by URI 4-H Staff. Applicants who score high enough on the application and meet all requirements will be invited to join the ESE team. Youth must undergo the application process each year.

Email cdicenzo@uri.edu for more information about the application process.

ESE has additional requirements that can be found on the Big E Packet page. Once selected by URI 4-H, the ESE team members must then complete a digital application also found on the Big E Packet page.

Parents and URI 4-H volunteers are welcome to chaperone the URI 4-H horse team at ESE. Chaperones must be screened and approved URI 4-H volunteers (age 21+). URI 4-H staff will appoint chaperones in August. If you are interested in chaperoning, please contact the URI 4-H State Office. To learn more, visit the Big E Dormitory Page.