2026 State 4-H Rulebook Link: 4-H B State Horse Show
Each year, Georgia 4-H hosts the State 4-H Horse Show, a premier summer event that brings together youth riders from across the state to showcase their horsemanship skills, sportsmanship, and dedication to the equine project. The 2026 Georgia 4-H State Horse Show will be held June 2–6, 2026, and features a wide range of disciplines and experience levels, including halter classes, English and Western riding, dressage, ranch classes, and timed contest events. Youth compete within age divisions and skill levels, making the event welcoming for both newer riders and experienced competitors.
Participation in the State 4-H Horse Show emphasizes more than competition. Youth gain valuable life skills such as responsibility, goal setting, time management, animal care, and confidence, while also learning proper horse handling, safety, and showmanship in a supportive, educational environment. Many families attend the multi-day event together, making it a memorable and rewarding experience for both youth and parents.
Youth who plan to participate in the 2026 Georgia 4-H State Horse Show, held June 2–6, 2026, are required to complete an Intent to Show form. This form does not register youth for specific classes but serves as an early declaration of intent to participate, allowing Georgia 4-H to plan for facilities, staffing, scheduling, and class offerings. The show is open to youth in 4th through 12th grade.
All youth interested in competing must submit their Intent to Show forms through their local county Extension office to be uploaded prior to the March 15 state deadline. The Tattnall County Extension Office requests that all Intent to Show forms be submitted by March 12 to allow sufficient time for verification and data entry. Due to March 15th falling on a weekend this year, it is imperative that you get all your information submitted to the Extension Office by the March 12th deadline to allow the staff to get your forms updated in a timely fashion. No Intent to Show forms will be accepted after March 12th. The Intent to Show form may be downloaded online.
Participants and families should keep the following important guidelines in mind when completing the Intent to Show form:
- A horse may be carried as a project animal by more than one family member and may be shown by more than one family member only if the exhibitors are in different age divisions. Each horse/rider combination must submit a separate Intent to Show form.
- One Intent to Show form is required per horse/rider combination.
- Proof of ownership or a lease agreement must be submitted with the Intent to Show form. The horse must be owned or leased prior to March 1, 2026.
- If the horse is leased, the lease must be a minimum of five (5) months, covering March 1 through August 15. This lease date range should be reflected on your written lease agreement and signed by the owner of the animal. Failure to meet the five-month lease requirement will result in the exhibitor being ineligible for future Georgia State 4-H Horse Shows.
- Acceptable proof of ownership includes registration papers, a bill of sale, or a notarized letter from a veterinarian or other knowledgeable individual. Coggins papers will not be accepted as proof of ownership.
- If the last name of the owner or leaser differs from that of the 4-H member, the relationship must be explained (for example, guardian, step-parent, or grandparent).
- A 4-H member may submit Intent to Show forms for multiple eligible horses, using a separate form for each horse. No additions will be accepted after March 15, 2026, and no horse will be allowed to compete at the State Horse Show without a completed Intent to Show form on file.
- Families are encouraged to list all possible horses in case of injury or other unforeseen issues.
- Photos and supporting documentation will be kept on file at the 4-H member’s county Extension office.
Once the Intent to Show form has been successfully submitted and entered, the youth and horse become eligible to compete in the Georgia 4-H State Horse Show, June 2–6, 2026. Eligible families will be contacted in late April with detailed information on class selection, show expectations, schedules, and registration fees. Submitting an Intent to Show form does not obligate a family to attend the State Horse Show, so if you are undecided it is best to go ahead and submit this free form to allow your child the option to enter later in the year. Only students who complete the Intent to Show and have it uploaded by county staff prior to March 15th will be eligible to enter classes at the State 4-H Horse Show.
Additional information about the 2026 Georgia 4-H State Horse Show, including class offerings, rules, and tentative schedules, can be found on the Georgia 4-H Equine webpage.
For more information, visit the Georgia 4-H Equine webpage or contact your local Extension office. The Tattnall County Extension Office may be reached at rbowen1@uga.edu or (912) 557-6724, ext. 4.