4-H youth gear up for 2014 South Dakota State 4-H Horse Show

BROOKINGS — Excitement and anticipation is growing for the 2014 South Dakota State 4-H Horse Show as 4-H members start preparing with their horses, said Megan Nielson, 4-H Youth Livestock Field Specialist.

The 2014 State Horse Show will be held July 23-24 in Huron at the South Dakota State Fairgrounds. With help from the newly formed South Dakota 4-H Horse Advisory Council, SDSU Extension is planning some new opportunities for 4-H youth and their families to participate, Nielson explained.

“There will be more classes for beginners, more youth-in-action contests, an exhibitor social and horse judge’s training for interested adults. There is truly something for everyone,” she said.

New opportunities for kids in the 4-H Horse Project have been developed and are included in the updated version of the South Dakota 4-H Horse Project Show Guide now available on www.iGrow.org.

“The new 4-H Horse Advisory Council took into consideration the suggestions that were made in the 2013 State 4-H Horse Show Survey and added more events for beginners while also aligning State Youth-in-Action contests with national standards,” Nielson said. “Promoting the use of miniature horses within western showmanship for all age divisions were also incorporated into class names.”

Here is a quick list of the new events added to the show:

• Beginner English Showmanship

• Beginner Flag Racing

• State 4-H Horse Public Speaking Contest

• State 4-H Horse Demonstration Contest Individual & Team Contest

The South Dakota 4-H Leaders Association is sponsoring a free ice cream social for all exhibitors, family members, and horse show volunteers to attend on Wednesday afternoon, July 23, 2014.

Judges training

Adults who would like to become a certified 4-H Horse Show Judge in South Dakota should plan on attending the South Dakota 4-H Horse Show Judge’s Training held in conjunction with the State 4-H Horse Show on July 22-23, 2014.

The training is for individuals with a desire to learn the basics of horse show judging or improve their judging skills. Participants will interact with the State 4-H Horse Show Judges to learn about judging etiquette, receive an overview of the South Dakota 4-H Horse Project Show Guide, and gain more experience with evaluating horse classes and reasons. Individuals may register online for the training by going to the iGrow Store at www.igrow.org. There is a $40 registration fee.

Registration is due by July 8, 2014. A late registration fee of $55 is accepted up to July 18.

Success through Flexibility Workshop — July 21

Success through Flexibility is a free educational session for all exhibitors and family members to attend July 21 at 4 p.m.

Presented by 4-H Horse Advisory Council members, 4-H youth will learn how strength and flexibility can enhance their horse’s performance in any riding discipline.

Riders will demonstrate and teach exercises to help build a horse’s strength and flexibility. Participants do not need to bring a horse; however, those who would like to practice the new exercises are encouraged to bring a horse and practice at the end of the demonstration in the horse show arena.

To learn more about the State 4-H Horse Show and for a full schedule check out www.igrow.org or contact Nielson at megan.nielson@sdstate.edu.