NC State 4-H Horse Program

🚨 ATTENTION NC STATE 4-H HORSE SHOW EXHIBITORS! 🚨

If you submitted an entry for the 2026 NC State 4-H Horse Show, a confirmation email has been sent to the address listed on your entry form.

Please check your inbox (and spam folder!) right away.

📬 Didn't receive a confirmation?
If you don't see a message from [email protected], please email us immediately at that same address with:

The exhibitor’s name
The county they are representing

We want to make sure everyone is included in our printed horse show program, and our final documents must be locked in TOMORROW! ⏰

🎉 First-Time Exhibitors!
We want to celebrate you! We need the names of all our first-time exhibitors. If you haven't completed the first-time exhibitor form linked on the State Show page yet, please fill it out by tomorrow morning.

🗓️ What’s Next?
Keep an eye out next week! The Exhibitor Bulletin—complete with the camping code, show patterns, and stall assignments—will be sent out by the middle of next week! 🐴✨

Action Item: Check your email now and help us double-check our list so everything runs smoothly!

The countdown is officially on! ⏳🐴 We have a busy week of deadlines ahead for the NC 4-H Horse Program. To make sure you are eligible to showcase your hard work, please take note of these dates:

June 10: Postmark deadline for Dressage and Drill Team entry forms.

June 10: Deadline to complete your online entry forms for Artistic Expression and Creative Writing.

June 15: Postmark deadline for Southeast District Qualifiers.

June 15: Deadline to submit your actual Creative Writing projects.

⚠️ Reminder: Postmark deadlines mean they must be stamped by the post office on or before that date, and online forms lock at midnight!

Members of our Horse Judging and Hippology teams enjoyed a sweet treat from The Equine Chronicle while taking in the halter classes at the NCQHA Tarheel Classic. Thank you to Shane Young for making it possible to judge from the floor this morning!

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has provided an important update on New World Screwworm which has been detected in a bovine in Zavala County, Texas. Read the full press release here: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-announcements/usda-confirms-presence-new-world-screwworm-united-states

General information about New World Screwworm (NWS) can be found in the text below and in the attached infographic.

The adult screwworm fly is about the size of a common housefly (or slightly larger), with orange eyes, a metallic blue or green body, and three dark stripes along its back. It gets its name from the behavior of its larvae (maggots) as they burrow (screw) into the wound, feeding as they go. The maggots (larvae) cause extensive damage by tearing at the hosts’ tissue with sharp mouth hooks. The wound can quickly become enlarged and deeper as more maggots hatch and feed on living tissue.

Because they feed on live flesh, NWS maggots may burrow deep into wounds or openings, while other species of maggots may appear around the outer surface of the wound. In addition, even the smallest wounds have the potential to attract flies, so it is imperative that you keep a close eye on your animals for any signs of wounds.

Lastly, NWS infestations are a reportable disease! Immediately report any suspicious wounds, maggots, or infestations to a local accredited veterinarian, your State Animal Health Official, or a USDA veterinarian.

For more information, reference this resource from the U.S. Department of Agriculture: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animals/animal-health/livestock-and-poultry-disease/stop-screwworm

🐴 Ribbon Volunteers Needed! 🎖️
We are looking for individuals, clubs, counties, and district volunteers to help hand out ribbons to our amazing class winners at the NC State 4-H Horse Show in Raleigh!

If you love seeing hard work rewarded and want to be right in the middle of the action, we would love to have your help.

Why Volunteer?
Support the Community: Help us celebrate our talented 4-H youth.

Score some Swag: Anyone who works more than one shift will receive an official State Show Staff t-shirt! 👕

How to Sign Up:
Scan the QR code in the attached image or
Use this link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1TJVjWEiUuMBg1kQn0RNuUc8CBq5QRBrYRPjG5gLMJZg/edit?usp=sharing

Add your name and contact information to an open spot on the schedule sheet.

📧 Questions? Reach out to Lori Stroud at [email protected].

See you at the show! 🎉

Planning your hay needs can be stressful, but this breakdown makes the math easy. Learn the simple step-by-step formula to calculate exactly how much hay you need to buy and store to keep your horse healthy, while minimizing waste.

As the temperatures rise and the sun stays out longer, make sure your equine friends are adequately protected from harmful UV rays. ☀️

Hot summer weather puts horses at risk not only for dehydration and heat stress but also the skin damage and discomfort that accompany a sunburn— just like humans.

A lot of equestrians love some chrome on a horse, but it's important to remember that those beautiful white markings and the non-pigmented pink skin underneath are more likely to suffer from sunburn, especially in areas where the skin is more sensitive — like around the eyes and the nostrils.

In addition to the pain and discomfort, horses that are prone to recurrent sunburn may also face other long-term consequences, like the increased likelihood of developing squamous cell carcinoma (a common cancer).

If your horse is susceptible to sunburn, contact your veterinarian for more information about sun damage and recommendations to keep your equine protected this summer.

🐴✨ Big talent comes in small packages! ✨🐴
We are excited to announce that Miniature Horse Classes are taking place at this year's NC State 4-H Horse Show in Raleigh!

Please Note: These classes are invitational, so a prior qualifying show is not required. Exhibitors must submit a completed eligibility card with their entry form (due postmarked by June 1).

Forms can be accessed directly on the State 4-H Horse Show webpage, or by scanning the QR code on the flyer. We look forward to seeing you there!
https://equinehusbandry.ces.ncsu.edu/nc-4-h-shows-camps/state-horse-show/

NEW FOR 2026: Drill Team Classes are Coming to the State Show!
Looking for a way to showcase your teamwork, creativity, and horsemanship? Grab your barn friends and your favorite music, because Drill Team is officially making its debut on Wednesday, July 8th!

Here is everything you need to know to get in on the fun:
**The Details
No Qualification Needed: This is an invitational class—you do not need to qualify at a prior show to enter! Each team member needs to have a completed eligibility card and be a junior or senior 4-H member.
**Divisions:
Green: Walk/Trot
Open: Walk/Trot/Canter
**Group Sizes: Small Group (2–4 riders) or Large Group (5–12 riders).
**Tack & Attire: Any style is welcome (English, Western, etc.), as long as your whole team matches. Flags are allowed but not required!
**Awards
1-10th for each class
The highest-scoring team will be invited to perform their routine live during the Opening Ceremony on Friday evening!

**Ready to Ride?
Don't worry if you've never done a drill before! We have everything you need to get started, including the official rulebook, registration forms, deadlines, and a helpful guidebook.
https://equinehusbandry.ces.ncsu.edu/news/n/

🍀 Once a 4-H’er, Always a 4-H’er! 🐴

Calling all NC 4-H Alumni! It’s time to dust off your boots and get back in the arena for the 2026 Alumni Showmanship Class!

This isn't just about showing off your skills; it’s a fundraiser with a huge mission. All proceeds go directly to our five District 4-H Horse Councils to provide scholarships and financial aid. Your participation helps deserving youth attend camps, clinics, and shows that shape their future.

We want our alumni back in the ring! If you need a horse to use, our current members are excited to help you out. Let’s make this the biggest year yet!

Check the graphic for details, and make sure to submit your entries in the State Show office by July 10th at 3 PM! Scan the QR code or visit the State Show page on the website.
https://equinehusbandry.ces.ncsu.edu/nc-4-h-shows-camps/state-horse-show/