Horse Educational Contest Start Guide

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What are Horse Educational Contests?

The Georgia 4-H State Horse Show Educational Contests are horse-related competitions that don’t require horse ownership or access to horses. They provide 4-H’ers with the opportunity to exhibit knowledge of horses through art, writing, visual aids, and speech. Participants gain skills such as self-motivation, confidence, and responsibility. 

Categories of Educational Contests

METHOD DEMONSTRATION CONTEST (TEAM) 

May be a demonstration or illustrated talk. 

A team will consist of two members. One person may not be a member of two teams. Teamwork should be demonstrated. 

METHOD DEMONSTRATION CONTEST (INDIVIDUAL) 

Same rules and scorecard as Team Contest. Exceptions: This is an individual contest. Participants must choose to either participate in Method Demonstration (Individual) or Public Speaking (Individual); they cannot participate in both. 

PUBLIC SPEAKING CONTEST 

Subject matter of speeches must pertain to the horse industry. 

GEORGIA 4-H HORSE DRAWING CONTEST 

To encourage the 4-H member to broaden his or her horizons and utilizing creative talent within the Horse Project through drawing exhibitions. 

GEORGIA 4-H HORSE PAINTING CONTEST 

To encourage the 4-H member to apply artistic talent To increase knowledge and skill in equine-related painting. 

GEORGIA 4-H HORSE ESSAY CONTEST 

Encourage youth to gain better contact and use of the English language. 

Stimulate youth to expand their horse knowledge and learn how to use and interpret resources available on different subjects. 

GEORGIA 4-H HORSE PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST 

This is a great way to share youth’s photographs. While not essential, we hope the photography contest entries will express creativity in communicating 4-H to exhibit viewers.  

Considerations for 4-H Staff

Eligibility: This competition is open to Cloverleaf, Juniors and Seniors. Seniors are 9th – 12th grade, Juniors are 7th – 8th and Cloverleaf’s are 4th – 6th grade. Eligibility is determined by the grade level during the current school year. 4-H’ers do not have to own a horse or be entered in the State Horse Show to compete in these contests. 

Deadlines: These competitions will be held in conjunction with the State 4-H Horse Show. All entries must be submitted online at the 4-H Camp & Event Registration website by the County Extension/4-H Office no later than date provided in the State Horse Show Rulebook. 

Additional Details: 

Contest rules and score criteria are provided in the State 4-H Horse Show rulebook. 

Entry forms and contest deadlines are provided in the State 4-H Horse show rulebook. 

Cost for activities is transportation to State Show, Perry, GA.

Promotion Opportunities

Encourage your project achievement 4-H’ers in the horse project to use their demonstration for this contest. 

Encourage middle and high school 4-H project achievement competitors to use this a portfolio building opportunity by speaking and/or submitting art work. 

Get your horse club leaders to promote during club meetings. 

Advertise this photo contest along with the state 4-H photography contest. 

Recommended Resources

Dr. Kari Turner, UGA Animal & Dairy Science Equine Extension Specialist  

Kate Whiting, State 4-H Animal Science  

Manual Prepared by: Allison Perkins, Bartow County 4-H Agent, Kate Whiting, State 4-H Animal Science Specialist 5/10/23