Getting ready for and taking part in the Minnesota 4-H State Horse Show gives 4-H'ers life skills. It's always a great experience for them and their families.
At this show, you will see 4-H'ers of all ages showing their riding skills in Western and English styles, their knowledge of horses and teamwork.
Show dates and locations
Two state shows in 2025
- Sept. 5-9, 2025 (Friday-Tuesday)
- Simons Arena in Cannon Falls
- The following will be exhibited: All games, pleasures, equitation, horsemanship, trail, training, etc.
- Sept. 13-14, 2025 (Saturday-Sunday)
- Stearns County Fairgrounds in Sauk Centre
- The following will be exhibited: Hippology, horse judging, speech and demo, miniature horse and drill team.
For participants and volunteers
Important information
2025 Minnesota 4-H State Horse Show Premium Handbook
2025 Minnesota 4-H State Horse Show Schedules
- Schedules for Sept. 5-9
- Schedule for Sept. 13-14
Watch the Minnesota 4-H State Horse Show updates
- Jan. 29, 2025 webinar recording (YouTube)
- Feb. 26, 2025 webinar recording (YouTube)
- March 26, 2025 webinar recording (YouTube)
- April 23, 2025 webinar recording (YouTube)
- May 28, 2025 webinar recording (YouTube)
Judging
Equestrians with disabilities
4-H'ers with physical or mental disabilities can participate in state horse show through this program. Ask your local Extension staff about signing up.
- State 4-H drill team registration form - Must be completed by coaches by July 18.
- Volunteer your horse for horseless horse skills
- Vendor application
- Sponsorship form
- Hotel reservation details
- Camping reservation form - Complete by Aug. 28.
- Golf cart/utility vehicle registration form - Complete by Aug. 28.
Each family is required to provide a volunteer to work a shift. Please choose a job and time slot in which you can work.
Sign up to volunteer during one of the state show weekends:
- Sept. 4-9 at Simons Arena in Cannon Falls - Volunteer sign-up form
- Sept. 13-14 at Stearns County Fairgrounds in Sauk Centre - Volunteer sign-up form
4-H state horse show exhibitors are strongly encouraged to participate in the horse interview process. Initial online interviews must be completed by noon on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025.
Interview process
There are two parts to the interview test process:
- Educational podcast
- Online test
4-H'ers should complete the educational podcast first and then take the interview test. This can be done on any device with internet access. If you don't have internet access, contact your local 4-H staff for assistance.
Exhibitors will have 60 minutes to watch the video and complete the test once the link is opened. Interview tests must be completed by noon on Thursday, Sept. 4. If an exhibitor completes the test more than once, the first score will be the score that is counted.
Call-back interviews
Approximately 20% of the exhibitors in each species will be selected to participate in a call-back interview.
Interview finalists will be announced on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025 at the state 4-H horse show, posted outside the office and finalists will be emailed with details of the call back interviews (in person). More details to come!
Complete your interview
Access the podcast and online test at the links below. All 4-H exhibitors should select the interview based on their school grade completed.
- Intermediate interview (grades 6-8)
- Senior interview (grades 9-13)
Contact
Kirstin Koch, Extension educator, [email protected], 320-297-0497
Contacts
Show chairs
- Randy Dokken, chair, [email protected]
- Amy DeGroot, show secretary, [email protected]
Staff
- Renee Kostick, Extension educator and horse liaison, [email protected], 218-232-5174
- Amy DeGroot, executive administrative specialist, [email protected], 218-828-2300