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
- Sept. 15-18, 2023
- At the Minnesota State Fairgrounds
For participants and volunteers
Important information
2023 information will be posted as it is available.
- Electrical camping list
- Overflow camping list
- 2023 show schedule for participants
- 2023 State Horse Show Premium Handbook
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.
- Volunteer your horse for the judging contest
- Volunteer your horse for Horseless Horse Skills
- Donation form
- Nearby hotels - The reservation cut-off date is Aug. 28, 2023.
- Camping electrical reservation
- Commercial booth application
- How to advertise in the show program book
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 Friday, Sept. 15.
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 Friday, Sept. 15, 2023. 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.
By 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 15, interview finalists will be announced at the state 4-H horse show and posted outside the horse office. Finalists will be invited to complete an in-person interview on Saturday. The top interviewer in each age division from the finalist interviews will receive an embroidered sweatshirt.
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, kochx040@umn.edu, 320-297-0497
Contacts
Show chairs
- Randy Dokken, chair, ralsdokken@embarqmail.com
- Amy DeGroot, show secretary, adegroot@umn.edu
Staff
- Renee Kostick, Extension educator and horse liaison, hinkx001@umn.edu, 218-232-5174
- Amy DeGroot, executive administrative specialist, adegroot@umn.edu, 218-828-2300