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.
2026 Minnesota 4-H State Horse Show
The Minnesota 4-H State Horse Show will return to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, Sept. 17-21, 2026.
For participants and volunteers
4-H horse exhibitors: Download a copy of your individual run video from the 2025 Minnesota 4-H State Horse Show.
Important information
- 2026 Minnesota 4-H State Horse Show Premium Handbook
- 2026 Minnesota 4-H State Horse Show Schedule
- Minnesota 4-H State Horse Show App - Get the free app for the schedule, a map of this year's location, results and more!
Webinar recordings
- State 4-H horse update on May 27, 2026 (Kaltura MediaSpace)
- State 4-H horse update on March 25, 2026 (Kaltura MediaSpace)
Judging
Equestrians with disabilities
4-H'ers with physical or mental disabilities can participate in the State Horse Show through this program. Ask your local Extension staff about signing up.
- Volunteer your horse for horseless horse skills (Google Form)
- Volunteer your horse for horse judging contest (Google Form)
- Vendor application (Google Form)
- Award sponsorship form (Google document; download the file to enter your information)
- Sponsorship form (Google Doc)
- Hotel reservation details
- Camping reservation form (Qualtrics form)
- Golf cart/utility vehicle registration form (Qualtrics form)
- Miniature State Horse Show - Kuka's Liability release form
- Horse judging entry (Qualtrics) - Completed by coaches.
- Hippology entry (Qualtrics) - Completed by coaches.
- Speech and demonstration entry (Google Form) - Must be accompanied by form 1 and 1a.
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 the state show weekend.
State Miniature Show Tues., Sept. 15, 2026 at Kuka's Equestrian Center, Maple Plain sign-up
State 4-H Horse Show Thurs., Sept. 17 to Mon., Sept. 21, 2026 at Minnesota State Fairgrounds sign-up
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. 17, 2026.
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. 17. 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. 18 2026, 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
* 2025 results will be posted as they are available.
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