For the past 34 years, this reporting agent has been actively involved in the 4-H Horse Program conducting horse camps, managing horse club leaders, leading horse management teams, conducting educational events such as horse judging and hippology contests and organizing and conducting district horse shows. All of these events take enormous amounts of time to plan and organize. Two years ago, the 4-H Horse Program changed its requirements to qualify for the state 4-H horse show. Instead of qualifying at a district show, 4-H members could qualify by attending any horse show or clinic. Because of this new rule, district 4-H programs were no longer required to host a show. Because of the rule change, many district programs decided not to host a district show. Many agents cited that the cost of hosting a show exceeded income, lack of participants, and lack of knowledgeable extension agents to run the show. 

However, this reporting agent, realized and understood the overall benefits of hosting a district horse show. Not only do 4-H members get to showcase their equine skills at a local show, but they also get another level of practice showing in an environment that many would never experience before showing at the state show.  The district show also provides a show ring experience for many not able to compete at the state 4-H horse show because of expense, religious reasons (does not compete on Sunday’s) or other.

Horseback riding provides many benefits for youth. One important benefit is getting kids outdoors and away from screen time. This boosts mental and physical wellbeing by reducing stress, increasing confidence and physical activity, and promotes problem solving and team building.

The District 6 4-H Horse Show was an invitational show inviting counties from around the state to participate. It was the only district in the state to host a district horse show. The show was conducted on June 20, 2022.  A total of forty-four 4-H members showing fifty-six horses were entered from thirteen different counties including two counties from out of district. A total of 265 entries were judged in the following divisions: Walking/Racking/Mountain, Speed, Hunter, and Western. Participants earned Danish ribbons, class champion rosettes, and high point awards.

A survey was sent out to competitors of the horse show asking parents how much the show meant to them and their child. One parent said, “I think the district show is important to have as a learning opportunity before state.  As for newer riders to 4-H, it gives them an opportunity to practice and show in an environment that many of them would otherwise not get to participate in. It’s a challenge for some to afford or have the opportunity to show at state for a variety of reasons.  The district show gives an opportunity for a more local show so those individuals can have that experience too”, a 2^nd year parent said, “This is Kenzie's 2nd year showing at District and she loves this show because while we do some of the local WHOA shows she doesn't do very many horse shows, so this gives her an opportunity to get experience in the show ring and also prepare her for the State show”. (This 4-H member won Reserve High Point Junior in the Walking/Racking/Mountain Division at the state show).

When asked about the organization of the show, “I appreciate the hard work and time it takes to put on an event like this.  The volunteers were also fantastic to dedicate their time.  They were all friendly and helpful”, “I appreciate all the work you and your team did to have the show...I know it must have been an extremely long day for all of you.  Thank you again for all your work!!”, “So without your show, I would probably just quit trying to participate in any 4-H shows because for the last several years they’ve been on Sundays, and we do not compete on Sunday’s”.

The State 4-H Horse Show awards high point and reserve high point awards to both junior and senior divisions. Of the 16 high/reserve high point awards awarded, 4-H members that showed at the District 6 4-H Horse Show won 8 of these. That's 50% of the award winners showed in the District 6 4-H Horse Show. This indicates that the experience of showing at the District 6 4-H Horse Show helped these 4-H members gain experience and confidence in their riding skills to achieve these top awards.