HORSE DEPARTMENT Superintendent: Laurie Konrad Assistants: Monica Gulling and Becky Maak GENERAL RULES 1. Entries See Fair General Rules and Regulations. 2. The classes in this department will be judged based on the scoring procedures listed in the 4-H publication, Rules and Regulations for 4-H Equine Shows in Iowa. Copies of this publication may be obtained at the Extension Office. 3. An exhibitor is limited to entering and showing ONE (1) animal in a class, and may not exhibit more than FOUR (4) animals at the fair. 4. NO STALLIONS OR WEANLINGS/FOALS MAY BE SHOWN OR BROUGHT TO THE FAIR. 5. No artificial hairpieces or other cosmetically enhancing devices may be used. No body hair may be colored. Coloring is allowed only on hooves, though oil is preferred. 6. In compliance with State 4-H rules, in order to be eligible to show a horse at halter, the horse must be owned by the 4-H er or in partnership with a family member such as a mother, father, sister or brother. This rule does not apply to any of the performance, games or showmanship classes. 7. Only exhibitors and members of the immediate family, local club leader, assistant leaders or project leaders can assist with grooming and fitting animals at the show. A 4-H/FFA exhibitor may not be coached by any trainer on the Iowa State Fairgrounds during the Polk County Fair. There will be ONE (1) warning from the superintendents. The next violation will be a disqualification for the exhibitor and the animal and/or forfeit of premiums. 8. Only exhibitors may ride horses or ponies on the fairgrounds during the fair. Parents and club leaders will not be allowed to warm-up or ride the exhibit horse unless they receive special permission from the superintendents. NO COACHING FROM THE RAIL. 9. NO RIDING DOUBLE AT ANY TIME. 10. NO RIDING IN THE BARN AT ANY TIME.
11. All horses and ponies are to be in their stalls at all times except: (1) an exhibitor may exercise horses and ponies in the designated area(s) at the times designated by superintendents; (2) an exhibitor may wash his/her horse or pony at any time with adult supervision; or (3) an exhibitor may tie the horse or pony in the aisle to prepare the horse or pony for the show so long as the exhibitor does not leave the animal unattended. 12. HORSES AND PONIES WILL BE WALKED TO SHOW OR PRACTICE ARENAS. 13. Check in and measurement will be between 3:00 P.M. and 5:00 P.M. Wednesday. All Horses and ponies must be accompanied by a CERTIFICATE OF VETERINARY INSPECTION with individual identification or a description of the individual animal listed and dated within 30 days of the County Fair. An exhibitor meeting will be held at the Show Arena after the crowning of the Polk County Fair King and Queen or 8:00 P.M., whichever is later. 14. For purposes of this show, all entries must be measured at check-in. Animals 57 inches or taller will be considered horses. Ponies must be less than 57 inches, or 57 1/2 inches if shod. An exhibitor may choose to exhibit his/her pony as a horse at the show but an exhibitor may not exhibit a horse as a pony. A pony exhibited as a horse may not be shown in any pony classes. 15. Exhibitors are required to provide woodshavings or straw for stall bedding. Stalls must be picked clean twice a day. 16. Stall cards must be attached to stall fronts and be filled out completely, including emergency phone numbers on the back of the card. 17. Questions about show conduct must be directed to the superintendents immediately. Once a decision has been reached, it is final. 18. Tack/Stall decorations MUST REMAIN IN PLACE until 3:30 P.M. Sunday. STALLS MUST BE CLEANED AND BEDDING MUST BE COMPLETELY REMOVED AND PLACED IN THE AISLE BEGINNING AT RELEASE TIME BEFORE LEAVING FAIRGROUNDS OR PREMIUMS WILL BE FORFEITED. 19. Violations of ANY rule(s) may result in premium forfeiture and/or disqualification from advancement to the State Fair, where applicable. (See General Rules and Regulations.)
ATTIRE 1. An ASTM/SEI approved headgear with properly fitted harness and chin strap fastened is required at all times while mounted. No caps, hats, or scarves will be allowed to be worn under the helmet. The Polk County Fair Association and Iowa State University make no representation or warranty, express or implied, about any protective headgear, and caution all riders that death or serious injury may result despite wearing such headgear as all equestrian sports involve inherent dangerous risk and as no helmet can protect against all foreseeable injuries. 2. Hard soled boots with heels, an approved helmet and long pants must be worn at all times when riding. Boots are recommended at all times. 3. Dress for exhibitors: Western/Games: long sleeve white shirt is preferred, also acceptable are: tuxedo white shirt, FFA jacket, or 4-H white T-shirt. Blue or black jeans ONLY. An approved helmet and heeled boots. (Ties and gloves optional no chaps). English: plain white shirt or blouse, riding breeches, field boots and an approved helmet. (Jackets, vests, ties, and gloves are optional.) White shirts shall be absent of beading and sequins. 4. FFA or 4-H armband worn on the left arm or chevron is required for any exhibitor not wearing a FFA jacket or 4-H t-shirt. Armbands can be purchased at the Extension Office throughout the year or at the fair. HALTER CLASSES 1. The following dates will determine the halter classes in which the animal is to be exhibited: Date Foaled 2-Year Old: Jan 1 Dec 31, two years ago 3-Year Old: Jan 1 Dec 31, three years ago 4-Year Old: Jan 1 Dec 31, four years ago 5-Years and Older: on or before Dec. 31, five years ago
2. The same horse cannot be exhibited in both the Western and English halter classes. 3. For pony classes, Western or English tack and attire is acceptable. 4. Exhibitors are only eligible for One (1) showmanship class. Three age classes are available for English or Western Showmanship. Exhibitors may win showmanship only once per age group. The Master Showmanship class is open to exhibitors who have already won an age division showmanship class in previous years and are ineligible to compete in that age division again. PERFORMANCE/GAME CLASSES 1. Entries in the performance classes will be shown under saddle and will be judged upon manners, movement, performance, disposition, and suitability to give a pleasurable ride. Scoring procedures are listed in the Rules and Regulations for 4-H Equine Shows in Iowa. 2. The same horse may be shown in both English and Western performance classes provided tack and attire appropriate to the class is worn. 3. Performance classes shall be divided into division by grade of exhibitor: Junior Horse: 4 th 6 th grade Intermediate Horse: 7 th 8 th grade. Senior Horse: 9 th 12 th grade & FFA. Pony Class: 4 th grade and up 4. Trail classes will include at least 6, but no more than 8, of the obstacles listed in the Rules and Regulations for 4-H Equine Shows in Iowa. 5. Exhibitors entered in Novice Walk Trot Pleasure and/or Novice Walk Trot Equitation may not show in any other performance classes except for Trail class. They may show in Game classes. 6. Class sizes for purpose of entries are not limited. 7. The Superintendents and Judge reserve the right to split larger classes into smaller groups or combine classes to facilitate judging. 8. In all gaming classes, exhibitors shall lead horse into the arena and mount and proceed with the class only after the gate has been shut. Exhibitors must dismount before leaving the arena. Violators will be assessed a 5-second penalty.
9. In all Barrel and Pole classes a five second penalty will be assessed for each barrel or pole that is knocked down while riding the course. If a barrel or pole is touched by a hand, the rider is not disqualified. 10. No do over s for the game classes. AWARDS 1. Premiums will be awarded for exhibitors in halter and performance classes for Blue, Red, and White ribbon groups. Purple ribbons may be given by the judge but will be treated as a blue ribbon for premium awards. 2. Champion and Reserve Champion ribbons and trophies will be awarded for halter divisions. Entry must receive a Blue ribbon to be eligible for a trophy. 3. High Point/Reserve High Point winners will be given awards in the following divisions: Pony Pleasure- 4 th and up, Pony Western Games-4 th and up, Horse Pleasure Junior, Horse Pleasure Intermediate, Horse Pleasure Senior, Horse Western Games Junior, Horse Western Games Intermediate, Horse Western Games Senior. These awards will be given to the exhibitor and horse combination earning the most accumulative points. An exhibitor will only be awarded high point points if he/she receives a blue or higher ribbon. All classes specific to the division will count toward high point with the exception of Novice Walk Trot, Halter, Contests, and Queen Contest classes. See the point accumulation chart in the back of the show book. The point system will be as follows: Entries in Class Points per Class 1 1 2 2-1 3 3-2-1 4 4-3-2-1 5 5-4-3-2-1 SHOW SCHEDULE FRIDAY 8:00 A.M.
Halter Ponies: 1. Pony 2-yr-old, & older (under 50 ), Mare 2. Pony 2-yr-old, & older (over 50 ), Mare Champion Pony Mare Reserve Champion Pony Mare 3. Pony 2-yr-old, & older (under 50 ), Gelding 4. Pony 2-yr-old, & older (over 50 ), Gelding Champion Pony Gelding Reserve Champion Pony Gelding 5. Western 2-5-yr-old, Mare 6. Western 6-yr-old-& older, Mare Champion Western Mare Reserve Champion Western Mare 7. Western 2-5-yr-old, Gelding 8. Western 6-yr-old & older, Gelding Champion Western Gelding Reserve Champion Western Gelding 9. Master Showmanship 10. Western Showmanship-Senior Division 11. Western Showmanship-Intermediate Division 12. Western Showmanship-Junior Division 13. English Pleasure 2-yr-old & older, Mare & Gelding Champion English Horse Reserve Champion English Horse 14. English Showmanship-Senior Division 15. English Showmanship-Intermediate Division 16. English Showmanship-Junior Division 17. Junior Horse Walk Trot Pleasure (based on horse s age) 18. Novice Walk Trot Pleasure (see performance class rule #5) 19. 2&3 yr. Old Western Pleasure Horse & Pony 20. Novice Walk Trot Horsemanship (see performance class rule #5) 21. Senior Walk Trot - Horse 22. Intermediate Walk Trot - Horse 23. Junior Walk Trot - Horse 24. Walk Trot 4 th grade and up - Pony 25. Senior Trail Class - Horse 26. Intermediate Trail Class - Horse 27. Junior Trail Class - Horse 28. Pony Trail Class 4 th grade and up OPEN CLASSES 29. Senior Cowgirl Queen 30. Junior Cowgirl Queen SHOW SCHEDULE FRIDAY 7:00 P.M OPEN CLASSES 31. K-3 rd Grade Lead Line 32. K-3 rd Grade Walk Trot 33. Open Parent or Leader Pleasure Class CONTESTS 34. Egg & Spoon - Horse & Pony 35. Break the Gait - Horse & Pony 36. The Lollipop Race Horse & Pony
SHOW SCHEDULE SATURDAY 8:00 A.M 37. Cart Driving-No Age Division- Horse & Pony 38. English Pleasure Hunt Seat-Senior Division 39. English Pleasure Hunt Seat-Intermediate Div 40. English Pleasure Hunt Seat-Junior Division 41. English Pleasure Hunt Seat 4 th grade and up - Pony 42. English Equitation Hunt Seat-Senior Division- Horse 43. English Equitation Hunt Seat-Intermediate Division-Horse 44. English Equitation Hunt Seat-Junior Division- Horse 45. English Equitation Hunt Seat 4 th grade and up - Pony 46. Senior Western Pleasure - Horse 47. Intermediate Western Pleasure - Horse 48. Junior Western Pleasure - Horse 49. Western Pleasure 4 th grade and up - Pony 50. Senior Western Horsemanship - Horse 51. Intermediate Western Horsemanship - Horse 52. Junior Western Horsemanship - Horse 53. Western Horsemanship 4 th grade and up - Pony 54. Senior Pole Bending Horse 55. Intermediate Pole Bending Horse 56. Junior Pole Bending Horse 57. Pole Bending Pony 4 th grade and up 58. Senior Barrels Horse 59. Intermediate Barrels Horse 60. Junior Barrels Horse 61. Barrels Pony 4 th grade and up 62. Senior Texas Rollback Horse 63. Intermediate Texas Rollback Horse 64. Junior Texas Rollback Horse 65. Texas Rollback Pony 4 th grade and up 66. Senior Figure 8 Barrels Horse 67. Intermediate Figure 8 Barrels Horse 68. Junior Figure 8 Barrels Horse 69. Figure 8 Barrels Pony 4 th grade and up 70. Senior Keyhole Horse 71. Intermediate Keyhole Horse 72. Junior Keyhole Horse 73. Keyhole Pony 4 th grade and up CONTEST 74. Flag Race - Horse & Pony OPEN HORSE CLASSES JUNIOR AND SENIOR COWGIRL QUEEN CONTEST No Premiums. 1. Exhibitor must be a current 4-H/FFA member in Polk County to compete. 2. Dress for Exhibitors: Western-long sleeve white shirt is preferred, also acceptable are: tuxedo
white shirt, white 4-H/FFA shirt, blue or black jeans ONLY. An approved helmet and heeled boots. (Ties and gloves are optional NO chaps.) 3. Age requirements and rules will follow the Iowa State Fair rules for the current year. Junior Cowgirl exhibitors must be 10 to 15 years old as of January 1. Senior Cowgirl exhibitors must be 16 to 21 years of age as of January 1. 4. Exhibitors must present a copy of their birth certificate to the superintendent prior to time of class. 5. Winners must represent Polk County 4-H/FFA at the Iowa State Fair Cowgirl Queen Contest in August. 29. Senior Cowgirl Queen 30. Junior Cowgirl Queen SHOW SCHEDULE FRIDAY 7:00 P.M OPEN YOUTH HORSE CLASSES No Premiums. 1. A current 4-H/FFA member must enter the exhibitor for this class on a horse or pony that is entered in the current year s Polk County Fair. 2. Exhibitors in grades kindergarten through 3 rd grade may enter. 3. A 4-H/FFA member, parent or guardian must lead the exhibitor in the lead line class. 4. No premiums will be paid. 5. Parent or Guardian must be present during show. 6. Fair Board is not liable for injury. 7. Exhibitors must wear a helmet. 8. Exhibitors can enter both classes. 31. K-3 rd Grade Lead Line 32. K-3 rd Grade Walk Trot
OPEN PARENT OR LEADER PLEASURE CLASS No Entry Fee. No Premiums. 1. Exhibitor must be a parent of a current 4-H/FFA member in Polk County to compete. 2. Dress for Exhibitors: Western-long sleeve white shirt is preferred, also acceptable are: tuxedo white shirt, white 4-H/FFA shirt, blue or black jeans ONLY, an approved helmet and heeled boots. (Ties and gloves are optional. NO chaps.) 3. Entries in the performance classes will be shown under saddle and will be judged upon manners, movement, performance, disposition, and suitability to give a pleasurable ride. Scoring procedures are listed in the Rules and Regulations for 4-H Equine Shows in Iowa. 4. 4-Hers and FFA exhibitors are encouraged to coach their parents from the rail! 33. Open Parent or Leader Pleasure Class CONTESTS $1 Entry fee at the gate. No Premiums. 34. Egg & Spoon No Age Division Horse & Pony 35. Break the Gait No Age Division Horse & Pony 36. The Lollipop Race No Age Division -- Horse & Pony 74. Flag Race - No Age Division Horse & Pony (The Flag Race will be run after judged game classes finished on Saturday afternoon)