Texas 4-H Horse Show builds horsemanship skills, lifelong friendships
Pinnacle event hosted over 350 youth to showcase Texas 4-H horse projects
From western trail to drill team and ranch roping competitions, the Texas State 4-H Horse Show held July 21-27 in Bryan showcased the culmination of the Texas 4-H horse projects. More than 350 Texas 4-H youth exhibitors from across the state competed in 40 classes of competition, educational programs and college preparation activities.
Since 1963, the state horse show has been a platform for youth to showcase their horsemanship skills and compete at a high level. As each exhibitor took the arena, their hard work and pride were on full display.
Impact beyond the show ring
According to Chelsie Huseman, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service horse specialist and assistant professor in the Department of Animal Science at the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Bryan-College Station, the event impacts youth beyond winning trophies and belt buckles.
“More broadly, the state horse show seeks to foster personal growth, leadership and life skills in young individuals through the challenges and responsibilities of horse management,” Huseman said.
The week-long event is co-managed by Huseman and Jennifer Zoller, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension horse specialist and associate professor in the Department of Animal Science, Bryan-College Station. Numerous AgriLife Extension faculty, county agents and volunteers offered additional support to help the show be a valuable experience for exhibitors to learn a multitude of life skills through the care, preparation and competition aspects of the show.
Madison Anne Chaloupka, Lubbock, a senior attending Christ the King Diocesan High School, has been a member of Texas 4-H for nine years. She participates in the state horse show, horse judging contests and professional development events in the equine industry. Participation in the state show has allowed Chaloupka to build valuable friendships and strengthen her horsemanship skills in a positive, encouraging environment.
“The Texas 4-H horse show has helped me in more ways than I could have ever imagined,” Chaloupka said. “The show has introduced me to new friendships and allowed me to grow closer with those around me. It has also taught me how to handle a big and stressful environment, reinforcing the importance of good horsemanship and putting the horse’s welfare first.”
The 2024 show marked Chaloupka’s third year, where she competed in the hunter under saddle, hunter seat equitation and Texas 4-H Homes for Horses under saddle events.
“The thing I value the most from the 4-H horse project is the opportunity to expand my knowledge, build relationships and gain experience,” Chaloupka said. “It has given me skills that I truly could not live without.”
Educational and scholarship opportunities
Zoller said an increased focus was placed on the educational programs and scholarship offerings for the 2024 show. This emphasis enhanced the competitive spirit while helping participants in their future academic and career pursuits. A total of $23,500 in scholarships was awarded to participants.
Sponsorships from Bailey Hats and the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo enhanced the scholarship opportunities for the 2024 show. Bailey Hats provided custom 20X felt cowboy hats for all champions and contributed significant monetary support for scholarships. The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo funded all the division scholarships, directly investing in the educational futures of participants.
“Both sponsors significantly elevated the experience and opportunities available at the show, underlining their commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders within and beyond the equine community,” Zoller said.
A college networking opportunity, Saddle Up for College, was held in the middle of the week allowing participants to learn about equine science programs from eight universities. The event included a luncheon, booth displays and time to converse with university representatives.
Future impact
Huseman believes the lessons learned, coupled with the friendships and connections made at the show, create a strong foundation for participants that will help them become well-rounded individuals prepared for the complexities of the modern world.
“The Texas State 4-H Horse Show is more than just an event. It’s a component of the Texas 4-H experience that helps shape young individuals into capable and confident adults,” Huseman said. “It provides a unique environment where youth can grow and test themselves in safe and supportive settings, proving the immeasurable value of the 4-H experience.”
Zoller said the show requires not only physical skills but also mental toughness to recover from setbacks associated with the high level of competition.
“I hope all participants left the event with a reinforced sense of resilience,” Zoller said. “These attributes are crucial life skills that will help them navigate future challenges, both personally and professionally.”
The next Texas State 4-H Horse Show will be held July 20-26, 2025. Additional details will soon be available on the show’s official webpage at https://texas4-h.tamu.edu/events/horse/.
