Registration for all Artistic Expression and Creative Writing contests is open until June 10. The deadline for entry fees to be received by NC State Extension Equine Husbandry is June 15.
For additional details and information about the contests, please visit this page.
The Artistic Expression contests provide an educational opportunity for participants to exhibit their artistic skills, in a variety of different events, pertaining to horses and the 4-H horse project. Exhibits must be submitted in the dining room of the James B. Hunt Horse Complex in Raleigh at the NC 4-H State Horse Show on July 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entries will be judged beginning at 5 p.m. Exhibits will be on display on July 12 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and projects and awards can be
picked up from 4-6 p.m. on Saturday afternoon.
The goals of the Horse Creative Writing Events are to provide an outlet for written expression for the 4-H member on horse-related topics while encouraging youth to express their experiences and ideas in a creative manner. Furthermore, the Creative Writing Contests will recognize youth who have creative writing talent by expressing their ideas through writing. Each participant must be a current 4-H club member. Participants do not need to own their own horses.
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2025 NC State 4-H Horse Show
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Youth that attend qualifying shows, please be sure to pay close attention to the due dates for your entries to be submitted:
- West Postmarked Deadline: May 11, 2025
- North Central Postmarked Deadline: May 26, 2025
- Northeast Postmarked Deadline: June 2, 2025
- South Central Postmarked Deadline: June 2, 2025
- Southeast Postmarked Deadline: June 15, 2025
4-H’ers that submit completed and paid sponsorships with their State Show Entry form will receive 20% of the sponsorship fees collected off their total show bill. For example, if a 4-H’er turns in $1000 in sponsorships with their entry form, they can deduct $200 off their show fees owed.
NC State 4-H Horse Show Sponsorships 2025
For all the information and details for the 2025 NC State 4-H Horse Show, visit this page on the website.
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2025 Ride the Pattern Clinics
NC State 4-H Horse Show
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Get ready to polish your patterns and perfect your performance! We are excited to announce that special Ride-The-Pattern Clinics will be offered in the evening on Tuesday, July
8th, during the 2025 NC State 4-H Horse Show.
These invaluable clinics will be conducted by two highly experienced groups: The NCSU Western Equestrian Team and the former Hunt Seat Coaches from Saint Andrews University. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain insights and refine your techniques directly from collegiate-level riders and seasoned professionals.
Be on the lookout for an email that will be sent to all registered exhibitors very soon! This email will contain all the essential details, including pricing, specific times, and registration information for these exciting clinics. Don't miss this chance to enhance your show ring readiness!
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2025 Candace Norman Service Award Application/Nomination Form
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Nominate a deserving youth and/or adult volunteer for the 2025 Candace Norman Service Award! Applications are due June 10. Winners will be announced during the Friday night Opening Ceremonies at the State 4-H Horse Show. These awards are sponsored by the North Central District, in memory of long-time NC 4-H Horse Program and Orange county volunteer, Candace Norman. They are given annually to a 4-H youth member and adult volunteer who exhibit true dedication to and embodies all the characteristics and morals of 4-H – a well-rounded person who strives to make the community a better place through example and leadership.
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2024 Candace Norman Service Youth Award Winner (center): Graham Zeiders
Photo by Kirsten Hannah Photography
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2024 Candace Norman Service Adult Award Winner: Samantha Taylor
Photo by Kirsten Hannah Photography
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2025 Southern Regional 4-H Horse Championships
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North Carolina can send 70 horses and exhibitors to the Southern Regional 4-H Horse Championships in Perry, Georgia July 30-August 3. Entry forms for the show will be included in the exhibitor packets at the State 4-H Horse Show and will be due Sunday, July at noon (in the state show office).
One qualifying position is reserved for a 4-H member exhibiting in Roping classes and one position is reserved for the highest Dressage Division ride score from either the Training or First-Level Dressage classes at the State Show. The State 4-H Horse Advisory Committee executive committee shall select a 4-H member based upon participation in 4-H Horse Program activities and performance in roping events.
Exhibitors wishing to be considered as a Roping representative must submit a letter requesting consideration to the NC State 4-H Horse Program office before the State 4-H Horse Show. Individuals can submit their letter via email to llstroud@ncsu.edu.
For more information, visit the Southern Regional website. |
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2025 North Carolina 4-H Alumni Honored |
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Congratulations to Carla Bundy, Perquimans County 4-H volunteer for being a Hall of Fame Awardee at the NC 4-H Alumni awards reception held April 26 at the McKimmon Center in Raleigh. Carla has been the leader of
the High Achievers Horse Club for more than two decades. Carla is a State Advisory Council representative for the Northeast District. Carla Bundy’s tireless dedication to mentoring and supporting her students through all of life’s struggles, both on and off the horse, has significantly impacted the lives of countless individuals. Her unwavering commitment to the personal development of young people sets her apart and is a key reason for induction into the 4-H Hall of Fame.
The Dale Earnhardt Foundation was the recipient of the Partners Award for their impactful philanthropic support of the NC 4-H Horse Program Its support directly empowers young individuals involved in equine educational activities, fostering growth and opportunity. This funding enables crucial educational and experiential programs, including scholarships for events that provide opportunities that children would not have otherwise had. The Dale Earnhardt Foundation’s focus on children
and education aligns perfectly with the 4-H mission, creating a powerful partnership that enriches the lives of North Carolina’s youth. Their commitment to supporting programs like the North Carolina 4-H Horse Program ensures that young people have access to valuable experiences that build character, leadership and essential life skills. NC 4-H Horse Program Advisory Council member Mary Dickerson accepted the award on behalf of the Dale Earnhardt Foundation.
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2025 West District 4-H Horsemanship Clinic
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The West District is hosting a 4-H Horsemanship Clinic June 16-18 at the WNC Ag Center in Fletcher, NC. All currently enrolled NC 4-H members will receive their registration, which includes a t-shirt, 3 bags of
shavings, and their cattle fees covered by The Dale Earnhardt Foundation.
Pre-registration is required. Details about the clinic, including an online registration option, can be found HERE.
Questions about the clinic can be directed to Cherokee County 4-H agent, Shannon Coleman: shannon_coleman@ncsu.edu, 828-837-2210 ext. 4.
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2025 NC 4-H Horse Program Calendar of Events
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Click the hyperlink above for a full list of all events, including contact information and links to pages with more information. An abbreviated list of upcoming events is below.
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May
31- Southeast Qualifying Horse Show, Hines Farm Park, Jacksonville
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June
10- Creative Writing and Artistic Expression Entries Due
10- Candace Norman Award Applications Due
16-18- West District Horsemanship Camp, Fletcher
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July
9-13- NC State 4-H Horse Show,
Raleigh
11- Drop off for Artistic Expression projects to be judged
21- State Presentation & Public Speaking Contests, Raleigh
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July 30- August 3
Southern Regional 4-H Horse Championships, Perry, GA
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NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to form a strategic partnership called N.C. Cooperative Extension.
This institution is
an equal opportunity provider.
NCSU Extension Equine Husbandry, Box 7621 NCSU, 220 Polk Hall, 120 W. Broughton Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
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