The Fonner Park State 4-H Horse Expo was held in Grand Island July 15-19, 2023 with 245 exhibitors, 384 horses, 1333 entries representing over 50 Nebraska Counties.
Rachel Harder, 13, daughter of Seth and Lisa Harder of Plainview competed with two of her horses - winning Champion titles in Western Pony Pleasure and Junior Reining classes.
The Expo is the pinnacle showing experience for members of the 4-H Horse Program in Nebraska. The show includes a multitude of classes for youth ages 10-18 and their horses and ponies.
Classes for youth in Horsemanship Level 1 include halter and showmanship along with Judging and Hippology competitions. Most classes require the youth to have passed Horsemanship Level 2 while some classes require Horsemanship Level 2, 3 and 4. Each level requires the youth to have passed knowledge and safety tests, along with presenting demonstrations and written tests.
Classes included are: Halter and Showmanship at Halter, Western Pleasure and Horsemanship, Trail, Ranch Pleasure and Ranch Riding, English and Western Dressage, English classes included are Hunter Under Saddle and Hunt Seat Equitation and Hunter Hack. Other classes are Western Riding, Reining, Working Ranch Horse, Pole Bending and Barrel Racing.
Full results can be found at 4h.unl.edu/horse-expo