Virginia 4-H Horse Program

10/15/2026

Wishing a huge congratulations to our Virginia Teams who competed at the AAQH Congress Judging Contest this year!

Louisa FFA
- Anayah Jackson
- Kayla Haase
- Abby Allen
- Gabby McGinley

Fort Defiance FFA - 10th Place Team Halter
- Sara Tinsley
- Faith Morrow
- Avery Brown
- Mari Winn

Virginia 4-H- 8th Place Team Reasons
- Reagan Loker - 10th Place Halter Ind.
- Sherry Klug
- Aubrey McClure
- Lily Hamel
- Bridgette Koelsch
- Emily Boswell

We were happy to have such a large group representing the Commonwealth this year and are so excited to congratulate everyone on their results in the Nation’s most competitive youth judging contest! There were 31 teams competing this year and we had several scores just outside of Top Ten!

10/14/2026

Congratulations to both Virginia teams who competed at the AAQH Congress in Hippology Today! They earned the opportunity through their top placings at the State FFA Convention in June!

Dinwiddie FFA

Wilson Memorial FFA - Fifth Place in Stations!

Congratulations on their success out of a big 19 team contest!

10/14/2026

Wishing lots of luck to our Virginia 4-H Horse Judging team members competing at the All American Quarter Horse Congress Judging Contest today!

Reagan Loker
Sherry Klug
Aubrey McClure
Lily Hamel
Emily Boswell
Bridgette Koelsch

10/13/2026

We are wishing lots of luck to the Frederick County 4-H Horse Bowl team competing at Congress today!

We also wish lots of luck to Ethan Ferris competing in the public speaking contest and Maggie Graham and Mady Wilson from Washington County in the Team Presentation Contest!

10/07/2026

For the first year, the 2026 Virginia State 4-H Horse Show was Thoroughbred Incentive Program - approved.

The Thoroughbred Incentive program was created to encourage the retraining of Thoroughbreds into other disciplines upon completion of careers in racing or breeding, T.I.P. offers incentives for competition horses, recreational horses, young riders and Thoroughbreds in a non-competitive second career as well as a Championship horse show.

Congratulations to our High Point Thoroughbreds at the 2026 Show listed below:
🍀 High Point Dressage Thoroughbred - Critical Mission - Charlotte McCraw/Sydnie Freeman

🍀 High Score Dressage Thoroughbred - Hanover Chrome - Emma Ranson

🍀 High Point English Pleasure Thoroughbred - Frosted Cookie - Jaelyn Jackson

🍀 High Point Hunter Thoroughbred - To Infinity and Beyond - Brinn McClintic

🍀 High Point Jumper Thoroughbred - Frosted Cookie - Jaelyn Jackson

🍀 High Point Gymkhana Thoroughbred - Secondhand Lion - Elena Guallar Thompson

🍀 High Point Thoroughbred (all divisions/disciplines) - Frosted Cookie - Jaelyn Jackson

Congratulations to our exhibitors who are a part of the Thoroughbred Incentive Program!

Photo Credits to Amanda Lelia Equine Photography

10/05/2026

For the third year, the VQHA sponsored placards to adorn the stall of every Quarter Horse at the show as well as scholarships for the two high point Quarter Horse and rider combinations. These scholarships can be used to cover stalling fees for the Virginia National Stock Horse Show at the Meadow Event Park in May. While only the top two riders receive scholarships, the top five are listed below to celebrate their achievements with their equine partners.

“We are honored to support the Virginia 4-H State Horse Show and recognize the exceptional exhibitors and their Quarter Horse partners. This award recognizes achievement across all disciplines, reflecting the versatility and athleticism of the American Quarter Horse and the many hours of preparation by the riders. Many of our members began their lifelong relationship with horses through 4-H and we are proud to acknowledge the next generation of horse men and women,” says Beth Smith, past President of the VQHA.

🍀Aubrey Smith - Features Addiction - Gloucester
🍀Samantha Wills - VT Running On Empty - Fluvanna
🍀Rylee Beauchamp - Holy Deisel Batman - Northumberland
🍀Peyton Cofer - Docs Boggity Flash - Appomattox
🍀 Josephine Helton - Rawhide Dreamsicle - Chesapeake

The above riders earned placings in Hunter Pleasure, Working Hunter, Driving, Ranch, Western Pleasure, Trail, Showmanship, and more! We encourage youth to continue in their equestrian pursuits and to investigate joining these two organizations as proud supporters of Virginia’s Equine Industry.

Photo Credit to Amanda Lelia Equine Photography

10/02/2026

Virginia 4-H Horse Ambasssadors, Brettin Trimbath (James City), Laken Crowder (Wythe), and Emma Tarleton (King George) are on site at the State Fair of Virginia giving out some swag and spreading the word about the Virginia 4-H Horse Program!

We were too busy for photos - but special thanks also to Aubrey McClure for her help with the SFVA Hippology contest!

Thank you the the State Fair and the Virginia Horse Industry Board for having them out to promote equine events!

09/28/2026

Show your support for your favorite 4-H competitors by purchasing a Good Luck Ad in the Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup Awards Ceremony Program!
Ad Details & Requirements:
*Cost: $75
*Dimensions: 4 inches wide x 5 inches tall (Portrait orientation)
*Format: JPEG file preferred
*Deadline: Forms, ads, and payments must be received by October 16, 2026, to be included in the printed program.

Download the submission form today on the contest information page:
https://www.4hroundup.com/contest-info

09/26/2026

09/23/2026