Did you know that 4-H first started in 1902?
It was started with the intent of making public schools a more “hands-on” friendly learning space. Schools developed clubs that were more rural friendly (pig club, canning club, etc..), which led to what we know as 4-H today.
The end-of-the-year show is the biggest event of the season for a 4-H member. Depending on what category you’re under and what you’re showing, the end-of-the-season show usually falls around whenever your local county fair is.
While helping your kiddo show their 4-H project is stressful, there are quite a few things you can do in order to make your life easier.
Keep reading to find out how we can help your show season stress-free!
What do I bring to the fair?
Fair is a stressful time for both kids and horses, especially if it is their first one.
There are a lot of things happening at your local fair, including all of the rides, unexpected loud noises, trying to get to your event on time, the wash rack (oh no!), and so much more. But, you’re one smart cookie and will be prepared for any situation that arises.
Here is a list of our top must-haves for fair season:
1. Electrolytes (for both kid and horse)
Your local county fair is usually hosted in the summer months.
And that means heat.
Because it’s so warm outside it would be a good idea for you to bring electrolytes for both you and your horse. Not only will electrolytes help keep your kiddo hydrated, but it will help their horse from developing any issues too.
When horses are stressed sometimes they will refuse to eat or drink. By putting flavored electrolytes in the water that’s in their stall it will make it more palatable to drink while giving them the extra minerals that they will be losing because of stress.
Farnam, Apple Elite Electrolyte Paste
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Apple Elite Electrolyte Pellets 7.5lb
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2. Condensed hay along with your regular hay and feeding supplements.
Bring their horse’s normal feed and keep them on the same schedule as if you were at home.
Alongside your regular feed, keep a bale of condensed hay on hand. If your horse has a hard time eating, try soaking some condensed hay in a bucket of water (dumping the water out before giving it to them, of course). It will make it a bit more palatable and help with keeping your horse hydrated.
3. Kiddy pool or spray bottle fan
These are not for your horse, but bringing a kiddy pool or a spray bottle fan will be a lifesaver for both you and your kiddo.
If you don’t have time to leave the fairgrounds during the show, then bring either a kiddy pool or a spray bottle fan with you.
It will be a lot hotter than you think.
You could also bring a neck cooler. It will make it a lot more enjoyable to sit in the stands and watch your kiddo get a blue ribbon if you’re cooled down.
You could also be the cool parent and get one for each of the members of your 4-H group.
If you want a cooling agent for your horse, you could bring a row of misters to put up in their stall.
Little Giant, Professional Spray Bottle, 32 oz
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42" Round Wading Pool
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4. More snacks than you think
Fair food is great, but not exactly the healthiest. Make sure you bring some healthy snacks for your kiddo.
Carrots and apples are a good start. Then they can share them with their horse.
Because your kids are working hard they will be extra hungry during the fair. Bringing extra snacks should be in your top 3 on your show to-do list
5. Bute-less pain reliever
As an experienced horse person, you know that with horses comes unexpected energy.
The same can be said for bringing your child’s horse in a new and stressful environment.
Accidents happen and it’s best to have this on hand for the time between when you call your vet and when the Vet actually gets there.
Make sure you ask your vet before giving this to them.
Absorbine Bute-Less Comfort & Recovery Support Supplement, 2 lb.
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6. A calming supplement
Between loud noises, new smells, and high energy, your kiddo’s horse may not be acting as they normally would.
While that’s understandable, it’s certainly not convenient.
A calming supplement can help calm your horse’s anxiety and bring them back into their senses.
Make sure that you chat with your vet before you give your horse a calming supplement.
Quietex II, Focusing and Calming Paste
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What To Expect When You’re Expecting Their First Show
If this is the first show that both you and your child will be participating in, there are a few things you should remember.
1. You don’t need expensive clothes to do well at a show.
You don’t have to have an expensive show shirt in order to participate in the fair. But it is a good idea to have the proper gear for showing. Make sure they have a nice pair of show boots, a good quality button-up shirt (one off the clearance rack is just as nice as one bought at full price), a riding helmet, and a nice cowboy hat (it doesn’t have to be a Stetson).
Since this is their first show there is no rush to spend the big bucks on expensive tools and a flashy Especially if this is their first show and you’re not sure if this will be their thing yet.
2. Desensitize your horse to potential things that could happen at the show
If your horse hasn’t been to an event or a show then there are a few things that you should be prepping for before you hit the road.
Even if your horse has been to a show, it’s still important to remind them that not everything is trying to eat them.
With all big events come loud noises, new smells, and new experiences. It’s your (and your kiddos) job as the horse owner to make sure that your horse is as stable as possible.
If your horse is not used to participating in high-energy events like shows then try taking them to a few events before the BIG event.
But how do I find an event like that?
Take a look at your local calendar for horse-related events. If you can’t find any on the calendar, then try giving them a call. The people who work there are very knowledgeable about things that are happening in your area.
You might also try asking your 4-H leader for advice on how to make sure that your child’s horse is fair-chaos-ready.
3. It’s okay for your kiddo to go have fun at the fair
Showing is stressful both as a parent and a participant.
It’s okay to let them run off with their friends and have some fun. Junk food, carnival rides, and games with cheap prizes are all a part of the showing experience.
They will be spending most of their time with their horse, so letting them blow off some steam will make them feel like a Grand Champion even if they place second.
Do you want to save on feed and supplies for your next project? Swing on down to your local Wilco Farm Store and sign up for a free youth account!
