State 4-H Horse Rodeo

The Nebraska State 4-H Rodeo offers youth an opportunity to showcase their skills in working with their equine partners through speed and agility contests. This year's event will be held on Friday evening, November 8 and Saturday, November 9, 2024, in Sandhills Global Event Center in Lincoln, Nebraska.

The Nebraska State 4-H Rodeo event is hosted by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Rodeo Team.

Classes

Level II

1. Goat Tying
2. Barrel Racing
3. Pole Bending
4. Break-A-Way Roping

Level III

1. Tie Down Roping (Calf Roping)
2. Dally Team Roping 
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Entry

To enter the State 4-H Rodeo, all exhibitors must complete the Horsemanship Advancement Level requirements, identification process, and entry process by October 31st. See details below. No late entries will be accepted. No refunds will be given. If youth enter classes for which they are not eligible or if youth decide not to participate, their entry fees will be forfieted. Before entering, please review all the Nebraska State 4-H Rodeo rules, regulations, and procedures and the current Nebraska 4-H Horse Show and Judging Guide.

Entries will be accepted between October 17 - October 31st

1. Log into 4-H Online at https://v2.4honline.com/#/user/sign-in 
2. Register for the 2024-25 program year first if you have not already done so.
3. Select the personal profile of the youth that will be registering for State 4-H Rodeo.
4. On the left hand side of the screen, select the events tab.
5. Click the blue “Register for a new event" button and select “State 4-H Rodeo 2024”.
6. Select the Advancement Level you have passed.
7. Fill out the provided questions and check out.

NOTE: Once you are checked out you can’t go back and edit your registration after the fact. If you have an issue with your registration, please call 402-472-2805 and ask for Nic.

Horsemanship Advancement Level Requirements

• Exhibitors must have successfully passed Horsemanship Advancement Level II before entering any Level II classes by the entry deadline.
• Exhibitors must have successfully passed Horsemanship Advancement Level III before entering any Level III classes by the entry deadline.
• All advancement levels will be validated by county staff.

Identification Process

1. Download and complete a 4-H Horse Identification Certificate (F29777) for each animal that will be exhibited as well as any "backup" animals.
   • F28777 Horse ID Certificate: PDF | Doc | Example
2. Submit complete forms to local Extension Offices by October 25th.

Entry Process

1. Complete the online State 4-H Rodeo entry form for each exhibitor.
2. Entry fees include:
   • Level II classes = $35 per class
   • Level III classes = $45 per class
   • Plus a one-time office fee = $20 per exhibitor

Rules, Regulations & Procedures

1. Eligibility
   1. Youth must be currently enrolled 4-H members ages 8-18 as of January 1st of the current year.
   2. Youth must be enrolled in the 4-H horse project.
   3. Divisions are determined by youth's ages as of January 1st of the current year.
      • Junior: youth 4-H ages 8-13
      • Senior: youth 4-H ages 14-18
      • *If less than 10 entries in any age division, divisions will be combined
   4. Youth must have passed the Horsemanship Advancement Level II before entering any Level II classes. Youth must have passed the Horsemanship Advancement Level III before entering any Level III classes. 
2. Official Rule Book - The State 4-H Rodeo will utilize the Nebraska 4-H Horse Show & Judging Guide as the official rule book. 
3. Biosecurity -
   1. All new arrivals will be examined for signs of contagious disease.
   2. Any horse on the property suspected of having a contagious disease will be isolated immediately. There should be an evaluation by a veterinarian to determine etiology, biosecurity risk, and containment plan. Any treatment and follow-up procedures depend on the diagnosis. Appropriate cleaning and disinfection of the vacated stall the horse resided in are essential
4. Stalling -
   • Camping reservation can be made at: https://sandhillsglobaleventcenter.org/visitors/camping/
   • Stall reservations and shavings must be request to Kate Pulec at kpulec3@unl.edu
   •  
     • Stall reservations and shavings must be made no later than Oct. 31st
     • $25 per stall (all stalls must be stripped prior to leaving)
     • $9 per bag of shavings (no outside shavings are allowed)
   • All stalls will be required to have bedding and must be stripped before releasing.
   • Exhibitors must bring their own feed. 
5. Check-In - 
   • Check-in will take place at the designated station during the following times:
      
     • Friday: 3:30 - 4:00 pm 
     • Saturday: 8:30 am - 9:00 am
   • Procedure:
     • Bring the horse unsaddled with nothing on but a halter.
     • Bring completed and signed Horse ID Certificate (F29777).
     • Exhibitors will receive their numbers at check-in.
     • Exhibitors may proceed to stall their horses following check-in (if applicable). 
6. Medical Treatment & Drugs -
   • No 4-H horse exhibitors and/or owner shall exhibit a horse at the Nebraska 4-H State Rodeo that has been given in any manner whatsoever, internally or externally, a narcotic, stimulant, depressant, analgesic, local anesthetic, or drug of any kind within 24 hours before the show day at 8:00 am.
   • Horse on the prescribed treatment of phenylbutazone and/or aspirin-like products must file a statement in the 4-H Horse Show office before the horse can be shown. This statement must describe the treatment reason and be signed by an accredited D.V.M.
   • Show staff reserve the right to drug test any horse in any class at any time.
7. Substitute Showman - The Nebraska 4-H State Rodeo is held for Nebraska 4-H horse exhibitors. If 4-H exhibitors are physically able to exhibit their horses, they are also expected to prepare their horses for all events. Family and/or friend assistance is welcomed and expected but warm-up riding, lunging, etc. by persons other than the exhibitor may require immediate and appropriate action by the show superintendent and the Nebraska 4-H Horse Advisory Committee.
8. Severe Weather -
   1. The show superintendent has the overall responsibility of monitoring the current and predicted weather conditions.
   2. Arena superintendents have the responsibility of monitoring weather conditions during all their scheduled classes.
   3. In the vent of severe weather or impending weather conditions, the exhibitors will be notified.
   4. All exhibitors and volunteers will be notified and asked to take shelter. All volunteers will be asked to report to the pavilion 3 arena.
   5. Criteria for suspension of the show:
      • When a cloud-to-ground lightning bolt is seen or lightning is within 10 miles of the event, the show will be suspended and all will be asked to take shelter immediately.
      • Wait at least 30 minutes after the last lightning strike is witnessed or has moved at least 10 miles away prior to resuming the show.
      • Any subsequent lightning after the beginning of the 30-minute count, reset the clock, and another 30-minute count should begin.
      • This may be implemented if the show is outdoors or indoors and is subject to the show superintendent.

Awards

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