Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service hosted the 2026 Texas State 4-H Horse Show at the Brazos County Expo in Bryan, with leadership from Department of Animal Science faculty and AgriLife Extension horse specialists Jennifer Zoeller, Ph.D., and Chelsie Huseman, Ph.D. The annual event brought together 311 exhibitors and 448 horses, making it one of the nation’s premier youth equine events.

Texas 4-H members and volunteers with horses in the arena during the 2026 Texas State 4-H Horse Show.

Throughout the week, participants competed in a wide range of educational and performance divisions and took part in activities supporting college and career readiness, equine education and leadership development. Additional programming included the annual Saddle Up for College event and the Texas 4-H Homes for Horses Showcase, both of which continue to expand educational opportunities for Texas 4-H members.

Industry partners, donors and organizations committed to youth development supported scholarship awards recognizing outstanding exhibitors. In total, participating youth received more than $30,000 in scholarships and educational awards.

The event also included memorial and commemorative awards honoring Jennifer Dickerson, longtime State Horse Show secretary, and Earl Harris, a dedicated volunteer who served the State Horse Show for many years. The recognition highlighted their contributions to the success and growth of the program.

Show clothing and riding apparel available to participants at the 2026 Texas State 4-H Horse Show.
Two Texas 4-H members on horseback talk with an adult during the 2026 Texas State 4-H Horse Show.
Texas 4-H Homes for Horses display decorated with green and white balloons at the 2026 Texas State 4-H Horse Show.
Texas 4-H members on horseback gather in the arena during the 2026 Texas State 4-H Horse Show.

The Texas State 4-H Horse Show continues to serve as the culminating event of the Texas 4-H Horse Project, providing youth with opportunities to demonstrate horsemanship skills, pursue educational advancement and engage with colleges, industry professionals, volunteers and fellow exhibitors from across the state.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension faculty and staff, county Extension agents, volunteers, sponsors, donors and industry partners contributed to the success of the 2026 event and collectively support the Texas 4-H Horse Program’s mission to develop the next generation of leaders.