State 4-H Competition: Theme on Monday July 26 and Precision on Wednesday July 28
at the Taylor County Expo Center in Abilene.
Description of the Categories of Competition
The following is a brief description of the classes or types of competitions our club participates in. The 4-H Horse Show Rulebook and the USEDA rules provide a complete set of rules by which each class of competition is judged.
Precision Drill
In 4-H Precision Drill all teams ride the same pattern and the
drill is judged on horsemanship and execution of the pattern.
Each team provides their own "instrumental" music to go with the pattern, but
the drill is not judged on the music. Teams wear matching western attire
with a plain white shirt (or a team can wear matching english attire). Other items generally
should match to make the team appear uniform. Teams consist of no less than 8 and no more than 20
members, in multiples of 4.
Link to
Current 4-H Precision Pattern
Theme Drill
Theme drill can easily be spotted by the beautiful costumes worn by the riders and horses. Music is choreographed
to match the costumes and overall theme.
4-H Rules Summary:
Theme drillTeams are composed of no fewer than 10 members and no more than 20 members (not counting alternates).
The drill should not exceed 10 minutes in duration. The drill is judged as a group with scoring based on precision
of execution, horsemanship, difficulty of drill and appeal to the audience.
Pictures from 2008 State competition showing the wide variety of costumes
(click on thumbnail to enlarge):
Rodeo Drill
In general, Rodeo Drill is faster. The drill should be something used to open a rodeo or perform between events to
get the crowd excited. The music should match the pace of the horses. Any number of riders is allowed and the performance
should last between 6 and 12 minutes. Judging emphasis is on showmanship, entertainment and audience appeal.
Color Guard
Color Guard drill focues on carrying flags, precision horsemanship and matching of both riders and horses. A team is comprised
of 4 members and each member carries a flag. One of the flags must be the American flag. Flag protocol must be
strictly observed. The team should match as closely as possible including rider attire, all tack, even
down to any jewelry or accersories of the riders. The United State Equestrian Drill Association (USEDA) manual states,
"although matching as to size, color and breed is preferable (not required) the apparent level of applied horsemanship
is imperative." Horses, tack and rider should all be clean and well groomed. All teams will perform the same pattern.
National Competition
United State Equestrian Drill Assocation (USEDA) hosts a national competition each year. This competition is currently
held in Tyler, Texas.
Competition Divisions
"A Team" Division - majority experienced riders or adult only
teams.
"B Team" or Novice Division - majority novice, youth riders