4-H Animal Shows

General Rules

ALL ANIMALS  MUST SHOW PROOF OR RABIES

 IMMUNIZATION AT LEAST 30 DAYS PRIOR TO THE FAIR

1. Entries are due at the Strafford County 4-H Office Friday, August 22, 2008. Late Entries will not be accepted.  Please read individual show guidelines carefully.

2. All 4-H Animal Shows are open to 4-H members from New Hampshire and Maine.

3. Members will conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to the standards and image of the 4-H Program as stated in the New Hampshire 4-H Code of Conduct.  Any misconduct will be addressed by the show superintendents and/or the Strafford County Extension Educator, 4-H & Youth Development.

4. Current animal approval forms, current lease papers, original registration papers, and required health papers must be available for checking by show superintendents.  All 4-H forms must show a current educator signature and be signed by the required deadline for the species shown.  Members without valid paperwork may not show.

5. Within their mental and physical capabilities, members will be responsible for 100% of the care, feeding, and safety of their animals while the animals are on the grounds.  Any adaptive equipment or assistance which makes it possible for a child to participate, who otherwise would be unable to participate, will be accepted.  Members requiring assistance should receive help from 1) another 4-H member, 2) an approved 4-H Leader, 3) an instructor or another knowledgeable adult, 4) a parent.  All 4-H project animals are shown at the risk of the 4-H owner or 4-H leaser.  Any damage to persons or property are the legal and financial responsibility of the 4-H member who owns or leases the animal and their family.

6. No adult shall assist with the preparation of an animal before, during and after a 4-H show.  Parents should be taking a hands off position.  Manure handling, feeding, watering, grooming, and showing are the responsibility of the 4-H member.  Adults are discouraged from entering the ring or directing from the sidelines during the 4-H show.  Adults offering youth an unfair advantage may cause premiums to be withheld from the child.

7. In order to receive premiums, all exhibitors are required to show in fitting and showmanship.  Each exhibitor must show his or her own animal in all classes except by permission of the superintendent of each show, in which case the animal may be shown by another 4-H member.

8. All animals shown must be owned by or leased solely to the 4-H exhibitor.  Registration papers of owned animals must be solely in the name of the exhibitor.  Animals used in fitting and showmanship must be shown in a breed, market, or performance class at their respective 4-H shows.

9. Animals in group classes must have been shown as individuals.

10. All health registration papers must be available at time of registration.  All animals showing sign of disease or not having proper papers will be sent home.  All 4-H Animals to be entered in shows or on exhibit must have proof of rabies inoculation as recommended by the N.H. State Veterinarian. 

11. All animals must be clean and properly trimmed or groomed for show.  Unclean animals may be excused by the superintendent.

12. In shows where judging by breed is customary, the superintendent reserves the right to separate or combine breeds depending on number and types of animals registered.  All shows will provide appropriate opportunities for youth to show their grade animals.

13. Dress code for exhibitors in all animal shows (all classes).  4-Her’s should be neatly and cleanly dressed with appropriate solid colored pants or skirt white, tan, green colors preferred, no blue dungarees and a white shirt or blouse (4-H shirt is acceptable).  Please no farm names on shirts, no gum, no hats, No sneakers or similar soft shoes for Beef, Dairy, Swine, and Working Steer Shows.

14. Age of the exhibitor is his/her age as of January 1 of the current year.

15. 4-Her’s wishing to show in open classes must place a separate entry with the Secretary of the Rochester Fair..