The annual Vermont 4-H Horse Show, July 12-15, promises lots of action for both participants and spectators. More than 100 horses and riders are registered for the event, which will be held at the Addison County Fair and Field Days site on Route 17 in New Haven. 

Admission and parking are free.

Sponsored by University of Vermont (UVM) Extension, the show is the largest and only statewide competition for 4-H equestrians with more than 100 individual classes. Even 4-H'ers without a horse may compete in the Horseless Championship on the first day of the show, which challenges their equine expertise with a general knowledge test, judging contest and horse quiz bowl.

Riders of all ages and abilities will compete in fitting and showmanship on July 13 and western and English riding, equitation, pleasure driving, trail and dressage classes, July 13-15. The action starts at 8 a.m. daily following the flag ceremony. It will be conducted by the Eastern National 4-H Horse Round Up delegates on horseback on Saturday and the following day by the Eastern States Exposition horse show delegates.

The public also is invited to watch the fast-paced Gymkhana contests, which include barrel racing and other speed pattern racing and timed games on horseback. The Green Mountain Appaloosa Horse Club coordinates this event, which is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. on July 12.

For a schedule of all classes or additional information about the 4-H horse show, visit www.uvm.edu/extension/4-Hevents and click on "Event Announcements and Results."