Lancaster County 4-H Horse Dress Code

Overall, Lancaster County 4-H follows the state "4-H Horse Show and Judging Guide"

Western Attire: 

  1. Shirts and blouses must be all white, including buttons, thread, etc., with convertible collars (one that is meant to be folded at the seam line and may or may not be buttoned at the base of the neck). Tuxedo, turtleneck or other standup collars are not permitted. National, county or club emblems, medals, etc., are not permitted at rodeo or state shows. No rhinestones, silver collar tips, or similar embellishments on blouses are permitted. Sheer, see-through blouses are inappropriate and not permitted. Darts/Pleats are permitted. Zipped shirts and blouses are allowed in Lancaster County horse shows and state horse shows. Sleeveless shirts or blouses are not permitted. Long sleeves are recommended, although short sleeves are permitted. Rain or cold weather may alter dress code when approved by show management and the judge.
  2. Plain, dark-blue denim jeans must be worn. Heavy contrasting threading and fringes are not permitted. Jeans cannot button down the side. Minimal white or tan thread on the rear pockets is permitted. No rhinestones, silver studs or similar embellishments are permitted.
  3. A Western hat or an ASTM/SEI-approved helmet must be worn. If youth are in the junior, walk/trot or novice divisions, an ASTM/SEI-approved helmet must be worn in all riding events and at level testings. In speed events, ASTM/SEI-approved helmets are STRONGLY recommended, but not required for intermediate and senior division exhibitors (hats are optional). ASTM/SEI-approved helmet must be worn in Western Dressage classes.
  4. A tie or scarf must be worn.
  5. A belt must be worn. Belts are optional in speed events.
  6. The 4-H arm band must be worn on left arm above the elbow, with the stem of the clover facing down.
  7. Riding boots must be worn. Boots with waffle-type tread greater than or equal to 1/8” will not be allowed in riding classes.
  8. The Horse Judging Contest and other horse contests require a long-sleeved white shirt with 4-H armband or the white 4-H T-shirt, blue jeans, belt and boots. A tie or scarf must be worn with the long-sleeved shirt. English attire may also be worn with 4-H armband. No hats.
  9. If the weather is extremely hot during the games, the judge may waive the long-sleeved white shirt. In which case, the white 4-H T-shirt is acceptable. 

English Attire:

  1. ASTM/SEI-approved helmet required in all English, Dressage and Hunter classes (both jumping and non-jumping).
  2. White or light colored shirt with stand up collar — can be long sleeves, short or sleeveless. If the weather is extremely hot the judge may waive the jacket. In which case, the white or light colored shirt or a short sleeved polo shirt is acceptable.
  3. The 4-H arm band must be worn on left arm above the elbow, with the stem of the clover facing down. Must be worn with long sleeves, short or sleeveless.
  4. Brooch or pin for collar
  5. Jacket (see the “4-H Horse Show and Judging Guide”)
  6. Breeches (see the “4-H Horse Show and Judging Guide”)
  7. Belt if breeches have loops
  8. Tall boots, half chaps over a paddock boot, or garter straps with paddock boot are acceptable. 

4-H T-Shirts and armbands are for sale throughout the year at the Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County office, 444 Cherrycreek Road, Suite A, Lincoln NE and during the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Sandhills Global Event Center 4-H office located next to LivestockMarket Pavilion.