The Virginia State 4-H Horse Show was held on September 4 – 7th, 2025 at the Virginia Horse
Center in Lexington, Virginia. As one of the largest youth only horse shows on the East Coast, the show
hosted nearly 300 youth and 350 horses from across the Commonwealth of Virginia at the four day event.
The Virginia Quarter Horse Association partnered with Virginia 4-H to offer scholarships to high point
exhibitors showing Quarter Horses at this event.
“With over 80 Quarter Horses registered and shown at the State Show, they make up the largest
breed-group at the event. This truly showcases the versatility, athleticism, and trainability of the American
Quarter Horse as a great partner for youth in the equine industry,” says Hunter Liles, show manager and
Youth Animal Science Extension Programming Associate. Both Virginia 4-H and the VQHA support youth
who have a passion for horses inside of and outside of the show ring – also highlighting opportunities for
casual riding and the growth of equine knowledge and horsemanship.
For the second year, the VQHA sponsored placards to adorn the stall of every Quarter Horse at the
show as well as scholarships for the two high point Quarter Horse and rider combinations. These
scholarships can be used to cover stalling fees for the Virginia National Stock Horse Show at the Meadow
Event Park in May. While only the top two riders receive scholarships, the top five are listed below to
celebrate their achievements with their equine partners.
Top 5 Horse/Rider Combinations – State 4-H Horse Show
Sophie Roehl- Cee My Smoking Guns- Caroline County
Aubrey Smith- Features Addiction- Gloucester County
Josephine Helton- Rawhide Dreamsicle- Chesapeake City
Emma Ranson- Blazing Hot Invitation- Buckingham County
Alexis Hinds- Fergalicious- Montgomery County
The top four youth are all VQHA Members, competing in either horse shows or equine knowledge competitions with the association. The above riders earned placings in Hunter Pleasure, Working Hunter, Driving, Ranch, Western Pleasure, Trail, Showmanship, and more! Once again, exhibiting the versatility of the breed. We would like to congratulate these exhibitors and all youth who participated in the 2025 State 4-H Horse Show. We encourage youth to continue in their equestrian pursuits and to investigate joining these two organizations as proud supporters of Virginia’s Equine Industry.
