Equine Exhibitors

Team Roping   |  August 6 – 8, 2021

Team Roping is a timed event in which two mounted contestants attempt to rope and stop a 500-700 pound steer. The ropers wait on each side of a steer chute. The first roper (header) begins behind a rope barrier to give the steer a head start. If the header leaves too soon and breaks the barrier, it is a 10-second penalty. The header chases the steer and ropes either both horns, the head and one horn, or the neck. The header “dallies” his rope (wraps it around the saddle horn one or more times) and rides to the left, towing the steer behind his horse while the heeler ropes both hind legs. If one of the steer’s feet comes free, there is a five-second penalty. Time stops when both riders face each other with tight ropes. The fastest time wins. 

RSNC Ranch Sorting   |   August 13 – 15, 2021 

Ranch sorting is a western equestrian sport that evolved from full branding, doctoring, or transport. Ranch sorting is an event that pits a team of two riders on horseback against the clock. Teamwork is the key with both riders working in harmony to cut out the correct cattle and drive them to the pen while keeping the wrong numbered cattle back. There are several variations of ranch sorting, but all require sorting the cattle from one pen to the other in the correct order. 

NRHA Reining  |   August 20 – 22, 2021 

Reining is a judged event designed to show the athletic ability of a ranch type horse within the confines of a show arena. Contestants are required to run a pre-selected, approved pattern, included in the NRHA handbook. Each individual reining horse and rider pair executes a prescribed set of maneuvers within the confines of a riding arena. Each reining pattern consists of five distinct maneuvers.  At the lope are slow small and large fast circles, which may also include a flying lead change between them. Following the sliding stops are rollbacks, where the horse makes a 180 degree turn over the hindquarters to lope off in the opposite direction. In the 360-degree spins, the pivot foot remains in place and the speed is extremely fast. Galloping down the arena to a dirt-flying sliding stop is what the sport is known for.   

Barrel Racing |   August 27 – 28, 2021 

Barrel Racing is an event where the horse and rider make a series of sharp turns around three barrels in a cloverleaf pattern, with the fastest time wins. Time begins as the rider enters the arena and crosses the starting line at a high speed. The rider can decide whether to go to the left or the right barrel first. Upon completion of the cloverleaf pattern at the farthest barrel from the starting line, the rider runs back to the starting line at full speed to stop the clock. If a barrel racer or their horse hits a barrel and knocks it over there is a time penalty of five seconds, which usually will result in a time too slow to win. Barrel racing horses not only need to be fast, but also strong, agile, and intelligent. Strength and agility are needed to maneuver the course in as little distance as possible. A horse that is able to “hug the barrels” as well as maneuver the course quickly and accurately follow commands, will be a horse with consistently fast times.

Arabian Horse Show |   September 3 – 4, 2021 

The Arabian horse is a breed of horse that originated on the Arabian Peninsula. With a distinctive head shape and high tail carriage, the Arabian is one of the most easily recognizable and majestic horse breeds in the world. Arabians were bred to perform under harsh desert conditions, which has given the breed incredible stamina.  

The State Fair Arabian Show will showcase both English and Western disciplines, in two days of competition. Beautiful, elegant horses and horsemanship will be on display. 

Donkey & Mule Shows |   September 11 – 12, 2021 

To know “Long Ears” is to LOVE them! 

The donkey and mule shows are an opportunity to show off the qualities and abilities of the lesser-known species of the equine world. Donkeys, mules, and miniature donkeys will be shown in halter, showmanship, trail, driving, western classes, and speed events. 

Come enjoy the 2021 State Fair of Texas Donkey, Mule, and Miniature Donkey Shows and get to know these special breeds.