Horse Show Exhibitors

Welcome Horse Show Exhibitors

The State Fair is proud to welcome horse show events back to the historic Fair Park Coliseum! The sections below will contain useful information about entering and participating in horse show events at the State Fair when that information becomes available in the spring. Be sure to bookmark this page and visit it often as updates are made regularly.

Essential Forms and Information

Forms and information will be available as soon as possible!

2025 Rodeo Schedule

2025 Pre-Fair Horse Show Schedule

Equine General Rules

Equestrian Indemnity Release

W-9 Form
Animal Health
2025 Map

RSNC Ranch Sorting |

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. 

Flyers and Forms

Ranch Sorting Flyer

Equestrian Indemnity Release

W-9 Form

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Youth Rodeo

Taking center stage in August, youth from across the Lone Star State will compete in the State Fair of Texas Youth Rodeo. Boys and girls will compete in the pre-qualifier two-day rodeo, with the Top 4 in each event advancing eligible to the Youth Rodeo Finals performance during the State Fair of Texas. Championship buckles and Scholarships will be awarded along with $10,000 in added money. Rodeo events include Breakaway Roping, Barrel Racing, Pole Bending, Steer Wrestling, Ribbon Roping, Team Roping, Tie Down Roping, Saddle Bronc, Bareback Bronc, Ranch Bronc and Bull riding. See what the future of rodeo looks like, up close and personal!

Flyers and Forms

Youth Rodeo Save the Date

Equestrian Indemnity Release

W-9 Form

Youth Rodeo Flyer
Youth Rodeo Rules

Contestants MUST have qualified at the Pre-Fair Rodeo to be eligible to compete, please only enter the events that YOU qualified for.

Pre-Fair Youth Rodeo Results
2025 Rodeo Contestant Parking Instructions

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Barrel Racing |

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.

Flyers and Forms

Barrel Racing Flyer

Equestrian Indemnity Release

W-9 Form

Barrel Racing Rules

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EWD Heroes and Hooves Show |  

The State Fair of Texas is honored to present Heroes on Hooves, an all-inclusive horse show created for veterans and equestrians with disabilities. This special event provides a meaningful opportunity for participants to experience the power of teamwork, trust, and healing through horsemanship. For many riders with physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges, traditional sports aren’t always accessible but in the saddle, they find strength, freedom, and confidence.

For Veterans, it’s a chance to rebuild trust and purpose through connection. For all involved, it’s so much more than a competition it’s a celebration of resilience, courage, and the incredible bond between horse and human. After years of dreaming, we’re beyond thrilled to bring Heroes on Hooves to life at the State Fair of Texas this year.

Flyers and Forms

Information will be posted as soon as possible

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Donkey & Mule Shows  | 

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 2023 State Fair of Texas Donkey, Mule, and Miniature Donkey Shows and get to know these special breeds. 

Flyers and Forms

Donkey & Mule Show Flier

Equestrian Indemnity Release

Donkey & Mule Show Rules
Entry Form

W-9 Form

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AQHA/APHA/NSBA Show |  

The American Quarter Horse is one of the most versatile horses in the world. This breed of horse is loyal, responsive, agile, hardworking and the most willing teammate to his rider. From western pleasure to jumping, horse racing to working cattle, this breed can do it all. The State Fair American Quarter Horse Show will have both western and English discipline classes, and all ages of exhibitors participating.

Flyers and Forms

AQHA Save the Date
AQHA Flier
AQHA Showbill

Equestrian Indemnity Release
W-9 Form

Entry Form

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Need more information?

Contact Patty Poe
Horse Show Coordinator
817-371-7727

Horse Show Office Mailing Address
P.O. Box 150009
Dallas, TX 75315

Telephone
(214) 421-8810
(214) 421-8723

Horse Show Office Physical Address
1403 Washington Street
Dallas, TX 75210