4-H, FFA Horse Shows Help Kick off 2025 Mo State Fair

The 4-H and FFA Horse Show kicks off today, July 23, marking the start of an exciting lineup of equine shows and competitions at the 2025 Missouri State Fair.

The 4-H and FFA Horse Show runs July 23–27 in the Mathewson Exhibition Center, Donnelly Arena and Coliseum. For full details, including classes and start times, check out the online Equine Schedule.

4-H & FFA Members and their horses are arriving today and competition starts Thursday.

And Starting Friday, Aug 8, open equine events take over the Missouri State Fairgrounds with stunning displays of strength, skill and tradition.

This year’s shows and classes include the following:

Friday, Aug 8

6 pm – Light Draft Mule Show, MFA Arena
7 pm – Draft Mule Show (In-Hand), Coliseum

Saturday, Aug 9

8 am – Open Mule Classes, Mathewson Exhibition Center
12:30 pm – Draft Mule, Light Draft Mule Hitches & Open Pleasure Classes, Mathewson Exhibition Center
6 pm – Grand & Reserve Champion Mule (In-Hand), Mathewson Exhibition Center
6:30 pm – Jumping Mules & Mule Game Classes, Mathewson Exhibition Center
Sunday, Aug 10

8 am – Jacks & Jennets Show (In-Hand), MFA Arena
Miniature Donkeys immediately following, MFA Arena

Wednesday, Aug 13

5 pm – Draft Horse Sled Pull, Mathewson Exhibition Center
Thursday, Aug 14, the popular draft horse shows, sponsored by BTC Bank, begins in the Mathewson Exhibition Center and continue until the final day of the Fair, Sunday, Aug 17.

Draft Horse and Pony Shows at the 2025 Missouri State Fair

“Step On In” to the Mathewson Exhibition Center and witness one of the most exciting and powerful traditions at the Missouri State Fair — the Draft Horse and Draft Pony Shows, sponsored by BTC Bank. With breathtaking hitches, competitive halter classes, and thrilling team performances, this is a can’t-miss experience for horse lovers of all ages.

Thursday, Aug 14 – 5 pm, Mathewson Exhibition Center

Draft Horse Hitches – Open Classic Six Horse, Costume, Clyde/Shire, Percheron Unicorn, Classic Cart and Youth Cart (ages 14 and under) classes
Friday, Aug 15 – 5 pm, Mathewson Exhibition Center

Draft Horse Hitches – Open Classic Six Horse, Obstacle Course, Clyde/Shire 4-Horse, Belgian Unicorn, Percheron Team, Classic Cart and Youth Cart (ages 15-18) classes
Saturday, Aug 16 – 10 am, Mathewson Exhibition Center

All Breeds Halter classes – Stallions, Mares, Geldings and Show-Me Futurity classes
Saturday, Aug 16 – 5 pm, Mathewson Exhibition Center

Draft Horse Hitches – Open Classic Six Horse, Feed Race, Percheron, Clyde/Shire Unicorn classes
Sunday, Aug 17 – 1 pm

Draft Horse Hitches - Show-Me Four Horse, Farm Team, Draft Youth Team, Cart and Tandem classes

The draft horse shows are sponsored by BTC Bank at the 2025 Missouri State Fair.

For a list of livestock judging & other contests, click here.

For a list of all judged events, click here.