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New Exhibit Will Provide an Opportunity for Fairgoers to Interact with Horses, Learn More about the Equine Industry and its Importance to New York Agriculture
In just a few days, fairgoers will get the opportunity to visit up-close with one of nature’s most magnificent animals when the 4-H for Horses exhibit opens at The Great New York State Fair. The exhibit will showcase the diverse projects of the 4-H Horse program, enhance the learning and leadership experience for its members, and help foster deeper connections between the public and the equine industry by allowing fairgoers to interact with horses, meet the experts, and perhaps discover a new passion or hobby related to the equine world.
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “New York’s equine industry is a critical part of our agricultural economy and there’s no better place to showcase it than at the Great New York State Fair. The new 4-H for Horses exhibit will provide an awesome opportunity for fairgoers to visit with horses and learn more about them, which will build on the incredible educational opportunity the horse shows that take place at the Fair already provide. We’re excited to debut this new program and invite all fairgoers to come check it out.”
State Fair Director Julie LaFave said, “Our horse shows are always a huge hit with fairgoers, so adding this new exhibit where horse fans can visit with the animals, learn more about their care, and better understand their significance to our communities is a huge win. We’re proud to support this 4-H program and look forward to welcoming them to the Fair!”
Brieanna Hughes, Equine Youth Specialist, Extension Associate Cornell CALS, said, “We are thrilled about the debut of the 4-H for Horses Building at this year's Great New York State Fair. This new exhibit not only highlights the significant role the equine industry plays in New York's agriculture but also showcases the remarkable projects and talents of our 4-H youth If you're at the Fair, come by the 4-H for Horses Building to meet our horses, learn through engaging activities, and experience the passion and dedication of our 4-H members. It's an exceptional opportunity to see firsthand how 4-H inspires and educates the next generation of industry leaders."
Fairgoer Participation
Located in the small horse barn, formerly known as the Morrison Barn or World of Horses Barn, this exciting new exhibit will provide collaborative learning experiences for fairgoers, offering them a comprehensive look at the equine industry through educational and interactive experiences. Open from Opening Day, August 21 through Wednesday, August 28, the building will feature a variety of demonstrations, educational panels, and exhibits that highlight the versatility and significance of horses in society.
Opportunities for Equine Organization Participation
The 4-H for Horses Building not only serves as a platform for 4-H members to display their projects but also offers an opportunity for New York State equine organizations to participate and engage with the public by hosting a table or conducting a demonstration.
For more information about the 4-H for Horses Building please visit our webpage https://cals.cornell.edu/nys-4-h-animal-science-programs/4-h-horses-nys-fair or reach out to Brieanna Hughes, via email at bh548@cornell.edu.
About NYS 4-H Horse
The New York State 4-H Horse Program and Cornell Cooperative Extension offers a wide variety of Horse projects to New York youth ages 5-19. The program's goal is to bring exceptional, educational programming to youth throughout the State while keeping programs affordable for youth and families.
Programs encourage both understanding and knowledge of the equine industry, as well as leadership and personal development through once in a lifetime experiences. These programs give youth opportunities to develop valuable life skills, increase confidence, and make valuable lifelong friendships and connections with each other and industry professionals. Youth interested in participating in 4-H horse events get the opportunity to learn horsemanship and equine science, not just riding and showing skills.
The New York State 4-H Horse Program is strongly committed to diversity, equality, and inclusion in all programs to serve communities. The program is committed to actively creating and sustaining a culture of belonging that embraces a diverse program audience and volunteer base. For more information visit the New York State 4-H Horse Program website: https://cals.cornell.edu/nys-4-h-animal-science-programs/livestock/horses
About The Great New York State Fair
The Fair starts Wednesday, August 21, and runs through Labor Day, Monday, September 2. All concerts and grounds entertainment, including 39 national recording acts and the DINOSAUR EXPEDITION, are included in the price of admission, making The Great New York State Fair one of the most affordable, value-packed state fairs in the country.
Admission tickets, parking, and passes for The Fair’s famous Midway can be purchased by visiting The Great New York State Fair’s website. Admission tickets are $8 for adults while admission is free for children under 12 and senior citizens aged 65 and older. Fairgoers can also purchase a Frequent Fairgoer pass for $25, which provides admission to all 13-days of The Fair’s run. Parking is $12 per vehicle.
Founded in 1841, The Great New York State Fair showcases the best of New York agriculture, provides top-quality entertainment, and is a key piece of the state’s CNY Rising strategy of growing the Central New York economy through tourism. It is the oldest fair in the United States and is consistently recognized as being among the top five state fairs in the nation.
The New York State Fairgrounds is a 375-acre exhibit and entertainment complex that operates all year. Audiences are encouraged to learn more about the Great New York State Fair online, browse photos on Flickr, and follow the fun on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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