4-H Equine National Presentation Tips

The National 4-H Equine Presentation is a 4-H competition where members between the ages of 14 and 19 represent their county and state 4-H club by giving a persuasive speech or demonstration. The contestants are judged and a national winner is selected. The topics of the demonstrations can be anything related to the horse industry.

  1. Like Your Topic

    • The 4-H club requires presenters to base presenations on a strong horse related topic. Topics must be heavily related to the horse industry, but contestants have free choice within the category, so take the time to pick a topic you feel strongly about. You will need to be able to answer judges' questions as well as provide an interesting and accurate assessment of the topic.

    Be Prepared

    • 4H allows contestants a specific amount of time to make their speech (seven to 10 minutes) or their presentation (nine to 12 minutes for individuals, 12 to 15 minutes for pairs). You will need to give a complete presentation within the allotted time or you will have points deducted from your score by the judges. According to the Washington State University 4-H, demonstrations are preferred over illustrations, and contestants may be marked down for relying too heavily on notes while giving their presentation or speech.

    Speak Well

    • To succeed at the National level as a presenter you need to be a good public speaker. You should be able to make eye contact with the judges and audience as well as appear comfortable talking to the crowd. Practice giving your speech or demonstration until it feels natural and you are at ease doing it.

    Appearance Matters

    • While 4H has no specific rules exist how contestants should be dressed, contestants are expected to dress professionally and points can be deducted if judges determine that they are not appropriately attired. Wear neat, clean dress clothes during the presentation. However, be sure to wear clothing you can still move in if your demonstration requires you to be physically active or perform a specific task.