Virginia's Highland County Fair
Virginia's Highland County Fair

75th Highland County Fair Horse Show

Chairpersons: Allison Ruleman

 August 29, 2026

386 Myers Moon Road

Monterey, VA 

The show office will be located near the ingate and will open at 8:00 AM the day of the show.

$20 Entry Fee Day Of Show. $10 Entry Fee Pre-Register by August 26 

Paybacks:1st $30, 2nd $15, 3rd $10, 4th $5

 Judge: TBA

 !Proof of Vaccination Within 6 Months & Negative Coggins Required For Entry! 

General Information

  • Pre-Entries will open July 26 and close August 26 at midnight.
  • Show management reserves the right to combine, cancel, and split classes as it deems necessary for the betterment of the competition. Classes require a minimum of 3 entries.
  • Show management reserves the right to dismiss any horse for any reason including but not limited to: lameness, abuse, body condition, poor sportsmanship.
  • Highland County Fair, its staff, horse show workers, and officials, will not be held responsible for any accident, illness, or loss which may occur to any exhibitor, spectator, groom, or animal at the show.
  • Six ribbons will be awarded in each class. Champion and Reserve Champion ribbons will be awarded for morning hunter divisions.
  • All exhibitors must wear ASTM approved headgear at all times when showing or schooling over fences.
  • The show office will be located near the ingate and will open at 8:00 AM the day of the show.
  • Bolar Ruritan will have concessions available.

Payment by Check or Cash Only

  • $20.00/Class on Day Of Show (Grounds fee applied)
  • $10.00 Pre-Registered by August 26
  • Paybacks: 1st $30, 2nd $15, 3rd $10, 4th $5

Management reserves the right to make changes to class order if necessary to benefit the overall show.

Schooling

  • Schooling will be permitted prior to the start of the show on the day of competition ending promptly at 8:30 AM.
  • Any non-showing horses must show a negative Coggins.

Rules

  • An open check or exact cash must be left with registration to pick up number.
  • $35 for all returned checks.
  • All participants are highly encouraged to register online or they will incur a grounds fee for day of registration.
  • Add/Scratch must be completed 2 classes in advance or forfeit fee.
  • Tack Changes have 4 min. between and must inform the ring steward.
  • Each horse/rider pair MUST have their own entry form.
  • Riders under 16 must have adults accompany them for any add/scratch.
  • Age of exhibitors based on age the day of the show.
  • Jumping classes are open to all breeds.
  • Rail classes with 20 or more entries will be split.
  • In walk/trot classes horses are restricted to these gaits. Horses who break to canter may be excused from the arena at show’s discretion.
  • Saddles MUST be used in all classes except in-hand and costume.
  • Horses PROHIBITED on carnival grounds.
  • No DOGS are permitted on the fair grounds unless they are service animals.
  • Alcohol prohibited anywhere on grounds.
  • In order for the reduced fee available via early registration, entry must be COMPLETE including Coggins! If incomplete no reduced fee will apply.
  • Exhibitors MUST show with their designated back number. If their number does not match their registered number, they will be disqualified and not able to place in their class(es).
  • If a back number needs to be changed, it is the exhibitor’s responsibility to make registration staff aware of this change.
  • Any attendee engaged in inappropriate behavior as determined by the show committee will be asked to leave.
  • All participants and/or guardians must sign an equine liability waiver which adheres to the Assumption of Risk, that participants and spectators assume the inherent risk associated with equine activities while on the fairgrounds.

Class Description

Beginner Rider– Open to riders 12 years of age and under. Cross Rails not to exceed 18”. Simple changes will not be penalized. May not cross enter into any division over 18”. 

Hopeful Hunter– Open to any horse or rider in their first or second year of showing, mounted on horses or ponies, excluding the Beginner Rider division. Fences 2’0”. Once a rider shows over fences 2’3” or higher they are no longer eligible for the Hopeful Hunter Division. To be judged on performance, manners, and way of going. The rider may not jump higher than 2’0″ at the same horse show.

Low Hunter – Open to all. Judged on performance, manners, and way of going. Fences 2’3”.

Open Equitation On The Flat- Open to All. To be shown at a walk, trot, and canter both ways of the ring and judged on position, control, and guidance. USEF tests 1- 19 may be used, excluding those requiring work over fences. Three entries are necessary to fill this class. Riders must stay within

their age group if classes are split by age.

Knock Down And Out -Starts at 2’9 and raises. Knocked Rail is eliminated until the highest clear jump wins. 

Costume – Open to All. 

Mini Showmanship– Open to all minis, performed in-hand 

Open Showmanship– Open to all, performed in-hand 

Leadline – Children 10 & Under. May not cross enter any Beginner Division. 

Beginner Youth– All tack. Ages 12 and under. Walk Only. Coaching Allowed. May not cross enter any division that includes trot or canter. 

Open Beginner– All tack. All Ages. May not cross enter into any class with canter or lope. 

All Day Pleasure Walking– Gaited only. All ages. Walk, Trail Walk, and Pleasure Gait. 

Youth Hunter– Age 18 and Under. English Tack Only. Walk Trot Canter. 

Country Pleasure Walking– Gaited only. Flat walk, running walk.

Youth Western All Day– Age 18 and Under. Western Only. Walk, jog, lope. 

Show Pleasure Walking– Gaited only. Show walk/ show gate. 

Open Hunter Under Saddle– English Tack. Walk, Trot, Canter. 

Open Ranch Rail- All breeds. All ages. Walk, jog, lope. May include tests at  judges discretion.

Highland Resident All Day– Resident of Highland Only. Walk, trot, jog, pleasure gait. 

Gaited Command Class– Gaited Only. All Tack. Perform Test on Command. 

Open Western– All ages. Walk, jog, lope. 

Open Pair– All tack. All ages. Walk, trot, jog, pleasure gait.

Family Class– All tack. Walk, trot, jog, pleasure gait. 

Break N’ Out Command– All Tack. All Ages. Walk, trot, lope, canter. Various tests at judges discretion. 

9:00 AM - Hunter Over Fences - 3 Divisions

  1. Pre Beginner – Course A – poles around the outside
  2. Pre Beginner – Course B – poles around the outside
  3. Pre Beginner Undersaddle – walk with short trot
  4. Beginner Rider – Course A – cross rails/not to exceed 18″/no cross entering
  5. Beginner Rider – Course B – cross rails/not to exceed 18″/no cross entering
  6. Beginner Rider Undersaddle – walk/trot/no cantering
  7. Hopeful Hunter – Course A – fences not to exceed 2’0
  8. Hopeful Hunter – Course B – fences not to exceed 2’0
  9. Hopeful Hunter Undersaddle – walk/trot/canter
  10. Low Hunter – Course A – fences not to exceed 2’3
  11. Low Hunter – Course B – fences not to exceed 2’3
  12. Low Hunter Undersaddle – walk/trot/canter
  13. Open Equitation on the Flat – walk/trot/canter
    judge may choose from use of flat equitation tests
  14. MINI Derby – 2’3 with possible 2’6 options. One round. Hunt & Go Style.
    $100 winner takes all
  15. Costume Class – horses may be ridden or led

Open Show - Not to Start Before 12:00 Noon

  1. Performance Halter: Mares – in hand
  2. Performance Halter: Geldings – in hand
  3. Open Showmanship – all ages
  4. Leadline – children 10 and under – all tack/prizes for all entries/no payback
  5. Beginner Youth – all tack/ages 12 and under/walk only
  6. Open Beginner, Go As You Please – walk/trot/jog
  7. Open Beginner, Pleasure – walk/trot
  8. Open Beginner, Equitation – walk/trot/jog
  9. Youth Hunter Undersaddle – walk/trot
  10. Youth Hunter Undersaddle – walk/trot/canter
  11. Youth Hunter Equitation – walk/trot/canter
  12. Youth Western Pleasure – walk/jog
  13. Youth Western Pleasure – walk/jog/lope
  14. Youth Western Horsemanship – walk/jog/lope-pattern
  15. Open Hunter Undersaddle – walk/trot
  16. Open Hunter Undersaddle – walk/trot/canter
  17. Open Hunter Equitation – walk/trot/canter-pattern
  18. Open Ranch Rail – walk/trot/lope
  19. Open Ranch Riding – pattern/maneuvers
  20. Highland Residents, All Day – walk/trot/pleasure gait
  21. Open Western Pleasure – walk/jog
  22. Open Western Pleasure – walk/jog/lope
  23. Open Western Horsemanship – walk/jog/lope-pattern
  24. Open Pair – all tack/all ages/walk/trot/jog, pleasure gait
  25. Family Class – all tack/all ages/walk/trot/pleasure gait
  26. Open Barrel Racing – Timed Class
  27. Open Key Hole – Timed Class

Mission Statement 

To preserve, maintain, and execute the Highland County Fair Horse Show by honoring its history, promoting friendly and safe competition, and showcasing local horses and riders for the community. 

A huge THANKS to ALL the volunteers, friends, parents, trainers, and sponsors  who work tirelessly to ensure this show remains a highlight for equestrians throughout the community!