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Junior horse shows continue despite cancellations at county fairs
fair horse show
The Stanislaus County Fair has held its Junior Horse Show at the Diamond Bar Arena over the past few years. The Fair announced on Jan. 6 that it was canceling the 2026 Junior Horse Show altogether. - photo by Photo Contributed

Despite the cancellation of horse shows at both the Los Banos Spring Fair and the Stanislaus County Fair, 4‑H and FFA riders will still have several opportunities to compete this spring, according to organizers.

In a notice to youth exhibitors, longtime show volunteer Charlie Alamo said that “even though the Los Banos Spring Fair and the Stanislaus County have decided to eliminate their horse shows, there are still four junior horse shows to participate in.”

Fair officials in Los Banos and Stanislaus County announced earlier this year that their horse shows would be cut from the 2026 lineup, citing budget constraints, scheduling conflicts and declining participation. The decision left many families concerned about limited opportunities for youth riders, who rely on spring shows to qualify for awards, gain experience and prepare for summer fair competitions.

To fill the gap, organizers have expanded or restructured several independent junior shows across the region.

The West Side Junior Horse Show, created to replace the Los Banos Spring Fair’s event, will be held April 12 at the KC Arena in Livingston. Entries are due April 4 and must be mailed in. “Information can be found on Facebook under West Side Junior Horse Show,” the notice said.

The Stanislaus Benefit Show is scheduled for April 25–26 at the Merced Horsemen’s Arena. The first day will feature the horse show, followed by gymkhana events on the second day. The show is open only to 4‑H and FFA members, and entries must be mailed.

The Stanislaus County Junior Horse Show, which replaces the former Stanislaus County Fair horse show, will take place May 16–17 at Diamond Bar Arena. Additional information is available on Facebook, and entries must be submitted online.

Riders will also have the opportunity to compete at the Merced County Fair Horse Show on May 30–31, also at the Merced Horsemen’s Arena. The Merced Fair Exhibitor Handbook has not yet been released, but entries will be completed online once available.

Alamo said the goal is to ensure that youth exhibitors still have a full slate of opportunities this season, even without the traditional fair‑hosted shows. “There are still four junior horse shows to participate in,” the notice emphasized, encouraging families to check deadlines and entry requirements early.