Commonly Asked Questions
How do I know if a show has been cancelled? The Schooley Mill Show Series is held at one of Howard
County's most beautiful equestrian parks - Schooley Mill Park and the show rings located at the
Howard County Fairgrounds.
For the shows scheduled at Schooley Mill Park, Howard County Parks and Recs determines whether a
show will be cancelled due to weather and ring conditions. Each morning, a representative from Parks
and Recs travel to each park and determine whether the park will remain open. A voice message is
posted at 410-313-4458. Please call this number after 7:00 a.m. the morning of the show. We realize
that, at times, this is an inconvenience, but the show series is dependent on Parks and Recs personnel to
determine if the Park will be open.
For the shows scheduled at the Howard County Fairgrounds, contact Joan Bosmans at 410-531-2370 to
determine if the show has been cancelled due to inclement weather.
Do I have to join the Show Series to show my horse or pony? No you do not have to join. But points are
accumulated only for Show Series members. Each year, we have a wonderful banquet where everyone is
a winner!
Do I have to be in 4-H to show in the Show Series? No, you do not have to be in 4-H. This is a 4-H
sponsored show, but mambership in 4-H is not a requirement.
Do you offer Championship ribbons at each show? We do not offer Championship ribbons. Six ribbons
are awarded in all classes. At our banquet, Championship and Reserve Championship ribbons are
presented for each division.
How old do you have to be to participate? Riders up to the age of 18 as of January 1st can participate.
We now have a new Schooling Division in which riders over 18 can participate. Schooling Division riders
do not accumulate points and do not qualify for year-end awards.
Can I ride in a class unjudged? Yes, you can ride in a class unjudged but you must pay the standard fee
for that class.
Can I show in more than one division? An exhibitor may only show in only one division at a time. They
may decide to switch divisions, but points from the previous division will not follow.
What are the volunteer requirements for this Show Series? This Show Series is a volunteer based
series. In order for a member to accumulate points and qualify for year-end awards, an adult family
member (over 18) must work one entire show. If more than one family member is participating as a
rider, then an adult family member must work two shows.Members must sign up for their volunteer day
when they complete their membership form. You will be reminded of your volunteer committment two
weeks prior to the show.
Do I have to wear a helmet when showing? This series is sponsored by Howard County 4-H and all
exhibitors must follow standard 4-H safety procedures. Approved ASTM/SEI helmits and hard toed
shoes are required for all participants whenever mounted.
What type of footing is in the show arena? Schooley Mill Park has a sand based arena and the ring at
the Howard County Fairgrounds is stone dust.
What time do the shows start? The show starts at 9:00 a.m. promptly, except for the July show which
begins at 8:00 a.m. to avoid the heat. Also, the July show includes an additional Showmanship Class
(English and Western) and the order of classes are switched whereby the Western classes goes first,
followed by the English divisions.
Maryland Cooperative Extension 4-H programs are open to all citizens without regard to race, color,
gender, disability, religion, age, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, or national origin.
County's most beautiful equestrian parks - Schooley Mill Park and the show rings located at the
Howard County Fairgrounds.
For the shows scheduled at Schooley Mill Park, Howard County Parks and Recs determines whether a
show will be cancelled due to weather and ring conditions. Each morning, a representative from Parks
and Recs travel to each park and determine whether the park will remain open. A voice message is
posted at 410-313-4458. Please call this number after 7:00 a.m. the morning of the show. We realize
that, at times, this is an inconvenience, but the show series is dependent on Parks and Recs personnel to
determine if the Park will be open.
For the shows scheduled at the Howard County Fairgrounds, contact Joan Bosmans at 410-531-2370 to
determine if the show has been cancelled due to inclement weather.
Do I have to join the Show Series to show my horse or pony? No you do not have to join. But points are
accumulated only for Show Series members. Each year, we have a wonderful banquet where everyone is
a winner!
Do I have to be in 4-H to show in the Show Series? No, you do not have to be in 4-H. This is a 4-H
sponsored show, but mambership in 4-H is not a requirement.
Do you offer Championship ribbons at each show? We do not offer Championship ribbons. Six ribbons
are awarded in all classes. At our banquet, Championship and Reserve Championship ribbons are
presented for each division.
How old do you have to be to participate? Riders up to the age of 18 as of January 1st can participate.
We now have a new Schooling Division in which riders over 18 can participate. Schooling Division riders
do not accumulate points and do not qualify for year-end awards.
Can I ride in a class unjudged? Yes, you can ride in a class unjudged but you must pay the standard fee
for that class.
Can I show in more than one division? An exhibitor may only show in only one division at a time. They
may decide to switch divisions, but points from the previous division will not follow.
What are the volunteer requirements for this Show Series? This Show Series is a volunteer based
series. In order for a member to accumulate points and qualify for year-end awards, an adult family
member (over 18) must work one entire show. If more than one family member is participating as a
rider, then an adult family member must work two shows.Members must sign up for their volunteer day
when they complete their membership form. You will be reminded of your volunteer committment two
weeks prior to the show.
Do I have to wear a helmet when showing? This series is sponsored by Howard County 4-H and all
exhibitors must follow standard 4-H safety procedures. Approved ASTM/SEI helmits and hard toed
shoes are required for all participants whenever mounted.
What type of footing is in the show arena? Schooley Mill Park has a sand based arena and the ring at
the Howard County Fairgrounds is stone dust.
What time do the shows start? The show starts at 9:00 a.m. promptly, except for the July show which
begins at 8:00 a.m. to avoid the heat. Also, the July show includes an additional Showmanship Class
(English and Western) and the order of classes are switched whereby the Western classes goes first,
followed by the English divisions.
Maryland Cooperative Extension 4-H programs are open to all citizens without regard to race, color,
gender, disability, religion, age, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, or national origin.