Welcome!

The 4-H for Horses Building is a one-of-a-kind, interactive space hosted by the NYS 4-H Horse Program at the Great New York State Fair. It’s the ONLY place on the fairgrounds where visitors of all ages can meet real horses up close, learn about equine care, and connect with our amazing 4-H youth leaders. Every day, thousands of families, kids, and community members discover what 4-H is all about while our youth build skills in public speaking, animal care, and leadership.

You’ll find us at the NYS Fair tucked between the 4-H Youth Building and the warm-up ring behind the Colosseum every day from August 20 – September 1, 2024. The building will be open daily from 10 AM – 6 PM. Come by to see the horses, watch live demos, play games, and meet our youth leaders!

When you visit, you’ll get to:

• Meet real, friendly horses up close.
• Watch our youth demonstrate grooming and horse care.
• Learn fun facts about careers in the horse industry and equine science.
• Enjoy family-friendly games, crafts, and hands-on activities.
• Ask questions and learn how to get involved with 4-H.

The 4-H for Horses Building runs entirely on donations, gifts, and dedicated volunteers who make each day possible. It takes a whole community to care for our horses, greet thousands of visitors, and keep our barn safe and fun!

Here’s how you can help:

Donate or Give a Gift

• Make a cash donation to cover hay, bedding, and supplies.
• Purchase items from the 4-H For Horses Amazon Gift Registry — delivered directly to us!
• Donate horse-quality hay, grooming tools, or other needed items.

Volunteer Your Time

We’re looking for friendly, horse-loving volunteers to help run activities, talk with visitors about 4-H, and help coordinate daily tasks like opening and closing. 

• Shifts are flexible — 4–6 hours any day of the fair
• Volunteers get to spend time in the barn, help with games and crafts, share horse knowledge, and have fun at the Fair.
• The building is open 10 AM – 6 PM daily (hours permitted by the horses).

For more information

• For more information on ways you can help, see our Support and Giving Guide
• Interested in volunteering? Email Brieanna at bh548 [at] cornell.edu (bh548[at]cornell[dot]edu) — we’d love to have you on the team!