Despite the cancellation of horse shows at the Los Banos Spring Fair and the Stanislaus County Fair due to budget issues, scheduling conflicts, and declining participation, 4-H and FFA youth riders will still have multiple opportunities to compete this spring. Organizers have expanded and restructured independent junior horse shows in the region to fill the gap, ensuring that young exhibitors can continue to gain experience and qualify for awards.

Four key junior horse shows are scheduled: the West Side Junior Horse Show on April 12 in Livingston, the Stanislaus Benefit Show on April 25–26 in Merced, the Stanislaus County Junior Horse Show on May 16–17 at Diamond Bar arena, and the Merced County Fair Horse Show on May 30–31. Entries for these events have varying submission deadlines and formats, with information available on Facebook or through fair websites. Organizers emphasize the importance of checking deadlines and entry requirements to maintain a full competitive season for youth riders.