The Stanislaus County Fair Board of Directors has decided to cancel all junior horse events for the 2026 fair, citing low local participation and financial losses. Despite the horse show being a long-standing pre-fair tradition, participation from Stanislaus County has declined significantly in recent years, with only 20 local participants in 2025 and 10 in 2024. The event had been moved to the Diamond Bar arena due to the fair’s arena not meeting show standards. Fair CEO Kim Williams expressed hope that the horse show might eventually return.

The cancellation has sparked disappointment and criticism from the local community, especially from parents and 4-H members who feel the decision was made without proper consultation. Abigail Cahoon of River Oaks 4-H highlighted that many young riders rely on the horse show as their primary project and that the cancellation removes their opportunity to qualify for the California State Fair. She also noted the impact of COVID-19 on participation numbers but emphasized ongoing efforts to rebuild the horse group. The lack of communication from the Fair board to 4-H leaders before the announcement has further fueled frustration.