I am going to a show in the middle of November that states on the show bill that “4H rules apply.” I have no idea what those are, and am wondering if they are anything like AQHA rules where my mare would have to go one handed in a shank bit in western due to her age? We show western dressage in a snaffle, two handed, and I have only just started to play around with riding her one handed but still in her snaffle bit. Trying to decide if I want to show western and English, or maybe just English if they expect us one handed in western.
Specific 4-H rules usually vary by area. Find your local club and contact them for their rules.
4-H rules are usually much more lax than AQHA (still safety oriented, but showing in a snaffle may be fine for you).
Always interesting to see fellow board members on multiple horse forums. 
I answered your post on the other forum. Check the Michigan 4H rule book!
Most states use AQHA rules for their western 4-H divisions. Just do a google search for your state’s handbook, or contact your county 4-H agent.
Make sure your western bridle has a throatlatch if they use 4H rules, that would be one difference I can think of.
The snaffle vs curb (in 4 H) depends on the level of rider. Beginners can use a snaffle even on an older horse, but I am guessing this show isn’t breaking rider’s down by 4H level, so not sure how that would translate.
in Michigan 4-H western riding divisions y our horses age determines if you can show in a snaffle or shanked bit. And if you ride in a shanked bit you must ride one handed, or you will be disqualified.
Finally pinned down a co-worker that is a 4H leader (and also going to this show), and she confirmed that because my mare is 7 I would have to go one handed in a shanked bit in the western classes. So, English showing it is! Not that I am too heart broken. I think I will fit in better in the English vs in the western classes where AQHA western pleasure types reign supreme.
