Horse Judging and Hippology
HORSE JUDGING
What is Horse Judging?
- Horse Judging is an equine-based event that allows 4-H’ers a chance to build their horsemanship skills by evaluating halter and performance events. 4-H’ers then have the opportunity to defend their placings in selected classes with a set of oral reasons and a question-based class. This contest will help build up a 4-H'ers self-esteem, motivation and sense of responsibility. It will also strengthen their communication and leadership skills as well.
Who is eligible to participate?
- Horse Judging is open to 4-H youth in grades 4th - 12th.
What is the Horse Judging competition like?
- In this competition, participants are evaluating a set of 4 horses in a series of 6 classes. 3 of those classes will be judged upon a horse's conformation and the other 3 classes will be judged based on their performance. After the classes, participants will have the opportunity to defend their rankings through a set of oral reasons. Juniors will give 2 sets of oral reasons (1 conformation class and 1 performance class) and Seniors are expected to give 3 sets of oral reasons.
Will there be practices? When is the competition?
- Yes - there will be practices included in the bi- weekly horse club meeting
- State competition will be held in April/May
HIPPOLOGY
What is Hippology?
- Hippology refers to the study of horses. This contest is a comprehensive, skills-based competition in which 4-H’ers demonstrate the extent of their knowledge and understanding of equine science. Since this is a team-based competition, this will allow the youth the opportunity to help develop their social skills by: learning to cooperate with others as well as bonding as a team to help work towards accomplishing a common goal. Some other life skills that are strengthened through the Hippology experience are: integrity, sportsmanship, decision making abilities and public speaking skills.
Who is eligible to participate?
- Hippology is open to 4-H youth in grades 4th – 12th.
What is the Hippology competition like?
- There are 4 different components to this competition:
- Written Exam
- ID Station
- Horse Judging
- Team Problem - team members work together to solve a specific issue as it relates to equine management
Will there be practices? When is the competition?
- Yes - there will be practices that will be included in the bi-weekly horse club meeting
- State competition will be held in April/May
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact our Horse Club leader: Rebecca Jenkins at: (770) 288-8426 or by email at rjenkins@co.henry.ga.us