UGA Extension Office

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