Written By: Allison Perkins, UGA Extension, Bartow County 4-H Agent
Horse Judging is a team contest in which 4-H’ers acquire a better knowledge of horses and develop skills in the selection of horses, while learning the basic principles of animal science. Participants learn to identify breeds of horses and judge classes of horses based on conformation and performance. Beyond technical skills, judging teams develop self-confidence, self-esteem, and responsibility. The experience encourages leadership, communication, and teamwork in a supportive environment. During the horse judging contest, youth will judge both halter and performance classes for a total of 7-8 classes. After the judging portion is complete, the youth provide oral reasons explaining their placings for the class, building critical thinking and public speaking skills.
The 4-H Hippology Contest is a comprehensive, skills-based competition in which participants demonstrate the extent of their knowledge and understanding of equine science and husbandry. Participants are able to develop a knowledge and respect for the equine industry, the issues specific to that industry, and its importance to the community, the state, and the international economy. The content encourages integrity, sportsmanship, decision-making abilities, and public speaking skills. Components include a written test, skill station, judging competition, and a team problem where groups work collaboratively to develop the best solution.
Georgia 4-H horse programs are open to youth in 4th-12th grade, and county offices across the state will begin practices soon. Families interested in participating or adults interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact your local University of Georgia Cooperative Extension office, https://extension.uga.edu/, or visit www.georgia4h.org.
Georgia 4-H offers a wide range of equine programs that help young people, whether they own horses or simply love them, to build skills, confidence, and knowledge in the horse industry. Two major statewide events are approaching quickly: horse judging and horse hippology contests, both scheduled for June 2nd in Perry, Georgia.
Horse Judging is a team contest in which 4-H’ers acquire a better knowledge of horses and develop skills in the selection of horses, while learning the basic principles of animal science. Participants learn to identify breeds of horses and judge classes of horses based on conformation and performance. Beyond technical skills, judging teams develop self-confidence, self-esteem, and responsibility. The experience encourages leadership, communication, and teamwork in a supportive environment. During the horse judging contest, youth will judge both halter and performance classes for a total of 7-8 classes. After the judging portion is complete, the youth provide oral reasons explaining their placings for the class, building critical thinking and public speaking skills.
The 4-H Hippology Contest is a comprehensive, skills-based competition in which participants demonstrate the extent of their knowledge and understanding of equine science and husbandry. Participants are able to develop a knowledge and respect for the equine industry, the issues specific to that industry, and its importance to the community, the state, and the international economy. The content encourages integrity, sportsmanship, decision-making abilities, and public speaking skills. Components include a written test, skill station, judging competition, and a team problem where groups work collaboratively to develop the best solution.
Georgia 4-H horse programs are open to youth in 4th-12th grade, and county offices across the state will begin practices soon. Families interested in participating or adults interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact your local University of Georgia Cooperative Extension office, https://extension.uga.edu/, or visit www.georgia4h.org.
