About Horse Judging

Are you interested?

Horse Judging is a team event in which 4-H'ers test their horse evaluation skills against those of an "official judge". A contest usually consists of 4 halter and 4 performance classes. Each class consists of 4 horses/riders which are judged against the specific criteria for the class i.e. halter, showmanship pattern, reining pattern, English or Western pleasure, trail, etc. The participant observes all four horses then places the horses in order 1^st - 2^nd - 3^rd - 4^th (from the best to the least best horse in the class) in their opinion. Using a mathematical calculation and standard formula, scores are then determined for each class for the contestant compared to the official judge's placing. Contestants learn to justify their placings for classes by telling the judge "why" they placed the class the way they did by giving reasons and/or by answering questions at various contests. Team and often individual awards are usually given.

Senior 4-H age Coryell County 4-H'ers can earn the right to advance to the Texas 4-H Roundup event in horse judging. Horse judging is one of the few state contests which provide an opportunity to advance to a regional and even a national level as 4-H participants.

There are several opportunities for interested youth to participate as a Coryell County 4-H Horse Judging team member in contests.

If you are of 4-H age (eight years old and in the third grade - through age 18 as of August 31^st ) and would be interested in learning horse judging we need to hear from you. We also welcome volunteer leaders into our program who have a dedicated interest in working with youth to teach horse judging skills.

Please call soon and let Marilyn know if you are interested!

(254) 865-2414

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Mention or display of a trademark, proprietary product, or firm in text or figures on this page or subsequently linked pages does not constitute an endorsement by any Extension page authors and does not imply approval to the exclusion of other suitable products or firms. Furthermore, Extension programs serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

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This page maintained by Marilyn Prause, County Extension Agent 4-H, Gatesville, Texas.
This page last modified on: March 29, 2000