Horse Judging
The primary purpose of NYS 4-H Horse Judging contest is to recognize 4-H horse project members with outstanding knowledge of equine conformation and performance and also with outstanding skill in the presentation of oral explanations of their evaluation of the equines used in the contest. This contest is not always offered at the county and regional level, but it is offered at the State and National event. This contest provides a means for the selection of individuals to represent the state in regional and national competition is of secondary importance. The state judging contest is normally held on a Saturday during the month of April. For the state contest youth who are new to judging are able to participate in the Novice division, this allows them a chance to learn and not jump right into their Junior or Senior division if it is their first time judging!
How to get involved:
- Become a 4-H member at your local county office
- Contact your local 4-H county educator
- Join a Horse Judging team, or study as an individual
- For more information you can also contact jms943 [at] cornell.edu (Jessica Tyson), NYS 4-H Horse Educational Events Coordinator
2023 NYS 4-H Horse Program Judging Contest Information
Date & Time
Date: Sunday, August 27, 2023
Time: Registration begins at 7:30 am / Events begins at 8:00 am SHARP!
Location
4-H Youth Arena
Registration & Deadlines
Registration opens on Friday, June 30, 2023 and closes on Friday, August 4, 2023. Only CCE County Educator or staff will be able to register youth via the CCE Event Registration for Programs portal. Registration for this event is online only.
Qualifying & Awards
Any youth selected by their region is eligible to complete at the state contest. There will be three team levels – Advanced (Junior or Senior team members allowed), Junior (Junior team members only), and Novice. Each county may enter two teams of no more than four 4-H horse project members. Contestants must be at least nine years of age before January 1 of the current year but not have been nineteen prior to January 1 of the current year.
Each participant will receive a rosette and certificate. The top 4 seniors will be asked to join the NYS 4-H Horse Nationals Team and will travel to Louisville, KY, to compete at the Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup.
Resources
- AQHA-Competitive Horse Judging
- North Carolina Horse Judging Resource Material
- Washington State Extension 4-H Horse Judging Manual
- University of Kentucky Horse Judging Manual
- University of Arkansas Halter
- University of Illinois 4-H Horse Judging Manual
- National 4-H Horse Curriculum
- PA 4-H Horse Program – YouTube Horse Judging
- TAMU Virtual Horse Judging Contest
For more information
Colleen Wersinger, NYS 4-H Horse Judging Chairperson, at colleenwersinger [at] gmail.com (colleenwersinger[at]gmail[dot]com).