2010 State 4-H Horse Judging scheduled for May 01, 2010

Each spring, usually in May, the State 4-H Horse Judging contest is held in Athens, Georgia at the UGA Instructional Arena. This contest is open to 4-Hers from all over Georgia ages 9-19. County teams of up to twenty members compete against one another.

Contestants judge eight classes, four conformation and four performance classes. In addition, they give 2-4 sets of reasons to justify their placings and explain their decisions. 4-H'ers not only learn the basics of judging and placing horses, they also learn the valuable life skills of decision making, critical thinking, organization, teamwork, competition, public speaking, and self confidence.

Top teams and individuals are recognized, and awards are given. Members of the 1st place Senior team become Master 4-H'ers and win the right to represent Georgia at the National 4-H Horse Judging Contest in Louisville, Kentucky. The second and third place senior teams have the opportunity to travel to the Southern Regional 4-H Horse Judging Contest.

County teams begin forming and practices begin about two months before the State Contest, some time in March in most cases. Contact your local County Extension office to sign up now.

Beginning in 2009, a Hippology contest is offered in conjunction with State 4-H Horse Judging, for Senior participants only the first year.