Submitted photoShown is the Junior Horse Judging Team – Anna Argo, Paisley Hurst, Hayley Law and Matthew Mullins.

ATHENS, Ga. — Eighty youth participated at the 2019 Georgia 4-H Hippology and Horse Judging Contest hosted by Georgia 4-H on May 3-4 at the University of Georgia Livestock Instructional Arena in Athens, Ga. 

The Equine Program is dedicated to teaching Georgia’s youth equine husbandry as well as life skills such as critical thinking, teamwork and oral communication skills. The Hippology Contest is a major event for the Georgia 4-H Equine Program, a culmination of many months, sometimes years, of hard work. This innovative event provides 4-H’ers with an opportunity for horse project members to use their horse project knowledge, advancing their knowledge, abilities and confidence. 

“This is my favorite 4-H Horse Program contest because it combines elements from other contests such as Quiz Bowl and Horse Judging,” said Dr. Kari Turner, UGA Equine Extension Specialist. “It allows the different, individual strengths of each team member to contribute to the team as a whole. Everyone has time to shine!”

The primary objective of the Hippology Contest is to provide in a friendly but competitive opportunity for 4-H youth to demonstrate the breadth of their knowledge and understanding of equine science and management, specifically the practical application of this knowledge and skills developed from other project activities such as quiz bowl, horse judging, speaking and demonstrations, and general horse program.  

Hippology Competition is comprised of four categories: Examination Phase, Station Phase, Judging Phase and Team Problem. The first place Senior Team and High Individual of the Contest will earn Georgia Master 4-H’er status and be honored at Georgia State 4-H Congress in July in Atlanta. The overall first and second placed teams in the Georgia 4-H State Contest also earn the honor of representing Georgia in the Southern Regional 4-H Horse Championship contest held in Perry, GA the first week in August.

The Horse Judging competition is a major event for the Georgia 4-H Horse Program, a culmination of many months, sometimes years, of hard work. Youth participating in the Horse Judging Program receive important life skills, such as confidence, independence and compassion. They also have the opportunity to strengthen their communication and leadership skills in an environment which allows contribution to a group effort, encouraging teamwork and collaboration with a diverse group of peers.

“Learning about standards of various horse breeds is fun and can even lead to a professional career as a horse show judge,” said Dr. Julia McCann, UGA equine specialist. “But learning to confidently defend decisions for placing classes not only enhances horsemanship skills and insight but refines oral skills that may impact interview or public speaking skills in a positive manner.”  

The main components of the contest are placing a class of either conformation halter or performance horse classes as well as justifying their placing decision through a set of oral reasons. The 4-Hers are awarded higher scores for reasons that are accurate, confidently presented and organized to create a clear picture of the horses and justify their placing decision.   

The winners will earn Georgia Master 4-H’er status and be honored at Georgia State 4-H Congress in July in Atlanta. The overall first and second placed teams in the Georgia 4-H State Contest also earn the honor of representing Georgia in the Southern Regional 4-H Horse Championship contest held in Perry the first week in August.

The Thomas County Junior Hippology Team member Paisley Hurst was recognized for placing fourth in the state in the Junior Hippology Written Test. The Thomas County Junior Horse Judging Team A finished fifth in the state in Junior Horse Judging Team Performance. The members included; Paisley Hurst, Matthew Mullins, Anna Argo and Hayley Law. The Thomas County Junior Most Valuable Player was Paisley Hurst.

The Thomas County Senior Horse Judging Team finished fourth in the State in Senior Team Confirmation and fifth in the state in Senior Team Reasons. Team members included; Allie Ann Wheeler, Hannah Lamb, Cannon Wheeler and Je’Niece Manning. The Thomas County Senior Most Valuable Player was Allie Ann Wheeler.

The teams were coached by Thomas County 4-H Extension Agent Cindy Wynn. Certified Volunteer Chrissy Wheeler attended as a chaperone.

Georgia 4-H empowers youth to become true leaders by developing necessary life skills, positive relationships and community awareness. As the largest youth leadership organization in the state, 4-H reaches more than 175,000 people annually through the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension offices and 4-H facilities. For more information, visit georgia4h.org or contact your local Thomas Extension office at (229) 225-4130.