Learning Outcomes
The primary objective of the Hippology Contest is to provide, in a friendly but competitive setting, an opportunity for youth enrolled in 4-H to demonstrate the breadth of their knowledge and understanding of equine science and management, and in particular the practical application of this knowledge and skill. This activity will provide the 4-H horse project members the opportunity to utilize knowledge and skills developed from other project activities such as Quiz Bowl, horse judging, speaking and demonstrations, and general horse program. The objectives of the 4-H Hippology contest are as follows:
- Provide additional educational opportunities for horse project members
- Develop skills such as decision making, communication, team building, self-confidence, and leadership
- Provide an opportunity to inter-relate horse project knowledge
- Provide an opportunity for horse project members to use their horse project knowledge
- To advance knowledge, abilities, skills, and attitudes
- To measure and recognize horse project achievement
Eligibility
- Cloverleaf/Juniors: 4th – 8th grade.
- Seniors: 9th – 12th grade.
- Counties are invited to send teams of three to four members. In teams in which there are four members, all will compete, but the lowest score within each section will be removed so that only the three highest scores will count towards the team total. All team members’ scores will be considered in making all individual awards. Teams consisting of three members will have no alternate and all members’ score will count in determining individual and team awards.
- Individuals are not eligible to compete in the Georgia 4-H State Hippology Contest.
- Counties cannot mix grade divisions to comprise a team. All members on the Junior team must meet the Junior grade requirements and all members on the Senior team must meet the Senior grade requirements. Teams may compete in both the 4-H State Horse Judging Contest and the 4-H State Hippology Contest.
- Eligibility is determined by the grade level during the 2024-2025 school year.
Competition Guidelines
The State Horse Judging Contest will be held in conjunction with the State Hippology Judging Competition. If youth are participating in both Hippology and Horse Judging, they will need to be entered on event registration under each competition.
The format and content of the contest is explained in the Rules and Guidelines tab below.
Awards
- Each participant will receive an award pin.
- Medals will be given to the top three winning Senior and Junior teams and Senior and Junior Overall Individuals at the state contest.
- The first-place Senior team members (including team alternates) are eligible to advance to the designated national contest. Participates may only compete in one contest per year at the Western National 4-H Horse Classic Roundup in Denver, CO. After competing in this contest, they are ineligible to compete in the same specific contest again at the Roundup.  Contestants must not have competed previously in this contest in the Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup in Louisville or the Western National 4-H Horse Classic in Denver, CO.
The 2025 State Hippology Contest is scheduled for June 3, 2025, at the Georgia National Fairgrounds- Perry, GA to be held in conjunction with the State Hippology Contest.
Resources
Online Trainings
Contact
Kate Whiting
Extension 4-H Specialist, Animal Science Programs – Equine & Poultry
The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (working cooperatively with Fort Valley State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the counties of Georgia) offers its educational programs, assistance, and materials to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status and is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action organization.