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What is the State Horse Show? 

The State 4-H Horse Show provides an opportunity for 4-H’ers to exhibit their horses and skills and receive input on their accomplishments. Classes are offered in five divisions: Stock Seat (Western), Ranch (Western), Hunt Seat (English), Saddle Seat/Gaited (English), and Contest Events (Running). A champion and reserve champion are named in each division and age category. All exhibitors must be enrolled in and carrying out a 4-H Horse project and must be the person primarily responsible for the care of the horse, which teaches responsibility and self-motivation.  

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The Georgia 4-H State Horse Show is a 4-H program that develops self-motivation, self-esteem and responsibility, while providing 4-H members in the Horse project an opportunity to exhibit their horses and to exhibit knowledge of their horse project through demonstrations. 

There are three age categories: Cloverleaf (4th-6th graders with limited experience), Junior (5th and 6th graders with demonstrated skills and 7th and 8th graders), and Senior (9th-12th graders). 

In order to compete, 4-H’ers are required to complete numerous entry requirements, which include the Novice Horseman 4-H Horse Project manual, the first in a series of three manuals offered to document Horsemanship skills gained through the Georgia 4-H Horse Program.  

Eligibility to Show

Be sure to check the horse show rulebook for updates.  

This is simply a quick reference sheet. 

Own or lease a 4-H project horse by spring of the current year. 

Your county agent must complete online Intent to Show forms by spring. Your County Agent must complete online Horse Show entry forms by spring. Be an active, enrolled 4-H’er in the county where you live or attend school. 

Cloverleaf 4-H’ers must complete at least half of the Novice Horseman 4-H Horse Project.

Manual and senior 4-H’ers must complete all of this book by spring. The Novice Horseman Book is the first in a series of three manuals offered to document Horsemanship skills gained through the Georgia 4-H Horse Program. All participants should complete a new Novice Horseman Book each year. The books are available on the resources link on the next page. 

Extension Agent to check the books and sign off on their completion. This may be done in conjunction with a volunteer Horse Club Leader, but the Agent must sign the document.

Preparation Activities

Completion of Horseman book Each manual contains a set of questions and problems which must be answered/solved in order to demonstrate the knowledge that the 4-H’er gains through the research performed during the completion of the manual. Various activities are required, completion of which must be documented by the 4-H’er and signed by an adult leader. Progression through the series of manuals guides the 4-H’er through an increasing level of difficulty in both horse handling skills and knowledge of the equine industry. 

It is recommended that 4-H’ers watch or attend local shows as a learning opportunity. 

 Be sure to check out the “Am I Ready To Show?” Guides.

Southern Regionals

Southern Regional Qualifying 70 4-H’ers will be eligible to represent Georgia at the Southern Regional Horse Championships. The top two placing exhibitors in highest level Dressage and Western Dressage will be invited. The remaining 66 qualifying positions will be selected based upon a formula. Please see the State Show rulebook for the formula. 

Recommended Resources

Southern Regional Qualifying  

Horseman books:
Novice Horseman Project Manual
Intermediate Horseman Project Manual
Master Horseman Project Manual

 

 Contact  

Dr. Kari Turner, UGA Animal & Dairy Science Equine Extension Specialist  

Dr. Kylee Duberstein, UGA Animal & Dairy Science Equine Extension Specialist 

Kate Whiting, State 4-H Animal Science Specialist 

 Manual Prepared by: Allison Perkins, Bartow County 4-H Agent, Kate Whiting, State 4-H Animal Science Specialist 5/10/23 

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What is Horse Quiz Bowl?

Horse Quiz Bowl is a fast-paced contest in which teams compete face-to-face, buzzing in to answer questions about equine anatomy, conformation, feed and nutrition, evolution, breed characteristics, reproduction, horse management, way-of-going, tack and equipment, styles of riding, and the exhibition of horses. The primary objective of the Horse Quiz Bowl contest is to provide an opportunity for youth enrolled in 4-H to demonstrate their knowledge of equine-related subject matter in a competitive setting where attitudes of friendliness and fairness prevail.

Learn More

Horse Quiz Bowl is a 4-H program that develops self-motivation, self-esteem and responsibility.

This project is conducive to both traditional rural 4-H members with equine experience and urban youth who do not have the opportunity to raise animals.

Students have the opportunity to strengthen their communication and leadership skills in an environment which allows contribution to group effort, encourages teamwork and promotes acceptance of differences.

Competing as team members assists youth with the development of social skills, cooperation and managing feelings, as they become comfortable with working alongside others toward a common goal; integrity and sportsmanship are also developed through the Horse Quiz Bowl experience.

Cloverleaf, Junior and Senior 4-H members are eligible to compete in Horse Quiz Bowl. There are Junior and Senior divisions; Cloverleaf 4-H’ers who are in the 4th grade may compete in the Junior division.

Breakdown of Contest

Play consists of double-elimination tournament-style matches;

Participants must work with four to five team members to answer questions to the best of their ability.

Preparation Activities

Each coach can determine the number of practices held during the judging season. Ideal practices last one hour to 1 ½ You can have one to two practices a week. Teams can practice year round for a couple of months before the contest.

Each county participating is required to submit 25 typed questions, per team, written new that year, from the official resources.

Classroom activities can include:

-Chapter and section review
-Youth-written questions
-Interactive power points, videos, and activities
-Try to make learning sections easier by starting with an easy topic. Mastery of basic topics before moving forward is important.
-To get to the state contest, look for emails from the state office on registration deadlines. Encourage them that this is a fun way to learn about horses, especially if you don’t have one.
-Don’t forget the snacks at practice!

Recommended Resources

• Horse Quiz Bowl Procedure for Play Manual 

• Equine Science, by Jean T. Griffiths
• Horse Smarts published by the American Youth Horse Council.
• The Horse Industry Handbook published by The American Youth Horse Council.
• Feeding and Care of the Horse, by Lon Lewis Williams and Wilkins
• The Coloring Atlas of Horse Anatomy, by Robert A. Kainer and Thomas O. McCracken
• Illustrated Dictionary of Equine Terms, by New Horizons Education Center

Special Considerations

Each team must consist of not less than four (4) or more than five (5) members of the same age group. Teams must provide one coach and one score keeper for the state contest. Contact

Dr. Kari Turner, UGA Animal & Dairy Science Equine Extension Specialist

Dr. Kylee Duberstein, UGA Animal & Dairy Science Equine Extension Specialist

Kate Whiting, State 4-H Animal Science Specialist

Manual Prepared by: Allison Perkins, Bartow County 4-H Agent, Kate Whiting, State 4-H Animal Science Specialist 5/10/23

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What is Horse Judging? 

Horse Judging is a team contest in which 4-H’ers acquire a better knowledge of horses and develop skills in the selection of horses, while learning the basic principles of animal science. Participants learn to identify breeds of horses and judge classes of horses based on conformation and performance.  

Judging teams foster the development of self-motivation, self-esteem, and responsibility. Students have the opportunity to strengthen their communication and leadership skills in an environment that encourages teamwork and promotes acceptance of differences! 

Learn More

• Cloverleaf, Junior and Senior 4-H members are eligible to compete in Horse Judging. There are Junior and Senior divisions; Cloverleaf 4-H’ers who are in 4th grade may compete in the Junior division. 

• Counties prepare by having practices prior to the contest. 

• The main component of the contest is placing classes of horses in the conformation and performance categories. Participants compare their opinion of an animal against the ideal as specified by industry experts. 

• Conformation classes deal with the physical build of the horse. Performance classes deal with riding and can include but are not limited to Western Pleasure, Hunter Hack, Equitation, Hunter Under Saddle, and Reining 

• Contestants justify their placing decision through a set of oral reasons for selected classes. They learn organizational skills as they compose their thoughts and deliver them to a set of judges. 

• Competing as team members assists youth with the development of social skills, cooperation, and managing feelings as they become comfortable with working alongside others toward a common goal. 

• Integrity, sportsmanship, decision-making abilities, and public speaking skills are also strengthened. 

Breakdown of a Horse Judging Contest

Each contestant will judge 6-8 classes (2-3 conformation classes and 4-5 performance classes). The classes will be announced upon arrival to the contest.

After the judging, contestants will have lunch and an allotted time to prepare oral reasons.

Juniors will give two sets of reasons, usually one confirmation and one performance class. Seniors will give three sets of reasons. Reason classes will be announced during the contest.

Everyone will have a questions class.

Winners will be announced at the end of the contest.

Preparation Ideas for 4-H Staff

• Each coach can determine the number of practices held during the judging season. Ideal practices last one hour to 1 ½ hours. You can have one to two practices a week. Teams can practice year-round for a couple of months before the contest. 

• Practices should include live farm visits and classroom lessons. 

• Live visits are great, weather and light permitting. All classes at the contest will have four horses, so if you can make a live class with four horses, that is helpful. Otherwise, 4-H’ers can evaluate a pair of horses or even one horse at a time. 

Classroom activities can include: 

• Students bring in a picture of a horse and tell the class about it using the correct terms
• Games to play like horse jeopardy
• PowerPoints and/or videos to show 4-H’ers what they need to know
• Dedicate at least one lesson to teaching reasons format:
Opening statement
Comparing pairs (1st/2nd, 2nd/3rd, 3rd/4th)
Concluding statement
• Don’t forget about transitions (Furthermore, in addition, moving to my middle pair, etc) 
• Try to make learning reasons easier by starting with an easy topic. Have 4 H’ers rank their four top television shows, favorite four desserts, or other area of interest to learn how to start.
• To get to the state contest, look for emails from the state office on registration deadlines.
• Encourage them that this is a fun way to learn about horses, especially if you don’t have one. 
• Don’t forget the snacks at practice!

Special Considerations 

If staying overnight, be sure to plan in advance since some hotels fill up quickly. 

Be sure to plan for meals or snacks for after the contest.  

Minimal materials are needed. Some recommended resources are free; some my have a fee.  

When looking for local farms,  you can look at the trainer directory for breed associations or riding associations.  

Recommended Resources

UGA Conformation Publication

Staff members have access to the Staff Only Section in 4-H enrollment. Under the Equine folder, there are more resources listed. 

Contact  

Dr. Kylee Duberstein, UGA Animal & Dairy Science Equine Extension Specialist  

Kate Whiting, State 4-H Animal Science  

Manual Prepared by: Allison Perkins, Bartow County 4-H Agent, Kate Whiting, State 4-H Animal Science Specialist 5/10/23 

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What are Horse Educational Contests?

The Georgia 4-H State Horse Show Educational Contests are horse-related competitions that don’t require horse ownership or access to horses. They provide 4-H’ers with the opportunity to exhibit knowledge of horses through art, writing, visual aids, and speech. Participants gain skills such as self-motivation, confidence, and responsibility. 

Categories of Educational Contests

METHOD DEMONSTRATION CONTEST (TEAM) 

May be a demonstration or illustrated talk. 

A team will consist of two members. One person may not be a member of two teams. Teamwork should be demonstrated. 

METHOD DEMONSTRATION CONTEST (INDIVIDUAL) 

Same rules and scorecard as Team Contest. Exceptions: This is an individual contest. Participants must choose to either participate in Method Demonstration (Individual) or Public Speaking (Individual); they cannot participate in both. 

PUBLIC SPEAKING CONTEST 

Subject matter of speeches must pertain to the horse industry. 

GEORGIA 4-H HORSE DRAWING CONTEST 

To encourage the 4-H member to broaden his or her horizons and utilizing creative talent within the Horse Project through drawing exhibitions. 

GEORGIA 4-H HORSE PAINTING CONTEST 

To encourage the 4-H member to apply artistic talent To increase knowledge and skill in equine-related painting. 

GEORGIA 4-H HORSE ESSAY CONTEST 

Encourage youth to gain better contact and use of the English language. 

Stimulate youth to expand their horse knowledge and learn how to use and interpret resources available on different subjects. 

GEORGIA 4-H HORSE PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST 

This is a great way to share youth’s photographs. While not essential, we hope the photography contest entries will express creativity in communicating 4-H to exhibit viewers.  

Considerations for 4-H Staff

Eligibility: This competition is open to Cloverleaf, Juniors and Seniors. Seniors are 9th – 12th grade, Juniors are 7th – 8th and Cloverleaf’s are 4th – 6th grade. Eligibility is determined by the grade level during the current school year. 4-H’ers do not have to own a horse or be entered in the State Horse Show to compete in these contests. 

Deadlines: These competitions will be held in conjunction with the State 4-H Horse Show. All entries must be submitted online at the 4-H Camp & Event Registration website by the County Extension/4-H Office no later than date provided in the State Horse Show Rulebook. 

Additional Details: 

Contest rules and score criteria are provided in the State 4-H Horse Show rulebook. 

Entry forms and contest deadlines are provided in the State 4-H Horse show rulebook. 

Cost for activities is transportation to State Show, Perry, GA.

Promotion Opportunities

Encourage your project achievement 4-H’ers in the horse project to use their demonstration for this contest. 

Encourage middle and high school 4-H project achievement competitors to use this a portfolio building opportunity by speaking and/or submitting art work. 

Get your horse club leaders to promote during club meetings. 

Advertise this photo contest along with the state 4-H photography contest. 

Recommended Resources

Dr. Kari Turner, UGA Animal & Dairy Science Equine Extension Specialist  

Kate Whiting, State 4-H Animal Science  

Manual Prepared by: Allison Perkins, Bartow County 4-H Agent, Kate Whiting, State 4-H Animal Science Specialist 5/10/23