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Hippology Contest Start Guide
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What is Hippology?
The 4-H Hippology Contest is a comprehensive, skills based competition in which participants demonstrate the extent of their knowledge and understanding of equine science and husbandry. Participants are able to develop a knowledge and respect for the equine industry, the issues specific to that industry, and its importance to the community, the state, and to the international economy.
Learn More
-Cloverleaf, Junior and Senior 4-H members are eligible to compete in Hippology.
-There are Junior and Senior divisions; Cloverleaf 4-H’ers who are at least in the 4th grade may compete in the Junior division.
-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 through the Hippology experience.
-Participants are able to develop a knowledge and respect for the equine industry, the issues specific to that industry, and its importance to the community, the state, and to the international economy.
Break Down of the Contest
Practical application of knowledge and skills is demonstrated through a written test, a skill station, a judging competition and a team problems component in which team members’ work together to solve a specific issue as it relates to equine management. 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. Participants must work with three or four team members in this equine event.
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.
-Classroom activities can include:
-Have students bring in a picture of a horse and tell the class about that horse using the correct terms.
-Create games to play like horse jeopardy.
-Have PowerPoints and/or videos to show 4-H’ers what they need to know.
-Use PowerPoint to create slides of various equine related topics to quiz. Allow youth to create the slides as additional practice.
-Identification Stations are easily made from tri-fold boards. Engage youth in the creation process for additional practice.
-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. 4-H’ers may not eat when preparing reasons.
-Materials needed for horse judging are minimal.
-Some recommended resources are free while other may have a fee.
-When looking for local farms, you can look at the trainer directory for breed or riding associations.
Recommended Resources
NC State Extension
https://equinehusbandry.ces.ncsu.edu/equinehusbandry-educational-materials/sample-hippologymaterials/
Reference Material • Equine Science, by Jean T. Griffiths, all chapters. • Horse Smarts published by the American Youth Horse Council. • The Horse Industry Handbook published by The American Youth Horse Council. • The Horse Nutrition Handbook by Dr. Melyni Worth. • The Coloring Atlas of Horse Anatomy, by Robert A. Kainer and Thomas O. McCracken • Illustrated Dictionary of Equine Terms, by New Horizons Education Center • Information required in the Level 1 GA 4-H Novice Horseman Manual, Level 2 Intermediate Horseman Manual and Level 3 Master Horseman Project
Contact
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 https://georgia4h.org/programs/focus-areas/agriculture-stem/agriculture/livestock-and-animalprojects/judging-teams/hippology/
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.