The 4-H Hippology Contest is a comprehensive, skills-based competition in which participants demonstrate the extent of their knowledge and understanding of the equine science and husbandry. 4-H’ers with an interest in horses can learn about many aspects of horses and the industry such as nutrition, anatomy, breeds, tack, management, health and much more. Participating in 4-H judging teams offers many benefits. Competitors learn teamwork, self-confidence, effective communication skills and decision making.
The 2026 State Hippology Contest is scheduled for June 2, 2026, at the Georgia National Fairgrounds- Perry, GA to be held in conjunction with the State Hippology Contest.
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 current 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.
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.
If you are interested in the Hippology Contest, contact your local Extension office.
Contest Coordinator:
Kate Whiting, Georgia 4-H Extension Specialist – Animal Science Programs
whitingk@uga.edu
Resources
Online Trainings
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 age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status, and is an Equal Opportunity Institution.