extension horse judging

HORSE JUDGING

This page provides information about horse judging. Learn more about the additional resources available to you through eXtension Horse below, today!

Horse Judging

We have a variety of blogs to help you learn or hone your horse judging skills. Check them out and practice the concepts taught in each blog.

RECENT HORSE JUDGING BLOGS

Horse Judging Basics

Horse Judging Basics: Teams and JudgesThis self-directed course is designed to teach new coaches, judges, and judging team members what to expect from a horse judging contest and judging horses.The four modules in the course include:What is a Horse Judging...

Gaits of the Horse

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Judging Horse Events – Equitation over Fences

The class "Equitation over Fences" is judged primarily on these criteria: how riders are positioned on the horse how effective they are in using their aids while communicating with their mount when completing a course. All of the following information is provided by...

Judging Horse Events – Western Riding

      The western riding class is one of flying lead changes. It is a combination of control and skills, mixing techniques from trail, reining, and equitation. This judged event is not timed. The horse is judged on these criteria: Quality of gaits Lead...

Judging Horse Events – Reining

      Exhibitors in a reining class individually perform a specified pattern. The generally accepted guidelines for reining set forth by the National Reining Horse Association are as follows: To rein a horse is not only to guide it but also to control...

Judging Horse Events – Timed Event Classes

      Timed event classes may also be referred to as "games," "gymkhanas," or "O-Mok-See." Generally in these classes, the fastest time wins. Deviating from the described rules or pattern will result in either a time penalty or disqualification,...

Judging Horse Events – Cattle Classes

It is important to understand that there is a difference when judging cattle classes under a breed association's rules and regulations versus a jackpot or rodeo event. The following descriptions and penalties will be based on the rules and regulations of a breed...

Judging Horse Events – Jumping

Several competitive events involve horses jumping over an obstacle or a series of obstacles. Although they all involve jumping, there are specific differences among the disciplines. These classes are also offered either at breed shows (AQHA, APHA, etc.) or at...

Judging Horse Events – Hunter Hack

      This class is the beginning of the over-fences classes. The purpose is to give horses an opportunity to show their expertise over low fences and on the flat. The horse should move in the same style as a working hunter. Judging The class will be...

Judging Horse Events — Hunter under Saddle/Hunter Pleasure

"Hunter under Saddle" and "Hunter Pleasure" are different terms used by different organizations to describe very similar classes that have these requirements: Riders must exhibit a horse with a bright, alert expression. Horse must have gaits that show its working...