Horse Judging | Tennessee 4-H Youth Development

The Tennessee 4-H Horse Judging Contest helps youth develop skills in evaluating horses for conformation, soundness, and performance. Participants learn to recognize the relationship between form and function, identify unsoundnesses and blemishes, and distinguish desirable traits in both horses and riders. Contestants also present oral reasons to explain their placings and demonstrate their understanding of equine evaluation and communication.

About the Contest

This contest is open to 4-H members in grades 4–12 as of January 1 of the current year. The top four senior teams from each region will advance to the state contest. Previous Tennessee State 4-H Horse Judging Senior Division Champions will not be eligible to compete in future horse judging contests (regional or state). Any 4-H member who competes in the Horse Judging Contest at the Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup will not be eligible to compete in future 4-H horse judging contests (regional or state). Please check your regional calendar for the exact date and location.

Teams consist of three or four members.
The top three individual scores are combined for the team total.
Each member works independently

Classes will reflect the varied horse population in Tennessee. 2
Halter classes can include, but are not limited to, Quarter Horses, Tennessee Walking Horses, Arabians, Hunters, Saddlebreds, and Spotted Saddle Horses.
Performance classes can include, but are not limited to, Western Pleasure, Hunter Under Saddle, two-gait flat shod, Western Riding, English Pleasure, Reining, Hunter Hack, Western Horsemanship, Hunt Seat Equitation, Ranch Riding, and Trail.
Oral reasons will not exceed two halter and two performance classes. A minimum of three sets of reasons will be given.

The state competition is held in June at the state 4-H Horse Show.

The first-place team will represent Tennessee at the Eastern National 4-H Horse Judging Contest in Louisville, KY.
The first and second-place teams will represent Tennessee at the Southern Regional 4-H Horse Championship Judging Contest held annually in the South or Southwest. No expenses provided.
It is possible that lower-placing teams can represent Tennessee at other contests (Congress, AQHYA World, Paint Nationals, Arabian Nationals, etc.). However, higher-ranking teams will receive priority.