Horse Communication Contests | Tennessee 4-H Youth Development

These events help youth develop public speaking and communication skills while sharing their knowledge and passion for horses. Participants may take part in contests such as public speaking, individual presentations, or team demonstrations. Each competition encourages confidence, organization, and accuracy in presenting horse-related information. Through these experiences, youth learn to educate others, express ideas clearly, and build leadership skills that extend beyond the show ring.

Communication Study Material

UT Horse Handbook

General Rules

The TN State 4-H Communications Contest is open to junior, junior high, and senior 4-H Members.
Contestants can only enter ONE state communications contest.
Senior members MAY NOT compete in a contest in which they have previously won FIRST place.

The State 4-H Horse Communications Contests will be held in late spring or summer. Specific details will be announced in early spring.

Senior Division winners may compete at the Southern Regional Horse Show and the Eastern National Horse Roundup Communication Contests.
Second-place senior division winners may compete at the Southern Regional Horse Show.
There is NO travel money available.

1. Public Speaking Contest

Contests may only compete as an individual

Participants present an original speech related to the horse industry. Visual aids are not allowed, but notes may be used.

Speech length depends on age division:

Juniors: 3–5 minutes
Junior High: 5–7 minutes
Seniors: 7–10 minutes

Points are deducted for speeches that go over or under time. Contestants introduce themselves and may be asked questions by judges after speaking.

Judging is based on content accuracy, organization, delivery, stage presence, and overall communication skills. Ties are broken by delivery, organization, and content scores.

2. Individual Presentation

Contests may only compete as an individual

Participants give a demonstration or illustrated presentation related to the horse industry. Live animals are not allowed. Presenters may use notes and visual aids they create or design.

Time limits vary by age division:

Juniors: 3–6 minutes
Junior High: 6–9 minutes
Seniors: 9–12 minutes

Points are deducted for going over or under time. Contestants introduce themselves, cite their sources at the end, and answer at least one question from each judge.

Judging focuses on organization, content accuracy, delivery, stage presence, and overall effectiveness in communicating information. Ties are broken by delivery, organization, and content scores.

3. Team Presentation

Team Demonstration contest may only compete as a two-member team (2 people), within the same division.

Teams present a demonstration or illustrated talk related to the horse industry. Live animals are not allowed. Teams may use notes and must bring their own props. Visual aids are encouraged if designed by the team.

Time limits by age division:

Juniors: 6–9 minutes
Junior High: 9–12 minutes
Seniors: 10–15 minutes

Points are deducted for going over or under time. Teams introduce themselves, cite their sources at the end, and answer at least one question from each judge.

Judging focuses on organization, content accuracy, delivery, teamwork, and stage presence. Ties are broken by delivery, organization, and content scores.