How to start a 4-H horse judging team

David Lindsay<lindsa75@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension -

Updated from an original article written by Taylor Fabus.

Learn tips from coaches and leaders on how to develop a successful 4-H horse judging team.

Individuals standing in a riding arena evaluating a class of halter horses.
Picture from AQHA World Championship Horse Judging Contest.

Starting a horse judging team can be intimidating, but it doesn’t need to be. With a few helpful tips and resources, developing a strong team can be done. Through participation on a judging team, youth learn vital skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. Communication, motivation and confidence are all developed, along with the equine knowledge gained through horse judging. Additionally, participating on a judging team can help youth see the horse show through the judge’s eyes, helping them to become a more knowledgeable, understanding and overall successful exhibitor.

In general, there are two basic things each participant will need to learn:

  1. How to judge classes of four horses.
  2. How to deliver oral reasons.

The first of those two can involve a great deal of variety. There are halter (conformation) classes and performance (riding/driving) classes. One of the first steps towards becoming comfortable in judging classes is to get very familiar with the class specifications for the group, association or breed of horse you will be judging. These class specifications include detailed descriptions of what a judge should be looking for and how to score accordingly. There are a variety of classes to focus on, so if you are preparing for a contest, see if the event rules have a list of potential classes that will be included in the contest.

Another great place to start with halter is defining ideal conformation. The Michigan State University Extension article, "Improve halter judging with form to function," co-authored by former MSU Horse Judging Team member, Alycia Drwencke and former MSU Horse Judging Coach Taylor Fabus, is a great resource. You can also purchase practice DVDs from the National Horse Judging Team Coaches Association. Extension Horses also offers a plethora of valuable, free information on their website and Extension Horses YouTube channel.

If you’re looking for opportunities to learn more about this subject, you’re in luck! Michigan 4-H Horse Programs will be holding an introductory Horse Judging Clinic and Practice Contest at the MSU Pavilion on the evening of Friday, January 31, 2025 and morning of Saturday, February 1, 2025. This event is open to all ages and skill levels, but it does requires pre-registration which can be found online. In addition, be sure to also mark your calendars for March 29, 2025, for the Michigan 4-H and FFA State Horse Judging Contest.

Don’t forget to “like” the Michigan 4-H Horse Program Facebook page to find up-to-date information on state-level horse programs and events.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

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