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University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Animal Science Department

Serving Animal Industries

Hippology Contest

Rules & Regulations

Entries are due by June 12, 2009 by 4:00 PM to Kathy Anderson.


Junior Entry Form & Senior Entry Form

Phases & Locations

A. Judging Phase (Thompson Arena)-Monday
B. Written Exam Phase (Cafeteria)-Sunday
C. Station Phase (Cafeteria)-Sunday
D. Team Problem - Sr. Division only (Cafeteria)-Sunday

Objective

The primary objective of the 4-H Hippology Contests is to provide an opportunity for youth enrolled in 4-H horse projects to demonstrate their knowledge of equine-related subject matter in a competitive setting where attitudes of friendliness and fairness prevail. These contests will provide an educational experience for both participants and spectators.

Contestants & Eligibility

  1. See General Contest Rules to determine the number of teams each county may enter at the State Contest.
  2. Contestants must be enrolled in the 4-H horse project in the county they represent.
  3. Nebraska 4-H Horse Show dress code required. Exception - no hats or head gear permitted.
  4. At the Fonner Park State 4-H Expo, an individual may compete in either the Judging or Hippology, not both.

Jr. Division

  • Contestants (1-2 contestants) must be at least 12 years of age and under 14 years of age on January 1 of the current year.

Sr. Division

  • Contestants (3-4 contestants) must be at least 14 years of age and under 19 years of age on January 1 of the current year.
  • State Senior winners will be expected to represent Nebraska at the National 4-H Horse Classic Contest January, in Denver, Colorado. The Nebraska 4-H Horse Advisory Committee will provide a modest travel allowance for these winners until another sponsor can be obtained.

Reference Material

The Contest

NOTE

Junior Team - Members may work on the exam and station phase as a team Judging phase and questions will be done independently.  Discussion within team members is NOT allowed.  Each contestant will turn in a separate judging placing and question answers, scores will be averaged.

Senior Team - Members will work independently on ALL phases (exam, stations, judging and judging questions) independently EXPECT for team problem.

A. Examination Phase - approximately 200 points - This phase of the contest will include:

  1. a written exam
  2. projected slides to be identified as to breed, color, color pattern, activity, proper appointments, etc.
  3. anatomy which may include external, skeletal, internal organs, parts of gastrointestinal tract, male and female reproductive organs, detailed anatomy of the foot and detailed lower limbs.

B. Station Phase - approximately 200 points - This phase will consist of a series of stations or tables where at each, all contestants will respond to the requirements of the station. Examples of stations which may be used include:

Identification of:

  • Various types of saddles (actual or pictured) and parts of saddles.
  • Tack, bits, bridles, horse shoes, parts of shoes, restraints, ropes and knots.
  • Tools and equipment, and assembly of specific parts of various pieces of equipment.
  • Grains and forages used in equine rations including various forms or methods of preparation.
  • Internal and external parasites based on actual samples, pictures, life cycle charts and/or damage caused.
  • Blemishes and unsoundnesses.
  • Ages of equines based on teeth.

C. Judging Phase - 200 points - Contestants will be required to place at least two (2) conformation classes and at least two (2) performance classes. Questions will be asked on 1 halter and 1 performance class. No oral reasons will be given. Every effort will be made to use the same horses as are being used in the judging contest, with placing to be simultaneous with contestants in the judging contest, with the same official placings and cuts as apply to the judging contest. In extreme emergency, pictorial, video and/or movie classes may be used, in which case they would be especially prepared for the event.

D. Team Problem - Senior Division only - 200 points - All teams will be presented with the same problem(s). Each team will have equal time to discuss among themselves the problem, immediately after which they will have to present an oral solution or series of suggested procedures relative to the problem. Each member of each team is encouraged to contribute to the oral presentation. Evaluation will be abase on the understanding of the problem, completeness of the response, the probability of success of the solution or procedures and the logic used in making the oral response. The official may ask questions of any or all of the team members to clarify the presentation.

Examples of the possible team problems might include:

  • Balancing a horse's ration.
  • Farm management recommendations for specific horse operations (i.e. breeding, training, boarding, nursery, lay-up, etc.).
  • Considerations for the establishment of a new horse facility (stable to be used for a specific purpose).
  • Training and conditioning programs - equipment, schedules, methods, nutrition, problem avoidance.
  • Teaching lessons in horse management (specific subject to be announced) to a group of 9 - 11 year old beginner 4-Her's: where, how long, how much information, hands-on experiences, reinforcement, testing evaluation, will be considered.
  • Explanation of use or assembly of specific equipment.

Awards

Placings will be presented to all teams based on points. The top team will receive a Champion plaque and purple ribbons; second place team a Reserve Champion plaque/trophy and purple ribbons. All other teams will be presented with ribbons according to points earned.

Tie Breaking

All ties overall, individual and team, will be broken using the following sequence:

  1. Examination scores
  2. Station scores
  3. Judging scores

Ties within any phase are to be broken using the overall score first and then the same sequence as above. If further tie breaking is needed, the scores at each station, in order may be used.

GOOD LUCK!