1. What is 4-H?

   • 4-H is the nation's largest youth development program that is under the Cooperative Extension System of land-grant universities.  Visit the National 4-H or the Texas 4-H websites for more information. 

2. What is horse judging?

   • Horse judging is the art form of members evaluating and ranking horses based on performance, conformation and breed characteristics. Members will compete as a team and individually against other 4-H members and FFA members. The teams and individuals are then scored according to how closely they scored the classes to that of the officiating judge(s). The team and individuals with the highest score wins.

3. What are "classes"?

   • A class is a specific type of event that the members will judge. There are performance and halter classes.

     • Performance classes-Judge the rider and/or the horse on it's ability

       • Western Pleasure, Western Horsemanship, Reining, Trail, Ranch Riding, Hunter Under Saddle, Hunt Seat Equitation, Showmanship..etc.

     • Halter Classes-Judge the horse based on it's conformation

       • Sex and age categories vary by contest

4. How do you judge?​

   • Horse judging is an art form that requires the judger to rely on learned characteristics to make a decision. BCHJ models their standards after the American Quarter Horse Association. The goal is to be an effective judger by being comfortable with the desired traits required for each classes. 

5. What can I expect at a contest?

   • The contestants will broken up into to teams of 3 to 4 members each and will be determined based on previous scores, attendance, seniority and coach's discretion.  Only the top 3 scores are included, making the 4th score a drop score. While every contest differs in organization, the basics are always the same:

     •  Arrive an hour or two early to meet up with the team and go over patterns. 

     • There will be 8 classes to judge that include performance and halter events.

     • Reasons are required after all classes have been completed and scantrons have been submitted. 

     • Awards ceremonies follow the completion of the contest and score tallies

       • Scores are calculated against the official judge of the contest. The officials will be watching the same classes as the judgers and will place each class accordingly. 

6. When and where are practices held? 

   • Practices are held every Tuesday from September to May, from 6:00 pm-7:30 pm at the Texas A&M United Methodist Church Room S113-In the Sanctuary Building

     • 417 University Drive, College Station, Texas 77840 

     • Free parking is available at the lot behind the church on the corner of Church Ave. and Tauber St.

7. When are contests?

   • Contest times and location will vary. As that information is released, every member will be alerted. Additionally, you can stay current with our Events Page.

8. What expenses are associated with joining?

   • There is a $25 state fee that is required each year the member is enrolled. Active enrollment through 4HOnline is required to participate. Click HERE to get enrolled today!

   • Travel accommodations- A few of the contests we attend may require overnight stays

   • Gas

9. What is the benefit of joining?

   • Valuable life skills

     • Critical thinking, oral and written communication, team building, giving and justifying opinions, self confidence, decision making

   • Scholarships through contests and the 4-H organization are available for eligible members.

   • Like minded friends

   • Check out our New Members page for more information!

10. How much parent involvement is required?

    • At minimum, transportation and release form signatures are required. While it is not required for parents to sit in on practices or contests, they are welcome to do so.

11. My child is home schooled, are they still be  eligible  to  participate?

    • Yes, as long as your child is in good academic standing.

12. Is it required that I own a horse to participate?

    • Absolutely not! While many of our members are horse owners, the only requirement is that you are an avid horse enthusiast.

13. I have little to no experience with horses, is that okay?

    • Yes. The main goal of the horse judging team is to educate. We will teach you everything you need to know!

14. What supplies will be needed?

    • A clipboard, pencils, paper (either lined or printer), and the motivation to learn and have fun!

15. Is there a dress code?

    • During practice there is no dress code but while at a contest we ask that our members wear a blazer with a white collared button shirt, khaki pants, and boots. If you need assistance finding any of these items, please feel free to contact us and we will gladly help. 

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Need More Information?

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