To revise the Pierce County Judging Program to shadow Snohomish County 4-H Horse Department. To create a Judging program that is focused on learning rather than competition

Practice Judging will require many sessions just building the ideal horse in the beginners mind. The beginner then must spend many hours comparing horses, one with another and those to the ideal. 4-H Horse Judging Manual

One (1) required to attend County Fair Two (2) required for State Riding Team Qualification (Educational Point Requirement) Emphasis on learning not competition Judge explains before class Judge explains/validates placings (even reasons class) Juniors not required to do reasons class Encouraged to watch, practice, & try Required for Awards and Judging Finals Int. & Sr. required to do (1) either written or oral Both optional only the highest placing will be used

Youth who receive a blue ribbon are invited to the Judging Finals Two Qualifying Judging Scores plus Judging Finals to determine: State Judging Team Year End Judging Awards Why Change? Practice Judgings Learn by Doing Emphasis on learning rather then competing

A formal Judging competition/contest Both written and oral reasons required by all participants (Jr., Int. & Sr.) Held sometime between June and the end of County Fair Awards State Judging Team Year end Judging High Points Others optional (Top oral reasons, etc.)

Competitive learning encourages high levels of individual achievement, but also creates many more losers than winners. This can be harmful to youth, especially those with undeveloped centers of self-esteem WSU Volunteer Training Module

100 pts possible for State Fair Riding Team Educational Requirement & Overall High Point Awards Top Placing Score (50 pts) Top Reasons Score (50 pts) Why Change? Difficulty maximizing points Emphasis on Competition rather then Education Senior Performance Riding Team... New members at disadvantage Learning disabled at disadvantage

100 pts possible for State Fair Riding Team Educational Requirement & Overall High Point Awards Based on top Qualifying Judging Ribbon placing Utilizing 4 class placings and one reasons class (either Oral or written) Every youth has the potential of maximizing points Only 1/5 of the points are based on writing and speaking skills Qualifying Judgings are set as learning/practice day Judge explains before and after classes As with presentations & posters, youth are competing against themselves to maximize points

Qualifying Judgings Juniors (No reasons required- Based on 4 50 points each) Ribbon placings will be assigned for each Judging Contest based on a possible 200 points as follows: 170 – 200 points = Blue Ribbon (85% min.) 150 – 169 points = Red Ribbon (75% min.) 1 – 149 points = White Ribbon Intermediate & Seniors (Based on 4 classes & one 50 points each) Ribbon placings will be assigned for each Judging Contest based on a possible 250 points as follows: 212 – 250 points = Blue Ribbon (85% min.) 188 – 211 points = Red Ribbon (75% min.) 1 – 189 points = White Ribbon

Blue = 100 pts Red = 80 pts White = 60 pts

County Judging Finals (4 50 pts each, 50 pts & 50 pts.) Ribbon placings will be assigned for each Judging Contest based on a possible 300 points as follows (per State Guidelines) 265 – 300 points = Blue Ribbon (88% min.) 228 – 264 points = Red Ribbon (76% min.) 1 – 227 points = White Ribbon Two Qualifying Judging Scores & County Judging Finals Score are used to determine the State Judging Teams and Judging Awards

Current Judging Proposed Change w/Qualifying Judging Education/Qualification points = 86/100 State Judging Team/Judging Awards = 477/600 Education/Qualification points = 100/100 State Judging Team/Judging Awards = 428+ Judging Finals score (possible 300 more) = =218

Adequate learning requires MOTIVATION. Self-motivation comes from basic needs, personal preferences, and feeling of self-worth and belonging. External motivation, on the other hand, is usually based on incentives and awards received. **Principles of Basic Learning, WSU Volunteer Training Module

Learn how to place a class first Written reasons are less intimidating to novice or new members Encourage but not require oral reasons at Qualifying Judgings Only 1/5 of the Qualifying Judging score is based on written and/or speaking skills Young Juniors avoid stress and pressure until ready Each youth will have DIFFERENT ABILITITIES. The same learning method will not be equally successful with all members** Youth must ACTIVELY SELECT AND CARRY OUT the learning activities**

Visualized advancement based on want & incentive…. Qualifying Judging Written and/or Oral Judging Final Special Day Special awards State Judging Team National Judging Team Moral Choice Less stress & intimidation Youth must have clear, SELF-DETERMINED GOALS**

On the Current Judging and Proposed Changes....

One reasons class at Qualifying Judging Youth have an option of doing written and oral on the same class 50 point incentive to be a handler will hopefully increase volunteers Cut time needed for equipment changes between classes Some kids will choose not to do oral reasons May be a trade off Judges explanations Standing in line waiting to give reasons

Currently the handler receives points as part of their Judging Team & Year End Judging Points Proposal will give 50 pts for placings Incentive to volunteer Only 1/5 of the total score As now, only one class

Competing against themselves All youth can receive the top score Maximizing qualifying points early may promote youth helping youth Less stress opportunity to assist others

4-H Judging Manual WSU Extension Volunteer Training Module VII Judging Proposal submitted by Jill McNally, Horse Crazy 4-H