Equine Science

We call this judging halter horses—a conformation class based on the way the horse is built. Developing your skills in visual appraisal of conformation is one of the cornerstones of developing as an equine professional.

 We have already determined that horses are expensive  If we are going to spend the money, we should invest in high quality horses that have the desired characteristics of the breed we are looking for  For today’s lesson, we will focus on the stock horse (Quarter Horses, Paints, Appaloosas)

 Today we will:  Identify the importance of selecting horses  Identify the parts of the horse  Determine the characteristics of horses important in selection: Balance, Muscle, Structural Correctness, Quality, and Movement  Select horses based on form and function  Evaluate a halter class given side, front, and rear views.

 Balance  Muscle  Structure  Quality  Travel/Movement  Separate into five groups—each group takes a different characteristic  Use the websites below to teach your class members about your characteristic  Horse Judging Agripedia Horse Judging Agripedia  Judging Halter: A standard of reference for AQHA Judges Judging Halter: A standard of reference for AQHA Judges

Each group teaches their classmates about their characteristic BALANCE, MUSCLE, STRUCTURE, QUALITY, MOVEMENT/TRAVEL

Just KIDDING! We want muscle, but muscle should NOT interfere with function.

How do you think you did? Please note that judging horses from pictures is really tough—there is no substitute for the real thing! Don’t feel back if you missed it. It takes lots of practice to really learn to “see” horses well.

 We can go to a horse show, visit a farm or look at more pictures and videos!  If we aren’t sure what we are doing, it is good to solicit the help of someone in the community who has experience, or attend workshops, camps, or clinics to learn more.

 What are the main points we consider in evaluating horses?  Where can we easily look to find muscle?  Where can we easily look to find quality?  What parts do we compare to determine balance?

 What are the main points we consider in evaluating horses? Balance, Structure, Muscle, Quality, Travel/Movement  Where can we easily look to find muscle? In the width of the chest and stifle, circumference of the forearm and gaskin.  Where can we easily look to find quality? The head, throat latch, and neck.  What parts do we compare to determine balance? Length of neck, back, and hip.

 Horse judging is fun activity— there are lots of opportunities for awards and scholarships.  Many colleges also have collegiate judging teams you can join.  Many people make a career out of horse judging through earning their professional judges card for specific organizations such as AQHA, APHA, PHBA, NSBA, NCHA, NRHA, and many more!

 Basic Guide to Horse Judging (with judging activity):  AQHA Judges Manual—Halter:  Texas A&M Online Horse Judging:  Fort Bend Horse Judging Practice: f f  Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Horse Judging Contest 2015—Aged Mares:  Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Horse Judging Contest 2015—Senior Geldings:  Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Horse Judging Contest 2015—Junior Geldings:  Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Horse Judging Contest 2015—Junior Mares:  Horse Judging Game:  EduGamer Horse Judging Game:

 English Language Arts: II. Reading 1-3; IV. Listening B. 1, 3; V. Research B  Mathematics: VI. Statistical Reasoning C. 1; VIII. Problem Solving and Reasoning B. 1-2; X. Connections A. 2.  Cross-Disciplinary: I. Key Cognitive Skills E; II. Foundational Skills A. 2, 4, C. 8.

DEVELOPED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL LEADERSHIP, EDUCATION & COMMUNICATIONS, TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY FOR THE TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY, EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE PROJECT FOR AFNR ©TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY, 2015