Examination Phase (approximately 100-200 points) - This phase of the contest will include:
A Written Exam
Projected Slides to be identified as to breed, color, color pattern, activity, proper appointments, etc.
Anatomy which may include external, skeletal, internal organs, parts of the gastrointestinal tract, male and female reproductive organs, detailed anatomy of the foot and detailed anatomy of the lower limbs.
Station Phase (approximately 100-200 points) - This phase will consist of a series of tables with stations where at each, 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.
Tacks, bits, bridles, horse shoes and parts of shoes.
Tools and equipment, 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 unsoundness.
Age of equine based on teeth.
Use of pulse rate, respiration rate, temperature, dehydration, anemia, etc. to assess horse health.
Measurements such as, but not limited to, wither height, shoe size, girth, collar size, gullet width, seat length of saddle, etc., may be required.
Judging Phase (approximately 100–200 points) - Contestants will be required to place up to four (4) classes consisting of conformation and performance classes. Every effort will be made to use the same horses as are being used in the judging contest, with placings, to be simultaneous with contestants in the judging contest, with the same official placings and cuts as apply to the judging contest. In an extreme emergency, pictorial, video and/or movie classes maybe used, in which case, they would be especially prepared for the event.
Team Problems (approximately 100-200 points) - All teams will be presented with the same problems. 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 based on the understanding of the problem, and the completeness of 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 possible team problems might include:
Balancing a horse's ration.
Farm management recommendations for specific horse operation (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).
Recommendations for selecting, locating and purchasing horses for specific uses.
Training and conditioning programs - equipment, schedules, methods, nutrition, problem avoidance.
Behavior problems - causes, managements of, and corrections.
Breeding and/or leasing contracts - specific clauses for insurance, liability, payments, care, termination, transport, etc.
Teaching lessons in horse management (specific subject to be announced) to a group of 9 to 11 year old beginner 4-H'ers - Where? How long? How much information? Hands-on experiences, reinforcement, testing evaluation will be considered.
Explanation of use of and/or assembly of specific equipment will be considered.
Demonstrate skill or ability to use specific equipment.
