New Jersey 4-H Horse Judges
A horse judge plays a critical role in equestrian competitions by evaluating the performance, conformation, and overall quality of horses based on established standards for each discipline. Judges possess extensive knowledge of breed characteristics, riding techniques, and competition rules, ensuring fair and accurate assessments.
NJ 4-H Horse Show Judge Certification
Requirements & Application
The list of judges is updated annually and includes those who have expressed interest in judging at 4-H qualifying and open horse shows, and who meet the criteria established by the NJ State 4-H Horse Program.
👉👉 Complete the Judge Application Here
NEW Judges MUST
- Submit the application.
- Attend a NJ 4-H Judge Certification Clinic OR complete the online training course offered through Extension Foundation.
- Pass a NJ 4-H rule book exam (85% required).
✅ Once complete, new judges will be placed on the NJ 4-H Horse Show Judges List.
CURRENTLY Listed NJ 4-H Judges MUST
Re-certify every 2 years by:
- Attending a NJ 4-H Judge Certification Clinic.
- Passing a written rule book exam (85% required).
Exemption from attending the NJ 4-H Judge Certification Clinic
National breed card holders and USEF/USDF licensed officials are exempt from attending the certification clinic. Approved 4-H judges from other states and individuals who have attended other horse judges’ schools may be exempt from attending the certification clinic based on their Judge Application.
NJ 4-H Horse Show Rule Book Exam
- Based on the current NJ 4-H Horse Show Rule Book.
- Passing score: 85%
- Exam fee: $20
- Available at the Judges Certification Clinic or through a provided online link.
Re-takes: Up to 2 additional attempts, at no extra fee. Must be completed within 60 days of the first attempt.
Training Options
1. Biannual NJ 4-H Judge Certification Clinic
- Written exam offered on-site.
- Registration closes 1 week prior to the clinic.
- Clinic fee: $40 (late fee +$10).
👉👉 The next NJ 4-H Judges Certification Clinic date will be emailed to all applicants.
2. Online Course: Preparing to be a Professional Horse Show Judge
Available at: https://horses.extension.org/preparing-to-be-a-professional-horse-judge/
- Course fee: $20
- Must be completed within 30 days.
- Print the certificate and email it to the NJ 4-H Horse Program Coordinator, Brittany Rigg, at br372@njaes.rutgers.edu.
- An online exam link for the New Jersey 4-H Horse Show Rulebook will be emailed.
- Written exam fee: $20
Judging Resources
- AQHA Resources for Judges
- AQHA Permitted and Not Permitted Equipment
- Extension Horses
- USEF Safe Sport
NJ 4-H State Score Sheets
- English Classes
- Western and Ranch Classes
- VSE Classes
- Driving Classes
- Dressage Tests / Western Dressage Tests