Horse Project

Opportunities

Horse Judging

Date and Location:

• March 29, 2025 – Clemson, SC

Contest Objectives:

• Acquire a better knowledge of horses and develop skills in the selection of horses, while learning the basic principles of animal science.
• Learn to identify breeds of horses, evaluate conformation and performance.
• Learn how to make individual decisions and support them with oral statements, which develops skills of decision making, critical thinking, and problem solving.
• Develop leadership abilities, build character, assume citizenship responsibilities, and develop skills, knowledge, and attitudes for lifelong use

How The Contest Works:

• Teams or individuals will judge 2-4 conformation classes and 2-4 performance classes of 4 horses each. Exhibitors will try to place the class closest to the set of official placing
• Once the in person judging is complete, exhibitors will prepare to say oral reasons defending their placings of 2-4 classes. 

Senior Members have the opportunity to be a part of the South Carolina 4-H Educational State Teams and compete in regional and national contests.

Horse Bowl

Date and Location:

• February 1, 2025 – Newberry, SC

Contest Objectives:

• Participants will demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of various aspects of equine science, including anatomy, nutrition, diseases, management practices, and breed characteristics.
• Contestants will work in teams to answer questions accurately and efficiently, fostering teamwork and collaborative problem-solving skills among participants.
• The fast-paced nature of the contest will encourage participants to think quickly and make informed decisions under pressure, enhancing their ability to perform well in time-sensitive situations.
• Develop leadership abilities, build character, assume citizenship responsibilities, and develop skills, knowledge, and attitudes for lifelong use 

How The Contest Works

Teams of 4 or 5 members will compete in a quiz bowl format contest answering questions about any and all things horses. Questions may only be pulled from the approved references linked above. Points are score through correct answers, bonus questions and team participation. The contest is a double elimination bracket format. 

Senior Members have the opportunity to be a part of the South Carolina 4-H Educational State Teams and compete in regional and national contests.

Hippology

Date and Location:

• March 28, 2025 – written portion (exam, stations and team problem) – Clemson, SC
• March 29, 2025 – judging portion – Clemson, SC

Contest Objectives:

• The contest aims to inspire a passion for continuous learning in equine studies and encourages participants to explore educational and career opportunities within the equine industry.
• Contestants will engage in practical and theoretical problem-solving activities, fostering their ability to analyze situations and make informed decisions related to equine care and management.
• Participants will demonstrate their comprehensive understanding of equine science topics, including anatomy, physiology, nutrition, health, breeds, and management practices.
• Develop leadership abilities, build character, assume citizenship responsibilities, and develop skills, knowledge, and attitudes for lifelong use

How The Contest Works:

Teams or individuals will compete in a 4 part contest consisting of an examination phase (test and ID Slides), station phase, team problem phase and a horse judging phase. All test material comes directly from the approved references linked above.

Senior Members have the opportunity to be a part of the South Carolina 4-H Educational State Teams and compete in regional and national contests.

State Horse Show

Dates and Location:

• June 10-14, 2025, T. Ed Garrison Arena, Clemson, SC

About The Show:

The annual South Carolina 4-H State Horse Show is a multi-discipline horse show that is for South Carolina 4-H members ages 5-18. Youth from all over the state compete in events such as dressage, hunter, western, ranch, speed and gaited. Youth must show their project animals that they have been working with all year. Youth can also participate in several creative contests that will take place during the show. No horse is required for these contests, simply a love for creating!

Members also have a chance to qualify for the Southern Regional 4-H Horse Championships which brings together 4-H members from 13 states to compete in a multi-day show located in Perry, GA.