Horse show judges school set for March 5-7 at Penn State

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The Penn State Equine Science Program will be hosting a horse show judges school March 5-7 at the Ag Sciences and Industries Building and the Ag Arena at University Park.

The program is designed to train 4-H or open show judges, applicants for the PA 4-H judges list, judging team coaches, and members of horse judging teams.

Speakers. Featured clinicians are Doyle Meadows, Tennessee extension horse specialist and Jeff Ayers, United States Equestrian Federation judge, trainer, and exhibitor.

Judging sessions will include western performance classes, stock seat equitation, hunt seat equitation, hunter under saddle, western pleasure, western riding, ethics, conduct, and responsibilities of a judge.

Lectures, videos, and live horse demonstrations will be used to study horses and judging techniques. The school will include lectures and live horse demonstrations Saturday, specifically for judging team coaches and members.

Topics. All youth and collegiate coaches and judging team members are invited to participate. Topics in this option will feature resources for judging teams and coaches, judging criteria for halter and performance classes, and organization and preparation of oral reasons.

Pat Comerford, Penn State extension horse specialist and Brian Egan, Penn State horse judging team coach will conduct sessions on requirements for the Pennsylvania 4-H Horse Judges list, Pennsylvania 4-H Horse Show rules, coaching judging teams, conformation judging, and selection.

Test given. The Pennsylvania 4-H Horse Show Rulebook Test will be given Saturday to current and prospective judges. The rulebook test is suggested for anyone who wishes to be included on the 4-H horse show judges list.

Registrations will be accepted by mail or fax through Feb. 27. Walk-in registrations will be accepted as space allows.

Registration. Program cost is $65. The registration fee includes all costs of instruction and instructional materials, beverage breaks, and lunch on Saturday.

Late registrations after Feb. 27 will be charged an additional charge of $10 per person.

Registration forms and program details are available from any Penn State Cooperative Extension office or the Penn State Horse Program Web site at www.das.psu.edu.

Learn more. For more information contact Ann Swinker at aswinker@psu.edu or 814-865-7810.