OklahomaHorses Magazine May 2023

14 OklahomaHorses • May / June 2023 A MATTER OF JUDGMENT Youth Horse Judging Builds Skills Story and photo by Leigh Ann Matthews C ompetitive horse judging is a great way for kids and youths to learn more about horses and the horse industry — and ownership of a horse is not a requirement. Judging teams are offered through 4-H and FFA in junior high and high schools and through junior colleges and universities. Several breed associations also feature youth judging teams and competitions. Judging programs have a large role in the education process for young people who pursue a career in the horse industry and for those who seek the recreational aspect of owning and enjoying horses. According to Steven Cooper, Oklahoma State University’s equine judging team coach, judging teaches lessons applicable long after the last contest. Participants gain personal skills, including how to work with a team and with coaches, and how to develop confidence, oral communication, decision making, and other skills. Amanda Jones, agriculture coach at Ketchum High School, teamed up with other ag teachers and coaches to host the 2023 season kickoff junior and senior horse judging competition. The event was held March 28 at Sycamore Springs Ranch near Locust Grove and attracted more than 160 kids from several Oklahoma school systems. Jones, who is a former collegiate equestrian coach at Northeastern Oklahoma A & M College in Miami, hopes to offer more events for Oklahoma participants. The Oklahoma 4-H and FFA state horse judging competition was held April 8 in Stillwater. Jones said, “This year was the biggest state contest we’ve had since 2020, and the quality of contestants was fantastic! We have been rebuilding horse judging since the COVID pandemic, and I think the future looks bright.” Jones explained, “The classes offered for judging at a competition depend on the host and the availability of horses for the event. Thankfully, we are in horse country in Oklahoma, and people are always willing to bring us quality horses. It was great to see so many really nice high-caliber horses at the state contest. We are fortunate to have so many teachers and coaches who are passionate about the horse industry and who sincerely enjoy teaching the next generation of judges.” At a horse judging competition at Sycamore Springs Ranch, FFA and 4-H students evaluate horses in a performance class.