4-H Horse Club

"I pledge... My Head to clearer thinking, My Heart to greater loyalty, My Hands to larger service and My Health to better living For my club, my community, my country, and my world."

Today, Hippology is the title of an Equine Knowledge Contest that is used in 4-H, FFA and many horse breed contests. Hippology consists of four phases: Horse Judging, Written Examination and Slide Identification, ID Stations and Team Problem Solving.

Many youth across the United States, and in other countries compete in Hippology annually, showing their knowledge of all things "horse".

Hippology is an activity that can make learning fun for 4-H members by letting them exhibit their knowledge and understanding of equine science and husbandry in a friendly but competitive setting.

Hippology Objectives

• Provide additional educational opportunities for 4-H'ers
• Develop decision making, communication, team building, self confidence and leadership.
• Enhance individual growth and development.
• Provide an opportunity to interrelate equine experience and use their horse knowledge.
• Advance knowledge, abilities, skills and attitudes.
• Measure and recognize horse project achievement.

Four Phases of the Contest

Examination Phase - This phase of the contest may include:

A. Written exam
B. Projected slides to be identifies as to breed, color, color patters, activity, proper appointments, etc.
C. 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 lower limbs.

Station Phase - This phase will consist of a series of stations or tables which test the contestants knowledge. Examples are: Identification of types of saddles (actual or pictured), parts of saddles, tack, bits, bridles, horse shoes or parts of shoes, tools and equipment, grains and forages, internal and external parasites, blemishes and unsoundness, ages of equine based on teeth, pulse rate, respiration rate, temperature, signs of dehydration or anemia, measurements of wither height, shoe size, girth, collar size, gullet width, seat length of saddle.

Judging Phase - Contestants will be required to judge at least four classes of horses (2 halter or conformation classes and 2 performance classes).

Team Problem - All teams will be presented with the same problem(s). Each team will have equal time to discuss the problem among themselves. They then will have to present an oral solution or series of suggested procedures relative to the problem.

For more information on becoming involved in Hippology contact:

Johnna Hale

Email: Nutnfancy@hughes.net

972-998-3893