Youth Horse Judging Clinic

March 3-4, 2012

UWRF is hosting a two-day Horse Judging Clinic for youth ages 12-18 who wish to learn about objectively judging horses and preparing for horse judging contests. Enrollment is limited to 50 students.

The clinic aims to increase youth understanding of the objective judging criteria used to place halter, Western and English performance events typically encountered in most judging contests. The organization and presentation of oral reasons will also be stressed and individual reasons instruction with youth will be conducted in several sessions over the two days. 

Day one is open to beginner youth judgers and those wanting to review the basics of horse judging. Day two is open to both beginner and advanced youth judgers, as well as instructors (i.e. 4-H, FFA) and coaches with previous judging experience. 

Day two instruction for 2012 will focus on hunt seat equitation, hunter hack and reasons development. The intent is to allow students to expand their knowledge of different horse judging events, further enhance their reasons skills, and participate in a practice horse judging contest. The offering on day two, is new each year! Last year, day two focused on Society Breeds and Events and next year, in 2013, day two will focus on Western Riding and Trail.

Clinicians will include: Dr. Kris Hiney, the coach of the UWRF horse judging team, industry professionals and members of the UWRF Judging Team. 

Dr. Hiney has coached judging teams for 13 years with two AQHA World Championship teams, National and Reserve National International Arabian Horse Association Champion teams, and multiple top 5 National Reining Horse Association teams.

2011 UWRF Equine Judging Team