The 33rd Annual Arabian Horse Judging Contest
The Arabian Horse Judging Contest is one of the longest-running and most prestigious national level horse judging contests in the country.
Yep, you should be impressed!
In this year’s edition, 32 teams of 4-H, FFA, Junior AHA, and Collegiate contestants from the U.S. and Canada competed for team and individual awards.
Here’s what happened:
Place
Rack your brain, go with your gut
Contestants placed 4 in-hand and 6 performance classes of four horses each. The name of the game in horse judging is to evaluate, compare, and place the horses objectively.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch: carded Arabian judges serving as officials also place each class. The closer each contestant comes to the official placing, the higher his/her score.
Possible score per class: 50 points
Talk
Usually talk is cheap. In a judging contest, though, the Reasons Room is where magic happens…
Without knowing the official placing, contestants justified their placings in two minute speeches called Oral Reasons. Basically, Reasons allow a contestant the chance to explain his placing. Persuading the official to see things his way- well that, my friends, is how contestants “outtalk” their placings.
Possible score per set of reasons: 50 points
Reap
Christmas came early to some talented judges.
Overburdened award tables held more than $15,000 in scholarships, trophies, saddles, ribbons, and prizes. All that loot went home with the most successful teams and individuals.
View the Complete 2003 Judging Contest Results
View Photos from the 2003 Judging Contest
Our utmost gratitude goes to:
Contest Sponsors:
- Arabian Saddle Company for their donation of 3 top of the line custom saddles
- AHA of Arizona, who sponsored $7,000 in scholarships
- Ariat for a total of 25 new pairs of boots
- Paint Rock Designs for 24 custom new garment bags, boot bags, and saddle bags
- State Line Tack for 9 horse coolers
Volunteers:
- Nancy Harvey
- Kathy Callahan-Smith
- Many others who graciously pitched in to help administer the contest!
Exhibitors:
- Who took time out of their busy show schedule to donate their time & horses
Officials:
- Kris Bebout
- Susan Meyer
- Gene Reichardt
- Craig Wood, Coaches Coordinator
- Darrh Bullock, Tabulator
Special Volunteer Recognition:
- Kathy Callahan-Smith, who solicits the participation of national quality horses for this contest each year!
- US Nationals Commercial Exhibitors, Your donated prizes help make this contest exceptional
THANK YOU! We couldn’t have done it without you.
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