Youth make the grade at Delaware State Fair horse-judging event

By Joseph Edelen
Posted 7/27/22

HARRINGTON — Delaware 4-H and Future Farmers of America members from across the state gathered in the Quillen Arena at the Delaware State Fair Wednesday morning for the groups’ latest …

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Youth make the grade at Delaware State Fair horse-judging event

Posted

HARRINGTON — Delaware 4-H and Future Farmers of America members from across the state gathered in the Quillen Arena at the Delaware State Fair Wednesday morning for the groups’ latest event: a horse judging contest.

The contest allowed for members of each organization to put their months of horse judge training to the test, dictating the scores of a variety of different horses and their respective performances and classes. As volunteer handlers were dealt the responsibility of leading their horses through each routine, members of Delaware 4-H and the state’s Future Farmers of America branch watched along, tallying their observations as they came.

Wednesday morning’s horse judging contest was one of many competitions held at the Delaware State Fair in partnership with the Delaware Future Farmers of America and Delaware 4-H. These competitions included a talent show, public speaking showcase, and both livestock and dairy judging contests.

At the event, approximately 50 Delaware 4-H and Future Farmers of America members judged the variety of horses in their respective halter class, which refers to the physical appearance, usefulness and build of the horse. The classes judged during Wednesday morning’s contest included Stock Type Mares, Appaloosa Geldings, Mini Mares, Western Pleasure, and Trail Class.

Delaware 4-H and Future Farmers of America advisers spent the months leading up to the competition teaching and training the students on the components of horse judging. Delaware Future Farmers of America adviser Dr. Bart Gill said that while hours of preparation go into readying members for the responsibility of judging these competitions, the contest allows members of both organizations to apply their teachings in the field.

“Being able to oversee this event is great, because it’s a great experience for them,” Dr. Gill said. “They get to really start learning what to look for, and if they have an interest in the equine world, they get to learn what is ideal. They get to see the differences between horses and have that knowledge base. This sets them up for success if they choose to enter that world.”

During the competition, Delaware Future Farmers of America officials called for rotations, allowing each group of judges to examine horses in every phase of the competition. Handlers are instructed by the officials on which way to position the horse during this phase, which also includes an opportunity to guide their horses during a trot. During the annual competition, these volunteer handlers are oftenmade up of former Future Farmers of America and Delaware 4-H members, according to Dr. Gill, who said a background in horse handling is preferred, though not required.

After the horses completed their routines, judges were directed to compile their scores on the bleachers of Quillen Arena. Delaware 4-H and Future Farmers of America advisers required judges to be divided by organization, preventing members of the same branch or friends from compromising their respective votes. As judges assembled on the bleachers, handlers were led away, and once scores were compiled, judges were led to the Delaware State Fairgrounds Centre Ice Arena for the final stage in the judging process: naming winners.

Judges filled their scores in on a Scantron sheet, which would later be tallied as part of the final judgment. The tally of the three-column Scantron was considered by a committee of Delaware 4-H and Future Farmers of America officials responsible for making the final ruling on the winner of each classes’ competition.

Dr. Gill said Wednesday’s competition was part of an already-successful week for the Delaware Future Farmers of America and Delaware 4-H, stating that the experience was great for all those involved throughout each competition.

“This has been a very successful fair for us so far. We’ve had a lot of participation from FFA members across the state, taking part throughout the week. I mean, we’ve had a competition every day except for on the weekend,” Dr. Gill said.

“Our judging competitions had large participation numbers, and we’re really excited about that. It’s great to see people come to the fair, come to our events, and have a great experience, whether you’re watching from the outside or participating.

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