Ohio 4-H Hippology Contest Rules

THE CONTEST

1. Examination Phase - 200 points - This phase of the contest will include:
   1. a written exam;
   2. projected slides to be identified as to breed, color, color pattern, activity, proper appointments, etc.;
   3. anatomy which may include external, skeletal, internal organs, parts of gastrointestinal tract, male and female reproductive organs, detailed anatomy of the foot and detailed lower limbs.

2. Station Phase - 200 points - This phase will consist of a series of stations or tables where, at each, all contestants will respond to the requirements of the station. Examples of stations which may be used include:
   1. Identification of :
      1. Various types of saddles (actual or pictured) and parts of saddles.
      2. Tack, bits, bridles, horse shoes and parts of shoes.
      3. Tools and equipment, and assembly of specific parts of various pieces of equipment.
      4. Grains and forages used in equine rations including various forms or methods of preparation.
      5. Internal and external parasites based on actual samples, pictures, life cycle charts, damage caused.
      6. Blemishes and unsoundnesses.
      7. Ages of equines based on teeth.
      8. Common weeds and poisonous plants identification.
   2. Use of pulse rate, respiration rate, temperature, dehydration, anemia, etc. to assess horse health.
   3. Measurements such as, but not limited to, wither height, shoe size, girth, collar size, gullet width, seat length of saddle, etc. may be required.

3. Judging Phase - 200 points - Contestants will be required to place two (2) conformation classes and one performance class. One class of hay will be judged.
4. Team Problem - 200 points - (Junior teams will not do this part of the contest.) All teams will be presented with the same problem(s). Each team will have sufficient time to discuss the problem among themselves, after which they will have to present an oral solution or series of suggested procedures relative to the problem. Each member of each team will contribute to the oral presentation. Evaluation will be based on the understanding of the problem, completeness of the response, the probability of success of the solution or procedures, and the logic used in making the oral response. The official may ask questions of any or all of the team members to clarify the presentation.

   Examples of possible team problems might include:

   1. Balancing a horse's ration.
   2. Farm management recommendations for specific, (i.e., breeding, training, boarding, nursery, lay-up, etc.) horse operations.
   3. Considerations for the establishment of a new horse facility (stable to be used for a specific purpose).
   4. Recommendations for selecting, locating and purchasing horses for specific uses.
   5. Behavior problems - causes, management of and corrections.
   6. Training and conditioning programs - equipment, schedules, methods, nutrition, problem avoidance.
   7. Breeding and/or leasing contracts - specific clauses for insurance, liability, payments, care, termination, transport, etc.
   8. Teaching lessons in horse management (specific subject to be announced) to a group of 9 to 11 year old beginner 4-H'ers - where, how much information, hands-on experiences, reinforcement, testing evaluation.
   9. Explanation of use or assembly of specific equipment will be considered.
   10. Demonstrate skill or ability to use specific equipment

   Team problem scores will not be included in determining the rank of individuals in the contest, but will be added to the team scores of the other three phases to determine overall team standing.