This is a non-riding competitive event that teaches youth how to judge a class of four horses based on  conformation and way of going (this will vary within pleasure and halter divisions). It really isn't as hard as it sounds especially when you've been practicing for six months or so. Basically you judge a class of four horses then give a set of oral reasons saying why you placed the class that way. This competition is open to 4-H'ers ages 9-18 as of Jan. 1st in the current year. The actual event takes place in Raleigh around April, but we practice for it from about November to April. The nice thing for many youth about this competition is that you don't have to own your own horse, or even know how to ride to do well in this event.

This event is a combination of horse judging and a written test. On the test you are asked to label different horse and tack parts, you must also answer various horse related questions, such as disease symptoms and breeds. The other half of hippology is that you have to judge about four classes at the horse judging contest, but the nice part is that you don't have to give oral reasons if you only do hippology. Also, in case you were wondering hippology is the study of horses and all things horsey. This contest is open to youth in 4-H ages 9-18 as of Jan. 1st of the current year.