EquiSmartz State 4-H Educational Contests

• Hippology Contest Rules & Reference Materials (PDF)
  The virtual format is not an open book contest, and no other searchable devices may be used including cell phones.  In addition, no help is allowed from anyone (other 4-Hers, siblings, adults/parents, coaches, etc.).  There have been updates in 2021 to Horse Smarts and the Horse Industry Handbook that will be used for the 2022 contest.
  
  
• Contest Registration
  Entry deadline March 15.
  Club Leaders/Coaches are asked to complete the registrations. Extension agents will verify member enrollment upon registration submission.
  Cost: $10/participant
  
  
• Virginia Wifi Hotspot Map
  This interactive map of free, publicly available wifi hotspots can be accessed from a vehicle. For more Coronavirus broadband resources, please visit https://www.commonwealthconnect.virginia.gov/COVID-19.
  
  
• Past Results

• State Horse Judging Contest Rules (PDF)
  The virtual format is not an open book contest, and no other searchable devices may be used including cell phones.  In addition, no help is allowed from anyone (other 4-Hers, siblings, adults/parents, coaches, etc.)
  
  
• Contest Registration
  
  4-H Senior Link
  4-H Senior Novice Link
  
  4-H Junior Link
  4-H Junior Novice Link
  
  FFA Junior Link
  FFA Senior Link
  
  Entry deadline March 15.
  Club Leaders/Coaches are asked to complete the registrations. Extension agents will verify member enrollment upon registration submission.
  Cost: $10/participan

• Virginia Wifi Hotspot Map
  This interactive map of free, publicly available wifi hotspots can be accessed from a vehicle. For more Coronavirus broadband resources, please visit https://www.commonwealthconnect.virginia.gov/COVID-19.
  
  
• Scantron Sample - be familiar with proper bubbling of answer sheets
  
  
• Past Results

• The State Public Speaking, Team and Individual presentations are limited to 6 individuals or teams per DISTRICT per age group. Qualifiers are held at the DISTRICT level.

• Entries open Wednesday, April 7
  
• Entries due Monday, April 19
• Zoom Interview schedule posted no later than Wednesday, April 21
• Entry uploads are due by Sunday, April 25
• ALL COMPETITORS - SAVE THE DATE FOR Interviews with Judges via Zoom on Sunday, May 2
• Awards - Tuesday, May 4, 7pm by Zoom - request link by emailing horse4h@vt.edu
• Decision Day is Tuesday, May 11, 2021
  

• Rules and Regulations
  
• Contest Scoresheets
  • Junior Individual Presentation Scoresheet (PDF)
  • Junior Public Speaking Scoresheet (PDF)
  • Junior Team Presentation Scoresheet (PDF)
  • Senior Individual Presentation Scoresheet (PDF)
  • Senior Public Speaking Scoresheet (PDF)
  • Senior Team Presentation Scoresheet (PDF)
    
    
• Past Results

The State Horse Bowl contest is limited to 5 Horse Bowl Teams per DISTRICT per age group. Qualifiers are held at the DISTRICT level.

• Horse Bowl Rules & Reference Materials (PDF). There have been updates in 2021 to Horse Smarts and the Horse Industry Handbook that will be used for the 2022 contest.
  
  
• 2021 Virtual Contest Game Play Agreement and Instructions (PDF)
  

• Contest Registration Link (open March 1-15)
  deadline March 15
  Club Leaders/Coaches are asked to complete the registrations
  Extension agents will verify member enrollment upon registration submission
  Cost: $10/participan
  
  
• Virginia Wifi Hotspot Map
  This interactive map of free, publicly available wifi hotspots can be accessed from a vehicle. For more Coronavirus broadband resources, please visit https://www.commonwealthconnect.virginia.gov/COVID-19.
  
  
• Past Results

• Communications Contests
  
• Horse Bowl
  
• Hippology
• Horse Judging

• AYHC Horse Industry Handbook is continually updated - see this page for updates to purchase. Last updated 2021
• Equine Science by Griffiths last updated 2020. Purchase at AYHC.
  
• See all resources and links in each contest set of rules above.
  
• AYHC Horse Smarts is continually updated - see this page for updates (free to download). Last updated 2021. Summary of Horse Smarts updates:
  
  • New chapter
    Knot Just for Fun – knots & tying knots
    Equine Detective – process involved for going from differential diagnoses to a final diagnosis – includes types of exams, diagnostic tests and treatment
    All Systems Go - molecular/cellular basics, endocrine system & nervous system including anatomy, physiology & common disorders
  • Major edits
    It’s a Hot Topic – previously only covered fire safety – disaster preparedness added
    Learn from the Best – updated & activity level added
    Oh, My Aching Feet – detailed hoof/lower leg anatomy (support & suspension components) added – hoof disorders (especially laminitis) updated
    Healthy Habitat – now includes information from several of the deleted chapters
  • Other notable edits
    All of the health & disease chapters have been reviewed and many have had additional details added (i.e. additional cardiac system anatomy & EKG, additional information on ticks, additional information on sarcoids, EHV-3 added, Romifidine added to medications, equine respiratory diseases expanded/updated
    Additional details added (including foundation sires and/or notable horses) to Parade of Breeds, Pony Power and Where in the World
    Evolution updated
    Additional details on racing, types of carriages etc. added
    Updated and additional details added to Family Resemblance (basics and other lethals) & Code Behind the Color
  • Chapters that were deleted & information added to another chapter
    I Like Mine Green
    Tidy Up
    Money, Money, Money