WHAT IS HIPPOLOGY?

Hippology is the study of horses. In the 4-H Horse Project there are many ways to learn about horses. Reading books and magazines, the internet, riding lessons, clinics and workshops are some of the many different ways. Most state 4-H Horse Programs suggest the use of educational resources and the two most recommended books that help leaders, novice and junior members are ‘Horses and Horsemanship’ and ‘Horse Science’ (referred to as the green books), revised and expanded by Ray J. Antoniewicz. These books may be purchased through the 4-H Supply Catalog by calling 301 961-2934 or the 4-H Mall. The National 4-H Horse Curriculum includes a series of six Horse project guides and a Leader Guide . The 4-H Horse Project Wyoming Book, put out by The University of Wyoming College of Agriculture is another helpful book.

In addition to the two ‘green books’ mentioned above, there are several resources that a 4-H leader or coach will use for the older junior members and seniors. These resources are endorsed both Regionally and Nationally and are used in preparation for hippology contests. Many leaders/coaches will use hands on material, actual tack, feeds etc., using the resources as guidelines to ensure consistency for contests. Please see the list of resources below.

The Hippology Contest

Most contestants compete as a team, however, in some smaller states where there are fewer horse members and clubs, contestants may compete individually. At the Regional and National level, contestants must compete as a team. The objective of the Hippology Contest is to provide, in a friendly but competitive setting, an opportunity for youth enrolled in 4-H to demonstrate the breadth of their knowledge and understanding of equine science and management, and in particular, the practical application of this knowledge and skill. It is hoped that this contest will generate new friendships and be a rewarding experience for the contestants. Teams consist of 3-4 members. In teams where 4 compete, the member receiving the lowest overall score will not be included in team totals but will be considered for all individual awards. In teams of 3, all scores will count in determining team and individual awards.

There are 4 phases to the Hippology Contest, each approximately 200 points.

• 0. Exam Phase:
• 1. Written Exam
• 2. Slides
  Examples: breed, color, markings, disciplines etc.
  

• 0. Station Phase:
• 1. Identification of items such as grains and forage, tools, equipment, harnesses, anatomy, tack, etc.
• 2. Use of temperature, pulse, respiration to assess a horse’s health.
• 3. Measurements such as shoe sizes, saddle, wither height, etc.
  

• 0. Judging Phase: Contestants will be required to place classes consisting of conformation and performance from videos or slides. (No oral reasons.)
  

• 0. Team Problems: All teams are presented with the same problems. Each team has equal time to discuss then orally present a solution or series of suggested procedures relative to the problem. Evaluation is based on understanding the problem and logic used in the response. A judge may ask questions. Examples could be behavior problems, assembly of equipment, how to run a horse show or 4-H horse fundraiser, horse management, etc.

  Reference Materials:

  Horses and Horsemanship and Horse Science, 4-H Source Catalog 4-H Mall.

  Illustrated Dictionary of Equine Terms New Horizons, Alpine Publ. 1-800-777-7257

  The Horse (2nd edition) Evans, Borton, Hintz, Van Vleck, 1-888-330-8477, A special price may be available if ordered from publisher 414-391-5870

  The Coloring Atlas of Horse Anatomy Dr. Robert Kainer/Dr. Thomas McCracken, Alpine Publications 1-800-777-7257

  Horse Industry Handbook by AYHC, 1-800-952-5813 The 4-H Catalog carries this also.

  Youth Leaders Manual by AYHC, 1-800-952-5813 The 4-H Catalog carries this also.

  Feeding & Care of the Horse (2nd edition) by Lon Lewis, 1-800-638-0672

  
  
  PRACTICE QUESTIONS
  

  • TEXAS Horse Quiz Bowl Supplement
    
  • 2009 Junior Round
    
  • 2009 Senior Round
    
  • 2008 Junior Round
    
  • 2008 Senior Round
    
  • State Junior Questions
    
  • State Senior Questions
    
  • Junior Questions
    
  • Eastern National Questions 1999
    
  • Eastern National Questions 2000
    
  • Eastern National Questions 2001
    
  • Eastern National Questions 2002
    
  • Oklahoma Sample Questions
    

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    A Horse's Prayer
    
    Feed me, Water me and Care for me.
    When my day's work is done, provide me with shelter,
    a dry, clean bed and a stall with enough room for me to lie down in comfort.
    
    Talk to me. Your voice often means as much to me as the reins.
    Pet me sometimes, that I may serve you more gladly and learn to love you.
    
    Do not jerk the reins and do not whip me when going uphill.
    Never strike, beat or kick me when I do not understand
    what you mean, but give me a chance to understand.
    
    Watch me and if I fail to do your bidding, see if something
    is wrong with my harness or feet. Examine my teeth
    when I do not eat, I may have an ulcerated tooth that is very painful.
    Do not tie my head in an unnatural position or take away
    my best defense against flies by cutting off my tail.
    
    Do not smoke in my barn or leave me tied up overnight
    and perhaps burn me to death while you are sleeping in
    your comfortable bed.
    
    And last, my Master, when my strength is gone, do not
    turn me out in a pasture without shelter and let me freeze
    to death, or sell me to some cruel owner to be slowly
    starved or worked to death, but take my life in the kindest
    way and your God will reward you in the hereafter.
    
    Author Unknown