Horse Evaluation 

State Horse Evaluation 

Contestants cannot travel to the off-site stable and will be disqualified without a signed and printed liability waiver.   

• Printed waivers should be brought to the equine contest superintendent at the contest check-in location.

• Use this link for the stable's liability waiver: Liability Waiver

Students develop knowledge and skills in equine science, horse evaluation, and performance analysis through this hands-on event. The FFA Horse Evaluation Career Development Event (CDE) challenges participants to complete a written exam, evaluate halter and riding classes, identify key equine characteristics, and deliver oral reasons defending their decisions. This event emphasizes critical thinking, observation, and communication, preparing students for careers in horse management, breeding, and the equine industry. 

Number of Teams: 

• This contest is capped at the first 30 teams, one team per school.

Scantron

• Judging Card Universal Form A #705A-12

Description of the Contest: 

• The placement of teams will be determined by tabulating the three highest scores of contestants from the school. The tiebreaker will be determined by the highest score in oral reasoning. 

• The contest will consist of:

1. Preliminary Written Exam - To accommodate travel time and the duration of the in-person contest, the written exam will be completed in advance on Blackboard. This approach ensures the contest stays on schedule. Participants will complete a 50-question multiple-choice equine knowledge exam, with a one-hour time limit. The exam must be taken individually, without the use of resources or team collaboration. 

2. Class Evaluation

• • • • • • • Two halter selection classes.

            • Two riding classes.

            • Identification class consisting of 10 questions. 

3. Oral Reasons - Students will be required to give oral reasons on one class at the stable (class determined by the Judge the day of the contest). Notes can be used for oral reasons, but the overall score will be lower for contestants who use notes during reasons presentation. Automatic deduction of 10 points for usage of note during oral reasons.

• You are allowed to take notes during the contest but may not bring notes, term sheets, drawings, etc.

Special Instructions:

• Due to the number of participants, travel, and oral reasons this contest takes significant time to complete. 

  • Please make accommodations to NOT leave campus before 2pm if you have students participating in this contest. 

• The majority of this contest will take place in an arena. 

  • Dress appropriately for the cooler climate as well as wear closed toed clean shoes.

• Individuals are expected to bring sharpened #2 pencils, paper, and a clipboard free of notes and other markings.