Horse Evaluation CDE 11/ 6
Horse Evaluation CDE 11/ 6
Superintendent: Danielle Melino
dmelino@region1schools.org
Asst: Margie Groht
Location: UCONN Horse Barn - 3099 Horsebarn Hill Rd, Storrs, CT
Textbook: Equine Science, by Rick Parker. ISBN: 978-1-305-94972-0
Schedule:
8:30 - 9:00 - Registration
9:00 - 9:15 - Contest rules & procedures explained to competitors
9:15 - 10:30 - Halter classes, followed by Under Saddle classes
10:30 - Competitors begin working on reasons
11:00 - Reasons begin
After competitors complete two sets of reasons, rotate between
General knowledge
Practicum 1
Practicum 2
Team Scenario (will be eliminated if we run behind schedule)
2:30 - Judges feedback
Contest ends
*Students are expected to eat lunch while preparing for oral reasons.
*Please be aware, the contest may run longer than expected.
Contest Rules:
Electronic devices of any kind are NOT permitted at ANY point during the contest, and will result in immediate disqualification of the student from the competition. Cell phones/smartwatches must be powered down and stored during the entire contest.
Students should bring a clipboard, white paper and two No. 2 pencils and if desired a basic calculator (no graphing calculators). Clipboards and paper will be inspected.
Each school is allowed four contestants with all four scores being totaled to make up the team score. Alternates are not allowed at the contest.
There is to be no communication between any persons participating in the contest. Students and/or coaches are not permitted to speak to one another or to the judges. Students are not to sit/stand next others from their own school. There is to be no viewing of any other contestants' papers, or resources of any kind used. Contest officials suspecting cheating of any kind may excuse a student/team from the contest. *exception being the team event
Official Dress is required, with appropriate footwear (boots are ideal)
In case of cold weather, an extra coat may be worn over official dress, and gloves/hat/ etc...
Any student suspected of cheating in any way will be disqualified from the contest.
Students should bring a lunch and water/beverage
As FFA advisors and members, we’re committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all members— students, educators, and families alike. We believe in fostering premier leadership, personal growth, and career success, and that starts with a community built on respect and professionalism. These guidelines outline the expectations for behavior and conduct across all FFA activities and spaces. By upholding these principles, members help ensure FFA remains a place where everyone can thrive. https://www.ffa.org/member-safety/
All members are responsible for protecting others from abuse and reporting any known instances. Harassment, bullying (including cyberbullying), hazing, intimidation, and verbal or physical abuse are strictly prohibited under the FFA Code of Conduct.
FFA members & advisors are expected to respect the rights, property, cultures, and experiences of others, fostering an inclusive environment that values everyone and creates leadership opportunities for all. Good sportsmanship is encouraged, including being modest in victory, generous in defeat, and consistently respectful toward peers.
Contest Components:
General Knowledge - (100 points) students will be tested on the topics below:
2026 - History, Breeds and Characteristics
2027 - Genetics and Reproduction
2028 - Anatomy and Physiology
Practical Application - (25 points each contestant, 100 total) students will answer questions and gather information and use hands - on applications.
Examples: Conformation & Anatomical Health, Veterinary Pharmacology & Math, Equine Nutrition, Clinical Diagnostics
Oral reasons - (100 points) students will present oral reasons defending their placings 1 halter class and 1 under saddle class
Judging classes - (200 points) - 2 in hand/halter and 2 under saddle
Classes for 2026:
Halter - Morgans, Stock
Under Saddle - Western Pleasure, Hunter under saddle
Under saddle classes may include: western pleasure, ranch riding, western riding, english pleasure, hunter under saddle, hunter hack, hunt seat equitation, trail.
Halter classes may include: Stock horses, Quarter Horse, Thoroughbred, Morgan, Paint, Arabian, Conformation Hunter
Team scenario (50 points) - All team members will work together to complete the problem solving portion found in the scenario. (15 minutes total - NO PRESENTATION) *may be eliminated if contest runs behind schedule