Horse Evaluation: A Multibreed Text for Competitive Youth Equine Judges

by Colleen M. Brady

Overview

Horse judging is one of the most popular activities in 4-H, FFA, and other youth-development organizations. Judging teaches youth how to both critically analyze animals based on a specific set of criteria and justify their decisions through oral reasoning. This book includes information on examining a wide variety of breeds—from quarter horses and Arabians to Saddlebreds, Drafts, and Miniatures—and covers a range of disciplines. Both halter and performance classes are explored, and the rules and regulations used to govern contests at the national level are provided. Example sets of reasons are supplied for most classes, as are lists of potential terms for inclusion in oral reasons. Horse Evaluation: A Multibreed Text for Competitive Youth Equine Judges offers valuable resources, including images, line drawings, and videos, for adults coaching youth-judging teams and their students.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781626712461
Publisher:	Purdue University Press
Publication date:	12/15/2025
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	130

About the Author

Colleen M. Brady is a professor and Extension specialist at Purdue University, where she specializes in equine science and youth development. With a passion for horses that began in childhood, Brady earned a PhD in animal science and has since gained extensive experience in competitive horse judging. For the past twenty-five years, she has dedicated her career to educating and mentoring the next generation of horse enthusiasts and professionals, focusing on youth horse-judging education. She has conducted live and virtual horse-judging camps and worked with a team of collaborators to develop online horse-judging materials. She remains committed to fostering a deep appreciation for horses of all breeds and disciplines, and encourages students to value lifelong learning and the relationships built through participation in horse-judging activities.