The pandemic of 2020 led to massive event cancellations including many 4-H events. The District 6 4-H Hippology and Horse Judging Contests were events that had to get cancelled due to COVID-19.  Instead of cancelling the contests, this reporting agent came up with a way to conduct the contests virtually.  By doing so, 4-H members were able to continue their 4-H horse project with some sort of “normalcy” in an environment that was anything but “normal”. The 4-H members were able to practice skill application after an entire year’s worth of work.  

The virtual event included four horse judging clinics held on Zoom.  Two horse judging experts were recruited to teach participants how to score conformation, equitation and pattern classes using a score sheet.  Prior to participating in the Zoom clinics, 60% of the participants did not know how to use a scoresheet.  After attending the clinics 70% of contestants increased their knowledge on how to score equitation, ranch riding and reining classes.

The platform used for the virtual Horse Judging and Hippology Contest was Google Classroom. Kentucky students were already using this technology to do their schoolwork.  The horse judging contest consisted of five classes including conformation, equitation and pattern classes that were covered in the virtual clinics. Contestants submitted written reasons for class placings. When asked what the contestants learned, 80% said they had a better understanding of what to look for when judging classes.  85% indicated they are interested in competing in more virtual horse judging contests in the future. Thirty-six participants competed in the horse judging contest.

The Hippology Contest included junior and senior tests covering written questions and picture identification of horse related questions. Forty-two participants competed in the hippology contest.  Each contestant answered 80 questions covering a wide range of knowledge including breeds, equipment, health, nutrition, and so much more.  Of the participants who competed, 30% were new to the contest. 90% of contestants said they would like to participate in more virtual hippology contests in the future.

All of the virtual events held (horse judging clinics, horse judging and hippology contests) were brand new concepts for Kentucky 4-H.  The reporting agent has extended the virtual format to other horse contact agents in Kentucky to replicate the program done in District 6.  

Comments about the virtual program included: I thought the virtual clinics were very informative and helpful. They made everything clear and easy to understand. The contests were also set up nicely and were easy to understand; I loved both contests, thank you for setting them up; I feel as if the formats for both were very efficient and I liked the overall set up of the contests; Thank you so much for the heroic efforts you are making to ensure that this 4-H year is not a total loss. Yesterday's clinic was engaging and informative. I really believe my children are learning and grasping the material better after each clinic.