North Carolina 4-H Horse Program Rulebook- Chapter VI

 

VI-A.   Horse Bowl Contest

VI-B.   Horse Presentation Contest

VI-C.   Horse Team Presentation Contest

VI-D.   Horse Public Speaking Contest

VI-E.    Creative Writing Contests

VI-F.    Horse Judging Contest

VI-G.   Hippology Contest

 

VI-A. HORSE BOWL

VI-A.1. Objectives

VI-A.1.a. To offer an opportunity for youths interested in horses to display the knowledge they have gained in a competitive and friendly atmosphere.

VI-A.1.b. To encourage youths and leaders to study and obtain a more thorough and complete knowledge of horses and related subject matter. Youths will gain confidence in their horse knowledge and be rewarded and recognized for their achievements. Local club, county, or inter county competition is encouraged whenever feasible.

VI-A.1.c. To always provide an enjoyable educational experience for participants and spectators.

VI-A.2. Eligibility

VI-A.2.a. Each contestant must be an actual 4-H club member approved by his or her county Extension office and horse club leader. Participants are not required to own a horse to participate.

VI-A.2.b. If no district qualification is held, each county will be eligible to enter any number of Junior and Senior teams in the state contest. Mixed teams will be limited to two teams per county.Each team must have four eligible members. All team members must be present at the team seeding.

VI-A.2.c. All members of a Junior team may not have reached age 14 as of January 1 of the current year. All members of a Senior team must have reached age 14 but not age 19 before January 1 of the current year.It is strongly encouraged that mixed division teams consist of at least two Junior members and two Senior members. (A mixed team must contain at least two Junior members and one Senior member seated in competition at all times and may not have more than two Seniors seated at any time.) Any entry form not completed in its entirety will be returned to the sender. If the entry form is resubmitted after the deadline date it will be assessed a late fee of $10 per team. In the event that late entries are prohibited, no late entries will be accepted.

VI-A.2.d. Contestants may participate in only one division and on one team in a given year.

VI-A.2.e. Members of 4-H are not eligible to participate in a regional or state contest if they have completed a secondary education course (college, community college, or technical school) related to Horse Bowl Contest subject matter.

VI-A.2.f. An All-Star Team composed of the high-scoring Senior individuals from the Senior and Mixed Division, in the N.C. State 4-H Horse Bowl Contest will be tested to determine the state team and will represent North Carolina in National and Regional competition. In the event a high Senior Horse Bowl individual also is a high individual in the State Horse Judging Contest or Hippology Contest within the same year, that individual will have one week after completion of the State Horse Judging Contest to declare in which event(s) he or she wishes to represent North Carolina at national contests. The State Extension specialist will designate the next high-ranking individuals in the other contest(s) to represent North Carolina at nationals.

VI-A.2.g. Members of the champion team in the Senior, Junior, or Mixed divisions who were not selected to participate on the state team, will be eligible to compete on future teams in that division as long as they meet the age and educational eligibility requirements. Members of the state team selected from the Senior and Mixed divisions and participating at the National 4-H Roundup or Quarter Horse Congress will be ineligible to participate as members on any future county horse bowl teams.

VI-A.2.h. The winning state team from the previous year will be eligible to assist as scorers and doorkeepers in the Junior or mixed divisions of the current year at a regional or state contest.

VI-A.3. District Qualification

VI-A.3.a. Two state qualification procedures may be used at regional contests:

1. District Elimination System

   • District contests with seven or fewer Junior and mixed division team entries will use a double-elimination system to select the state qualified teams. Double elimination will not exceed three rounds of questions.
   • A total of 14 Junior, 14 mixed and 14 Senior Division teams are eligible to compete in the State 4-H Horse Bowl Contest
   • The number of teams per division and region eligible for the State 4-H Horse Bowl contest will be selected on a quota system based on the current year's participation. The number of teams per division and region will be determined by the state Extension horse specialist based upon a percentage of the total entries received two weeks before the contest deadline date. Entries will not be accepted after the advertised deadline date.
2. No Regional Elimination System

   • State contest competition will offer single elimination to an unlimited number of regionally qualified Junior and mixed division teams.
   • Senior division competition will be open to an unlimited number of regionally qualified teams in a double-elimination competition.

VI-A.3.b. The State 4-H Horse Advisory Board will annually determine and announce the type of regional Horse Bowl qualification system.

VI-A.3.c. Team members, including alternates registered on a given team at the regional event, cannot be substituted before or during the state contest. The same team members, including alternates who are entered at the regional event, must compete at the State Horse Bowl Contest.

VI-A.4. Equipment

VI-A.4.a. Game Panels
An appropriate device will be used that will provide a clear indication of the first participant to respond to a question.

VI-A.4.b. Time Recorders
A stopwatch or other appropriate timing device will be required.

VI-A.4.c. Scorekeeping Devices
Two devices will be needed. One, such as a chalkboard, flip chart, or electronic light display, will be used to maintain team scores. It will be visible to the participants and, if possible, to the spectators. A second device will be required to maintain a record of individual participant scores.

VI-A.4.d. Equipment Failure

1. It shall be the responsibility of each participant to assure that all equipment is operating correctly at the start of the match.
   
   
2. If failure occurs during a match, the following rules apply:
   
   
   • If the device being used ceases to function during a match or is believed to be malfunctioning, a time-out may be called by any participant, the moderator, or either coach.
     
     
   • If, after checking, it is determined that there is an equipment malfunction, the faulty part or parts will be replaced and play will be resumed.
     
     
   • Scores accumulated up to the point of the time-out shall stand, and all further points awarded during the remainder of the match will be added to or subtracted from this total.
     
     
   • If both referee judges or one referee judge and the moderator deem it advisable, points awarded for the two questions asked immediately before the determination of equipment failure may be recalled, and two additional questions used.
     
     
   • Under no conditions, shall there be a replay of a match in which equipment failure occurred.

 

VI-A.5. Sources of Questions

VI-A.5.a. Restrictions
Restrictions placed on the sources of materials used for developing questions for the Mixed or Senior divisions, dictate that all questions be drawn from the references located on the North Carolina State University, Extension Horse Husbandry website in Educational Materials, located under the "4-H Horse Program" tab.

It should be clearly understood that this listing does not constitute an official endorsement of these materials. The publications are typically marketed by veterinary supply companies.

VI-A.5.b. Submissions
Club leaders and team coaches are strongly urged to submit four new questions, answers, and question sources each year for each of the following categories:

• Anatomy
• Breeds and Breed Organizations
• Diseases and Unsoundness
• Genetics
• History and Evolution
• Nutrition
• Showing, Showing Procedures, and Other Mounted Activities
• Physiology and Reproduction
• Psychology, Training, and Vices
• Parasites
• Tack and Equipment
• Trivia (limited to a maximum of two questions per round)
• Judging and conformation

 

VI-A.5.c. Arrangement
All questions shall be arranged in game packets consisting of 32 total questions per match. Toss-up questions will be worth one point at all times.

In Senior Division competition, the one-on-one competition will be held during the first half and followed by the toss-up section.

BONUS QUESTIONS

• Bonus questions will be used with toss-up questions during all matches at the state contest.
• Bonus Questions will be worth three (3) points.  They are attached to a correctly answered toss-up question, in the OPEN part of the match.
• When multiple answers are required, (3) POINTS will be awarded if ALL of the required answers are correct. 
• No points will be awarded or taken away if there is less than the required number of answers, or if there are no correct answers.  No part of the bonus questions will be repeated, nor will any additional information be given to the contestants relative to the question. 
• These points will count toward team scores only. Bonus question points will not be included in individual scores.

 

VI-A.6. Officials

VI-A.6.a. Moderator (Quiz Person)
The moderator shall assume complete direction of the game, ask all questions, designate participants to answer questions, and accept or reject all answers unless the questions or the answers are challenged. The moderator shall indicate when a participant has exceeded the allocated time for a question. The moderator will declare the game winner and shall be in control of the games at all times. The moderator must be an adult, older than age 19.

VI-A.6.b. Referee Judges
At least two referee judges shall be used. Referee judges must be knowledgeable horsemen with strong backgrounds in management, training, nutrition, physiology, showing, or veterinary medicine. The referee judges may rule individually or jointly on the acceptability of any question or answer. In cases of challenges to questions or answers, either both referee judges or one referee judge and the moderator must agree on the acceptability or rejection of any question or answer. The judge must be an adult who is older than age 19.

VI-A.6.c. Timekeeper
At least one individual shall be used to indicate to the moderator the expiration of the time allowed to respond to a question. A referee judge may serve as timekeeper.

VI-A.6.d. Scorekeeper
At least two individuals shall be used to keep score for each contest. The individual maintaining team scores shall do so in such a manner that all points awarded or taken from each team may be checked and that the scores are clearly visible to the moderator and to the participants. The second scorekeeper shall be used to maintain a record of the individual from each team that answers a question correctly.

VI-A.7. Teams

VI-A.7.a. Each team shall consist of four participants and an alternate.

1. The alternate shall not be seated at the panel, nor may the alternate participate in the questions and answers unless:
   
   

   • The moderator deems it impossible for one of the regular members of the team to continue in the contest
   • The captain or coach of a team requests the replacement of a team member with the alternate.
     
     
2. If an alternate is seated following the removal of a regular participant, the team member removed becomes the alternate and becomes ineligible to return to that particular game. The team member removed and the alternate remain eligible to participate in further games. The use of an alternate is strongly recommended.
3. The alternate, if not used as a competing member of the contest, shall be considered eligible for future contests.

VI-A.7.b. Upon completion of a match, team members, and coaches must remain in the match room until the completion of the round or go directly to a designated, supervised holding area. After completion of a round, team members and coaches must remain in the designated holding area until their match or lunch break.

VI-A.7.c. Each team member and coach participating in the state competition will receive an identification tag indicating his or her name, county, and team name.

VI-A.7.d. Counties with multiple team entries in the same age division cannot be matched against each other in the first round. County teams with conflicts must redraw for seeding. In the event teams are unable to redraw for seeding, the contest coordinator will modify the original seeding order accordingly.

 

VI-A.8. Procedures of Play

VI-A.8.a. Order of Team Play

1. Team captains will randomly draw numbers to be seated in the contest. A predetermined modified bye system may be used in determining the regional representatives for the state finals.
   
   
2. The highest scoring losing team from the preceding round will be used when necessary to fill brackets in succeeding rounds. If a tie exists in selecting the highest scoring losing team, the team with the smallest losing margin will be used.
   
   
3. Single elimination brackets will be used in the Junior and Mixed divisions if more than seven teams are entered within a division. Double-elimination brackets will be used in the Senior Division; in addition, if the Junior and Mixed divisions have seven or less teams registered, then a double elimination bracket will also be used for those divisions.
   
4. Spectators, team members, and coaches who have heard the questions being used in a given round may not consult with teams that will be participating in succeeding games in that round. Using cameras, video recorders, tape recorders and writing questions are prohibited during a match. Photographs will be permitted only before and after a match. No cell phones are allowed in the competition area. Cell phones will be confiscated. Holding rooms will be for the team and coaches only-- no parents in the holding area.

 

VI-A.8.b. Match Procedures (for Senior divisions only)

1. Each match will be divided into two halves based on numbers of questions. Rounds will consist of 32 questions; 16 questions in each half.
2. During the second half of the match, all regular and toss-up questions will be worth one point; and all bonus questions will be worth one to three points as indicated in this section in VI-A.8.c. During the first half of the match, only one member of each team will be eligible to respond to a question. This eligibility will rotate with each question, beginning with the number 1 participant on each team and passing to the number 2, 3, and 4 participants of each team, respectively, until all the remaining questions have been asked, it is suggested that each team member be given an opportunity to respond to the same number of questions, that is, the number of questions asked during the first half of the game being evenly divisible by four.
   
   
3. The point value of a correct response to a question during the first half of play will be as follows:
   
   

   • Correct response = 2 points (individual and team)
   • An incorrect response = loss of 1 point (individual and team)
   • If both participants to whom a question is addressed fail to signal an intent to attempt an answer in the 5 seconds allowed, neither participant nor team shall lose or gain any points.
   • If the buzzer is activated and an answer is not started within the 5-second allowable time, there will be a minus two (-2) point penalty imposed against the contestant who activated the buzzer and their team.
     
     
4. If any participants other than the two designated participants respond, that individual will lose 2 points; and the team of that individual participant will lose 2 points.
5. If any participant responds more than twice to questions directed to another participant, he or she will be replaced at the panel by the alternate. If no alternate is available, the remainder of the match will be played with less than the full team, and all questions normally addressed to the eliminated participant will be addressed only to the opposing participant.
6. During the first half of the match, only one member of each team will be eligible to respond to a question. This eligibility will rotate with each question, beginning with the number 1 participants on each team and passing to the number 2, 3, and 4 participants of each team, respectively, until all the remaining questions are asked.

 

VI-8.c. Starting the Contest (Junior, Mixed, and Senior divisions)

1. Teams are assembled and seated at their respective panels, and each participant is given the opportunity to check the equipment. Each participant must have a visible tag denoting their name and team title. It is recommended that team members introduce themselves to the scorekeeper(s).
2. A team captain is designated and shall be seated nearest the moderator. One coach per team will be designated as the match coach. Additional coaches will not be eligible to communicate with the moderator or judges during protests.
3. The question packet is opened by the moderator.
4. At the signal of the moderator or as the first question is started, time begins.
5. The moderator reads the first toss-up question (as with all succeeding questions) until the completion of the reading of the question or until a participant activates a buzzer. The point value of all bonus questions will be announced before the accompanying toss-up question is read.
   
   

   • If a buzzer is activated during the reading of any question, the moderator will immediately cease reading the question; and the participant activating the buzzer shall have 5 seconds to begin his or her answer based on that portion of the question read. The answer given must correctly answer the complete written question.
   • If the answer given is incorrect, the correct question and answer will be given for educational purposes.
   • All participants must wait for verbal acknowledgment from the moderator before answering a question. Failure to wait for verbal acknowledgment after activating the buzzer will result in an automatic incorrect answer and subsequent reduction of points.
     
     
6. At the completion of the reading of a question or when a buzzer is activated, 5 seconds are permitted in which to begin an answer.
   
   

   • Any member of either team is allowed to activate the buzzer and attempt to answer the toss-up questions.
   • It shall be the responsibility of the moderator, timer, and referee judges to determine if any actual answer is started within this 5-second period.
     
     
7. If the time in which to answer a question elapses without a participant activating a buzzer, the question is discarded. The moderator will announce the correct answer for educational purposes.
   
   

   • There shall be no loss of points if neither team attempts to answer the question by activating the buzzer.
   • If a bonus question is attached to an unanswered toss-up question, the bonus question is transferred to the next possible toss-up question to which no bonus question is attached.
     
     
8. If the answer to a toss-up question has begun during the 5 seconds allowed, but the answer is incorrect, that team loses the points associated with that toss-up question.
   
   

   • If a team activates a buzzer and an answer has not been started within the 5 seconds allowed, the team activating the buzzer will be penalized the value of the toss-up question.
   • If a bonus question is attached to an incorrectly answered toss-up question, the bonus question is transferred to the next possible toss-up question to which no bonus is attached.
     
9. If the toss-up question is answered correctly within the 5 seconds allowed, that team scores 1 point.
   
   

   • If a bonus question is attached to the correctly answered toss-up question, the team should allow the moderator to read the complete question.  The team will be given ten (10) seconds to confer.  The acknowledger will call time at the end of ten (10) seconds.  The team captain or designee must then start giving the required number of answers within five (5) seconds.  Team members may give answers to the captain/designee during the 30-second answering period.
   • Failure to answer a bonus question results in no penalty (loss of points) to the team.
     
     
10. There will be no consultation among the team members nor will there be any coaching permitted by team members on toss-up questions. Failure to follow this rule will result in a 5­-point penalty to the team committing the offense plus an automatic incorrect answer for that question (total of -6 points).
11. In order to encourage full team participation, bonus points will be awarded to the first team of a match to have each team member correctly respond to at least one toss-up question. This bonus shall be worth 4 points in the Junior and Mixed divisions and 2 points in the Senior Division. Senior teams may be awarded two sets of bonus points. Junior and Mixed participants may be awarded one set of bonus points.
    
    

    • To obtain these bonus points, each member of the team seated at the time must have correctly answered a toss-up question. If a team member who, already having answered a question correctly, is replaced by an alternate, it will be necessary for the alternate to also answer a question correctly before the bonus points may be awarded. After awarding team bonus points, all cards from both teams are collected, and both teams proceed clean.
    • Team bonus points will not be included in individual scores.
      
      
12. Either the team captain or the moderator may call for a time-out for clarification of a rule, to permit the alternate to participate, or to allow for unexpected problems. These time-outs may be called only after a question has been answered and before the start of the next toss-up question.

 

VI-8.d. Completing the Contest

The moderator will continue reading toss-up questions and bonus questions if applicable (Junior and Mixed divisions) or one-on-one questions (Senior Division) until all questions have been asked.

If a question is thrown out either because of poor reading by the moderator or a decision by the referee judges, it will be replaced by another question so that the same total number of questions will be asked.

Following the final questions, the team with the highest number of points shall be declared the winner of that game.

In the event of a tie in the Junior or Mixed divisions after all toss-up questions have been read, seven additional toss-up questions will be asked. If a tie still remains after two overtimes of seven questions each, a packet of three questions will be read; and the team ahead after these three questions have been read and answered will be declared the winner.

In the event of a tie in the Senior Division after all toss-up questions have been read a match tie it will be broken with five (5) tie breaker questions.  If a tie remains the first team to earn a point (or because of a loss of a point by the other team, has a (1) point advantage) will be declared a match winner based on the scores.

Tie Breaker points do not get added to individual, team, or team bonus scores.  They are used to break match ties only.**

**Please note these changes are to match National Rules for 2008.

 

VI-8.e. Protests of Questions or Answers

If an "official" protest is acknowledged, play will be stopped, and the designated officials will consider the protest and make a decision.  A (-1) point penalty will be assessed if the protest is not upheld.  Any protests of questions or answers to questions may be made either by one of the team captains or the coach of either team only at the time a particular question is read or the answer is given. There will be only one coach recognized for each team. The moderator and the referee judges will consider the protest, and their decision in all cases is final.

If a question is protested and documented evidence (from a suggested reference) can be produced within 1 minute, a protest cannot be rejected. But the question can be thrown out or the protest accepted.

If a protest is sustained, the moderator will take one of the following actions as is deemed appropriate:

• A question is protested before an answer is given and the protest sustained-discard the question: No loss or gain of points will result for either team.
• An answer is protested (either correct or incorrect): At least one of the referee judges and the moderator or both referee judges determine the validity of the protest. Points will be added or subtracted as appropriate.
• A question is protested after an answer is given (correct or incorrect): At least one referee judge and the moderator or both referee judges determine the validity of the protest. The question may then be discarded at no loss of points, or the question may be allowed with the appropriate gain or loss of points as described in this section under item VI-A.8.b.

Abuse of protest provisions may result in one or more of the following:

• Dismissal of team coach from the contest area.
• Dismissal (or replacement) of the team captain.
• Dismissal of entire team with forfeiture of any points or standing.

Spectators, parents, and visitors may not protest any question, answer, or procedure during the course of play. They may, however, submit in writing to the contest officials any suggestions, complaints, or protests at the conclusion of the contest. Unseemly behavior, unsportsmanlike conduct, or any actions that are generally accepted as detrimental to the contest may subject the violators of such actions to dismissal from the immediate area of the contest.

 

VI-A.8.f. Awards

Team rankings
The rank of teams will be determined primarily on the basis of their own win-loss record combined where necessary with the accumulated points for the entire contest. The top six Junior, Senior, and mixed division teams will receive ribbons. The top team in each division will receive an award.

Individual awards
Individual awards will be presented to the first through fifth highest Junior, Mixed, and Senior Division participants. Only those participants who have participated in three or more matches in the Senior Division and two or more matches in the Junior and mixed divisions will be considered for the top individual awards. The three highest match scores for each Senior individual or two match scores for each Junior individual will be used to compute a total score in cases where individuals participate in more than three matches (Senior Division) or two matches (Junior and mixed divisions).

Ties for individual awards will be broken according to the following order of priority:

• High average score for the entire contest.
• High individual round scores.
• Total number of points earned in the contest.

 

VI-A.8.g. Summary of Horse Bowl Scoring

**Please note these changes are to match National Rules for 2008.

 

 

VI-B.  HORSE PRESENTATION CONTEST

VI-B.1. Objectives

VI-B.1.a.    To encourage youths to teach others how to do something related to horses by the correct use of visuals or equipment.

VI-B.1.b.   To give youths confidence in their ability to present information in a logical and concise manner.

VI-B.1.c.    To increase the level of horse knowledge and expertise.

VI-B.1.d.   To improve members’ study skills and ability to use correct English.

 

VI-B.2. Eligibility

VI-B.2.a.    Participants
Each participant must be an actual 4-H club member interested in horses. Members of 4-H are not eligible, however, to participate in a horse presentation or illustrated talk if by the date of the district contest they will have completed a year of training beyond the high school level in a communications course that requires public speaking. Participants do not need their own horse(s).

VI-B.2.b.   Divisions
The horse presentation contest will be divided into three age divisions (9-10, 11-13, 14-18). Each county will be allowed to enter one individual in each division in district competition during District Activity Days.  All Senior members must have reached age 14 but not age 19 before January 1 of the current year. The winners in all three age divisions in each district will compete in the state finals that will be held during the State 4-H Horse Show. District Activity Day rules will apply towards participation in other activities.

VI-B.2.c.    Southern Regional Show
The state winner and runner-up of the Senior Division will be eligible to represent North Carolina in the Southern Regional contest in accordance with the rules of that contest. The individual who wins the state Senior Division will be eligible to represent North Carolina in other national contests if such contests are offered in accordance with the rules of those contests. The state is not responsible for paying expenses to these contests but will attempt to assist.

VI-B.2.d.   Previous State Winners
Previous state winners, representing North Carolina in the Southern Regional competition or other national contests, are ineligible for further state competition. A NC State Champion can not comeback and compete in the state contest even if they did not compete at Eastern Nationals.

 

VI-B.3. Regulations

VI-B.3.a.    At the discretion of the State 4-H Horse Advisory Board, individual and team presentation contests may be combined and held in conjunction with the State 4-H Horse Show. Consult the annual Advisory Board Minutes.

VI-B.3.b.   Only one youth per age division may participate from each county.

VI-B.3.c.    Demonstrations or illustrated talks may be on any horse-related subject.

VI-B.3.d.   An individual presentation must be a minimum of 4 minutes (Junior Division) or 9 minutes (Senior Division) and not longer than 12 minutes. One point will be deducted per judge for each minute, or fraction thereof, under 4 minutes (Junior) or 9 minutes (Senior) or over 12 minutes. References are not to be included in the time limit.

VI-B.3.e.    The demonstration or illustrated talks will be judged equally on the following basis:

 

VI-B.3.f.    Notes and visuals may be used. Visuals should be neat, legible, and large enough to read easily.

VI-B.3.g.    Contact the state Extension horse specialist or refer to the NC 4-H Horse Program Website for a copy of the N.C. 4-Horse Presentation Judges’ Scorecard.
(http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/an_sci/extension/horse/4h_Horse/4hmain.htm)

 

VI-B.4. Suggestions

VI-B.4.a.    For additional information please consult the North Carolina Extension Horse Husbandry Website

( http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/an_sci/extension/horse/hhmain.html)

 

For additional information on the North Carolina 4-H Awards & Incentive Programs please consult the N.C. 4-H Awards Handbook

(http://www.nc4h.org/youth/awards.html)

 

For more information on North Carolina 4-H Forms for Project Books, Cumulative Record Books, etc. please consult the North Carolina 4-H Awards & Incentives Programs Website

(http://www.nc4h.org/youth/awards.html)

 

VI-B.4.b.   4-H Presentations (4H L-1-172) will be helpful in preparing youths for this contest. Also, Judging Presentations and the 4-H Scorecard will be helpful. Both are available from the office of 4-H and Youth Development at North Carolina State University.

VI-B.4.c.    A list of suggested topics for demonstrations, illustrated talks, and horse public speaking can be found in the Appendix to this manual.

 

 

VI-C. HORSE TEAM PRESENTATION CONTEST

VI-C.1. Objectives

VI-C.1.a.    To encourage youths to teach others how to do something related to horses by the correct use of visuals and equipment.

VI-C.1.b.   To give youths confidence in their ability to present information in a logical and concise manner.

VI-C.1.c.    To increase level of horse knowledge and expertise.

VI-C.1.d.   To increase member’s study skills and ability to use correct English.

VI-C.1.e.    To provide 4-H members with an opportunity to work jointly designing and presenting an educational horse-related topic.

 

VI-C.2. Eligibility

VI-C.2.a.    Participants
Each participant must be a bona fide 4-H member interested in horses. Members of 4-H are not eligible, however, to participate in a horse presentation or illustrated talk if by the date of the district contest they will have completed a year of training beyond the high school level in a communications course that requires public speaking. Participants do not need their own horses.

VI-C.2.b.   Divisions
The team horse demonstration contest will be divided into three age divisions (ages 9-10yo, 11-13yo, 14-18yo). Each county will be allowed to enter one team in each age division in district competition during District Activity Days. All members of a Senior team must have reached age 14 but not age 19 before January 1 of the current year. The winners in all three age divisions in each district will compete in the state finals, which will be held during the State 4-H Horse Show. District Activity Day rules will apply towards participation in other activities.

VI-C.2.c.    Southern Regional Contest
The state winners and runners-up of the Senior Division will be eligible to represent North Carolina in the Southern Regional contest in accordance with the rules of that contest. The state winning Senior Division team will be eligible to represent North Carolina in the national contest in accordance with the rules of that contest. The state is not responsible for paying expenses to these contests but will attempt to help.

VI-C.2.d.   Previous State Winners
Previous state winners representing North Carolina in the Southern Regional competition or other national contests are ineligible for further state competition in the same area. A NC State Champion can not come back and compete in the state contest even if they did not compete at Eastern Nationals.

 

VI-C.3. Regulations

VI-C.3.a.    This contest may be combined with the individual demonstration contest and may be held during the State 4-H Horse Show at the discretion of the State Advisory Board. Should the contest be combined, the highest scoring individual and the highest scoring team ranked in the top six places will have the option of representing North Carolina in their respective category at national competition for the year. If they decline, the next highest-ranking team or individual placing in the top six will have the option to attend. Consult the annual Advisory Board Minutes.

VI-C.3.b.   Only one team per age division may participate from each county.

VI-C.3.c.    Demonstrations or illustrated talks may be on any horse-related subject.

VI-C.3.d.   A team demonstration must be a minimum of 10 minutes for Seniors or 5 minutes for Junior participants. One point will be deducted per judge, for  each minute, or fraction thereof, under 10 minutes (Senior Division) or 5 minutes (Junior Division); or over 15 minutes. References are not to be included in the time limit.

VI-C.3.e.    The team demonstration or illustrated talk will be judged equally on the following basis:

 

 

 

VI-C.3.f.    Notes and visuals may be used. However, excessive use of notes may be counted against the participant at the discretion of the judge(s). Visuals should be neat, legible, and large enough to permit ease in reading.

VI-C.3.g.    No live animals may be used. State winning demonstrations may be modified to permit the use of live animals (if permitted) at the Southern Regional 4-H Horse Demonstration Contest.

VI-C.3.h.   Only the judge(s) may question participants during the contest. Question time will not be counted toward the allotted time period. Participants are encouraged to repeat questions before answering.

VI-C.3.i.    Participants should note their major references while in competition.

VI-C.3.j.    Contact the Extension horse specialist or refer to the NC 4-H Horse Program Website for a copy of the N.C. 4-H Horse Presentation Judges' Scorecard at:

http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/an_sci/extension/horse/hhmain.html

 

VI-C.4. Suggestions

VI-C.4.a.    4-H Presentations (4H L-1-172) will be helpful in preparing youths for this contest. Also, Judging Presentations and the 4-H Scorecard will be helpful. Both are available from the office of 4-H and Youth Development at N.C. State University or via the web at:

http://www.nc4h.org/publications/presentations/index.html

 

VI-C.4.b.   A list of suggested topics for demonstrations, illustrated talks, and horse public speaking is found in the Appendix of this manual.

VI-C.4.c.    For additional information please consult the NC 4-H Program Website and section VI-B.4 of this Chapter.

 (http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/an_sci/extension/horse/hhmain.html)

 

 

VI-D. HORSE PUBLIC SPEAKING CONTEST

VI-D.1. Objectives

VI-D.1.a.   To acquire skills, confidence, and poise in speaking to groups through the use of an interesting and familiar topic.

VI-D.1.b.   To expand participants' horse knowledge and increase their research and study techniques.

VI-D.1.c.   To teach participants how to organize thoughts and express ideas in a logical and concise manner.

VI-D.1.d.   To increase participants' knowledge and control of the English language in expressing ideas.

VI-D.1.e.   To reward and recognize participants for accomplishments they have made in a friendly and competitive atmosphere.

 

VI-D.2. Eligibility

VI-D.2.a.   Participants
Each participant must be an actual 4-H club member interested in horses. Members are not eligible, however, to participate in a horse public speaking contest if by the date of the district contest they will have participated in official post secondary competitive events of a similar nature in the same subject area. Neither can the participant be undergoing preparation for such an event. Participants do not need to own their own horses.

VI-D.2.b.   Divisions
The horse public speaking contest will be divided into three age divisions (ages 9-10yo, 11-13yo, 14-18yo). Each county will be allowed to enter one individual in each division in district competition during District Activity Days. Senior participants must have reached age 14 but not age 19 before January 1 of the current year.  The winners in all three divisions in each district will compete in the state finals which will be held during the State 4-H Horse Show. District Activity Day rules will apply to participation in other activities.

VI-D.2.c.   Regional and National Contest Opportunities
The state winner and runner‑up in the Senior Division will be eligible to represent North Carolina in the Southern Regional contest. The state winning Senior Division individual will be eligible to represent North Carolina in other national contests if such contests are offered in accordance with the rules of those contests. The state is not responsible for paying expenses to these contests but will attempt to assist.

VI-D.2.d.   Previous State Winners
Previous state winners of the Junior Division will be ineligible for future Junior Division competition in horse public speaking. Previous Senior Division state winners or participants in the Southern Regional or national contests are ineligible for further competition. A NC State Champion can not come back and compete in the state contest even if they did not compete at Eastern Nationals.

 

VI-D.3. Regulations

VI-D.3.a.   Speeches must pertain to any area of the horse industry. Refer to the list of suggested topics in the Appendix to this manual.

VI-D.3.b.   Notes may be used. Speakers should not read their speeches or give speeches that sound memorized. No visual aids or posters are allowed.

VI-D.3.c.   A public speech must be a minimum of 4 minutes (Junior Division) or 8 minutes (Senior Division); and not longer than 10 minutes. One point will be deducted per judge for each minute, or fraction thereof, under 4 minutes (Junior) or 8 minutes (Senior) or over 10 minutes. References are not to be included in the time limit.

VI-D.3.d.   Speeches will be judged on the following basis:

 

 

VI-D.3.e.   Contact the Extension horse specialist’s office or refer to the NC 4-H Horse Program Website for a copy of the N.C. 4-H Horse Public Speaking Judges' Scorecard at:

http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/an_sci/extension/horse/4h_Horse/4hmain.htm

 

VI-D.4. Suggestions

VI-D.4.a.   A list of suggested topics for demonstrations, illustrated talks, and horse public speaking is found in the Appendix.

VI-D.4.b.   Public Speaking and You (4H M-1-34) pamphlet gives many helpful hints in preparing and giving speeches.

VI-D.4.c.   For additional information please consult the following NC 4-H Program website and section VI-B.4 of this Chapter.

 

VI-E. CREATIVE WRITING CONTESTS

VI-E.1. Objectives

VI-E.1.a.    To provide an outlet for written expression for the 4-H member in horse related topics.

VI-E.1.b.    To encourage youth to express their experiences and ideas in a creative manner.

VI-E.1.c.    To recognize youth who have creative writing talent by expressing their ideas through writing.

 

VI-E.2. Eligibility

VI-E.2.a.    Participants
Each participant must be a current 4-H club member. Participants do not need to own their own horse.

VI-E.2.b.    Divisions
The contest will consist of a Junior and Senior Division. Youths who have reached age 14 but have not reached age 19 as of January 1 are considered Seniors. Junior individuals must not have reached age 14 as of January 1. Cloverbuds are not eligible to compete in creative writing events.

VI-E.2.c.    Eligibility
Youth may compete in these events as long as they meet the above qualifications.

VI-E.2.d.    State Winners
State winners in the Junior Division are ineligible for future competition in the Junior Division in the same event. Junior state creative writing winners are eligible to compete in other Junior Division creative writing events in which they have not won a state championship. State winners in a Senior Division competitive writing event are ineligible to compete in that same creative writing event in future years. Senior state creative writing winners are eligible to compete in other Senior Division creative writing events in which they have not won a state championship.

 

VI-E.3. Regulations

VI-E.3.a.    Contest Areas
Creative writing will be divided into three contest areas:

• Poetry
• Short Stories
• Essays

VI-E.3.b.    Topics
Creative writing entries must be related to horses or the horse industry, and a new topic must have been developed since the previous year’s contest. Any horse-related topic is acceptable.

VI-E.3.c.    Identification
Creative writing entries must include a separate title page with the following information:  Title of work, 4-H members name, address, county, district, and division. Four copies (typed double-spaced or written legibly in ink) must be submitted, each with a title page. Papers handwritten in pencil will not be accepted. The title page will be removed before the entries are judged so that no names or identifying information will appear on the entries. The title of the entry must also appear on the body of the paper without the participant’s name, address, county, division, or district. Each creative writing entry will receive a number to identify it with the master list of Creative Writing Contest entries, and numbers will be retained in the Extension horse specialist’s office.

VI-E.3.d.    Judges
Creative writing entries will be judged by a committee of three judges, consisting of two knowledgeable horse owners who are familiar with the 4-H Horse Program and an official with an English background.

VI-E.3.e.    Short Story
Short stories will be limited to 1,000 words maximum and a minimum of 200 words for Junior short stories and 500 words for Senior short stories. A short story contains a beginning, middle, and end using a time line. All creative writing entries are limited to 250 words per page. Short Stories are to be typed doubled spaced or written legibly in ink. Papers handwritten in pencil will not be accepted.

VI-E.3.f.    Poetry Length
Poetry will have a maximum of 50 lines. Poetry is to be typed double spaced or written legibly in ink. Papers handwritten in pencil will not be accepted.

VI-E.3.g.    Judging
Short story and poetry entries will be judged on the following basis:

VI-E.3.h. Essays
An essay is a series of paragraphs on one topic written as a personal opinion.

Essays will be limited to 200 to 1,000 words for Juniors and 500 to 1,000 words for Seniors. Essays less than 200 words (Juniors) or 500 words (Seniors) or exceeding 1,000 words will be disqualified. Essays are to be typed double spaced or written legibly in ink. Papers handwritten in pencil will not be accepted. All creative writing entries are limited to 250 words per page.

Essays will be judged on the following basis:

VI-E.3.i.     Creative writing entries not conforming to guidelines will be disqualified. Entries with incorrect postage may be disqualified!!

 

VI-E.4. Registration

VI-E.4.a.    Entry Forms
Entry forms are available on the NC 4-H Horse Program Website. Click on the appropriate Entry Form link on the Horse Creative Writing Contests Page.

VI-E.4.b.    Entry Fee
Separate entry fee checks are required for each event, or the check and entry will be returned. (For example, a youth entering a poem, essay, and short story must submit three separate checks made payable to N.C. State University to cover the entry fee for the event).

VI-E.4.c.    Deadline
The entry form must be completed and submitted with a postmark dated prior to the registration deadline. Each creative writing submission must be submitted in quadruplicate as noted in this section under item VI-E.3.c.

 

VI-E.5. Awards

VI-E.5.a.    First- through sixth-place Junior and Senior winners in each event will receive ribbons. Ties will be broken starting with the judging criteria with the highest point value and continuing on in decending order. If ties are still present, the NC 4-H Horse program will award multiple prizes of the same rank.

VI-E.5.b.    The first-place Junior and Senior winners will receive an award in each event.

 

VI-E.6. Suggestions

For additional information please consult the NC 4-H Horse Program Website and section VI-B.4 of this chapter.

 

 

VI-F. HORSE JUDGING CONTEST

VI-F.1. Objectives

VI-F.1.a.    To teach participants good conformation (structural correctness, balance, and muscling), breed character, and performance ideals in different breeds of horses.

VI-F.1.b.    To teach participants how to evaluate horses based on knowledge and fact, make a decision, and defend it.

VI-F.1.c.    To teach participants horsemanship terms that can be used in a logical, systematic way to defend placings.

VI-F.1.d.    To help participants gain confidence in their ability and use of the English language by giving oral reasons to a judge.

VI-F.1.e.    To help participants learn to speak clearly, decisively, and convincingly through the use of oral reasons.

 

VI-F.2. Eligibility

VI-F.2.a.    Participation
Any 4-H member is eligible to participate in the 4-H horse-judging contest. Members are not eligible, however, to participate in a contest if by the date of the contest they will have competed or participated in a post secondary judging program. Senior state winning judging team members who do not make or choose to compete on the national team are eligible to participate again as a team member in that division while age eligible. Junior and Mixed Division state winning team members may continue to compete on a county team in that division in future contests while age eligible. A Junior or Senior judging member who competes on a state-winning team is not eligible to compete again as a team member in that age division; however, a Junior or Senior high overall individual is eligible to return and compete on a team or as an individual in that age division.

VI-F.2.b.    County Participation
Each county is eligible to enter any number of Junior or Senior teams of three or four  members in the state contest. Additional participants may participate as individuals in the contest. A team must be composed of three or four members. When four members are used, the three members with the highest total score will be used in determining team awards. All participants in the contest will be eligible for individual awards or recognition. Individuals may compete as 4-H members and FFA competitors. The youth will be required to pay an entry fee in both divisions and give the appropriate number of reasons in each division.

VI-F.2.c.    Age of Teams
Senior teams will be composed of participants who have reached age 14 and have not reached age 19 as of January 1. Junior teams are composed of members who have not yet reached age 14 as of January 1.

VI-F.2.d.    Medical Needs
Parents of 4-H members with specific medical needs during the contest must submit a written request to the Extension horse specialist prior to the contest.

VI-F.2.e.    State Team Selection
The state team, which will represent North Carolina in regional and national competition, will be selected according to the following procedures:

The Southern Regional team will consist of the winning Senior Division team and the next four or five highest scoring individuals to compose a team of eight or nine individuals. Selection of team members will be restricted to the Senior individuals at the North Carolina State 4-H Horse Judging Contest. These individuals will form two four‑member teams and will represent North Carolina at the Southern Regional Horse Judging Contest in August. The teams will be coached by the coach of the winning Senior county team at the State 4-H Horse Judging Contest and by the Extension horse specialist, who will oversee the travel arrangements.

The team representing North Carolina in the national contests will be selected by the Southern Regional team coach and the Extension horse specialist after the Southern Regional contest. The national team will consist of four to six members. Team members who actually participate in national competition will lose state eligibility. Individuals who judged at the Southern Regional Judging Contest but were not selected for the national team will be eligible to represent their county at future state horse judging contests. In addition to the Southern Regional contest, national team members will also judge at the Quarter Horse Congress and the Eastern National 4-H Horse Judging Contests. The team will also be eligible to compete in other contests, but the members must furnish their own transportation and travel money. The state office will assist in the acquisition of travel funds.

The state champion Junior Division team will be allowed to participate in a Virginia State 4-H Horse Judging Contest without loss of future eligibility. The state is not responsible for providing expense money to these contests but will attempt to help.

VI-F.2.g.    Event Declaration
In the event that the overall champion Senior team in the state judging contest has also won the state horse bowl contest within the same year, that team will have one week after completion of the state horse judging contest to declare the event in which they wish to represent North Carolina at the national contests. The second highest placing Senior team, in whichever event that was not chosen by the above mentioned team, will represent North Carolina at national contests in that event. At that time, the team will receive travel money but will not be eligible for future state contests.

 

VI-F.3. Regulations

VI-F.3.a.    Conferring between Individuals
While the contest is in progress, there will be no conferring between participants or between a participant and anyone else except as directed by the chairman or his representatives. Failure to abide by this regulation will result in disqualification of the participant. Participants may speak to their group leader if they have any questions or problems.

VI-F.3.b.    Registration Fee
Each team or individual will pay a registration fee. The registration fee will be used to provide box lunches for all participants. Any entry form not completed in its entirety will be returned to the sender. Any entry form resubmitted after the deadline date will be assessed a $10 late fee. In the event that late entries are prohibited, no late entries will be accepted.

VI-F.3.c.    Classes
Eight to 10 classes, consisting of four individuals in each class, shall be judged. The horses in each class will be of the same breed, sex, and approximate age. The showman of each horse in each class shall wear a number for identification purposes. Classes will be selected from the following list. In addition, any available horse breeds could be used in halter or performance classes.

VI-F.3.d.    Minimum Classes Placed
Participants will place a minimum of four halter classes and two performance classes. The additional classes will vary depending on availability.

VI-F3.e.     Reasons
Participants will provide oral reasons for their judging decisions as follows:

Participants who are Senior members will give four oral sets of reasons. Senior reasons will be given in at least two halter classes and one performance class.

Participants who are Junior members will give two sets of oral reasons for team awards and Junior individual awards. Senior members or mixed teams will give four sets of oral reasons.

Participants will be notified when the class is called if oral reasons will be given on the class being judged.

Reasons will be given orally to an official. Two minutes will be allowed for each participant to give his or her oral reasons. At least 15 minutes will be allowed between reasons for participants to organize and prepare their reasons.

VI-F.3.f     Time
A maximum of 15 minutes will be allowed for participants to place all no-reasons halter classes. Halter classes in which oral reasons are to be given will be judged in a period of 17 minutes.

VI-F.3.g.    Card Placing
The participants will hand to the group leader or his assistant the card bearing his placing of the class as soon as time is up. This card will be given to each participant when he is called before the official judge to give his oral reasons. Participants will not be permitted to use notes when giving oral reasons but shall have the card upon which they recorded their placing.

VI-F.3.h.    Final Standing
This shall be based upon both the placing and the oral reasons. Fifty points shall constitute a perfect score in placing the animals, and 50 points shall constitute a perfect score for oral reasons. In classes where no reasons are required, only the placing will be considered. Ties will be broken by reasons scores. Teams or individuals with higher reasons scores will be placed above the other team or individual with which they were tied.

VI-F.3.i.     Judges
These officials will be used to make the official placing on each class. Official placings and reasons will be given on completion of the contest and reasons session.

VI-F.3.j.     Awards and Recognition

 The final results of the contest will be announced and awards will be presented following the contest.

The top 10 individuals in the Junior and Senior Divisions will be recognized.

The top six teams and coaches in each division will be recognized.

All contest tabulations will be declared official at the awards ceremony. If  errors are found in the event tabulations within 24 hours from the award announcement, the youth who received the award incorrectly will return the award, which will then be awarded to the correct youth.

 

 

VI-G. HIPPOLOGY CONTEST

VI-G.1. Objectives

VI-G.1.a.   To provide participants with the opportunity to blend knowledge and skills acquired in horse judging, bowl, demonstrations, public speaking, and showing into one activity.

VI-G.1.b.   To encourage participants to continue expanding their horse knowledge and participation.

VI-G.1.c.   To recognize participants for their total involvement in the horse industry and their comprehensive  knowledge of the horse industry.

VI-G.1.d.   To teach good sportsmanship through a friendly and competitive environment.

 

 VI-G.2. Eligibility

VI-G.2.a.   Members
Any 4-H member is eligible to participate in the 4-H Hippology Contest. Participants do not need to own a horse.

VI-G.2.b.   Teams
Each county is eligible to enter any number of Junior or Senior teams of four members in the state contest. The total individual scores for the three high team members will constitute the team score and be used in determining team awards. Individual entries will be accepted. All participants in the contest will be eligible for individual awards or recognition.

VI-G.2.c.   Ages
Senior teams will be composed of participants who have reached age 14 and have not reached age 19 as of January 1. Junior teams are composed of members who have not yet reached age 14 as of January 1.

VI-G.2.d.   Prior Participation
Members of the champion team in the Junior or Senior (who were not selected to participate on the state team) divisions will be eligible to compete on future teams in that division as long as they meet the age and educational eligibility requirements. Members of the state team selected from the Senior Division and participating at the National 4-H Roundup or Quarter Horse Congress will be ineligible to participate as individuals or members on any future county hippology teams.

VI-G.2.e.   Winning Individuals
Each highest ranking overall Junior and Senior individual will be designated Horseman-of-the-Year. The winning Senior individual will be ineligible to compete in future North Carolina 4-H hippology contests.

 

VI-G.3. Regulations

VI-G.3.a.   Conferring between Individuals
While the contest is in progress, there will be no conferring between participants or between a participant and anyone else except as directed by the chairman or his representatives. Failure to abide by this regulation will result in disqualification of the participant. Participants may speak to their group leader if they have any questions or problems.

VI-G.3.b.   Number of Classes
The first four performance classes, consisting of four horses in each class, shall be judged. The horses in each class will be of the same breed, sex, and approximate age. The showman of each horse shall wear a number for identification purposes. Classes will be selected from the  list in the Judging Contest rules, Item VI-F.3.c. In addition, any available light horse breeds could be used in halter or performance classes. Fifty points shall constitute a  perfect score. Judges will be used to make the official placing on each class. Official placings and reasons will be given on completion of the contest.

VI-G.3.c.   Visual Identification
Participants will visually identify tack, feedstuffs, and horse-related equipment. Each age division will identify 25 to 50 different items worth a total of 300 points. Participants will not be permitted to touch the items during inspection.

VI-G.3.d.   Written Exams
Two written exams shall be given separately to Juniors and Seniors. Questions will consist of horse nutrition, health, breeding, management, genetics, horsemanship, and North Carolina 4-H Horse Program rules and regulations. Each exam will be worth 150 points (300 points total).

VI-G.3.e.   Team Problem
For Senior teams only. All teams will be presented with the same problem(s). Each team’s members will have equal time to discuss among themselves the problem, immediately after which they will have to present a written solution or series of suggested procedures relative to the problem. Each member of each team is encouraged to contribute to the written presentation. Evaluation will be based on the understanding of the problem and completeness of the logic used in making the written response. Participants will be given 5 minutes to prepare their answer and 10 minutes to write up their answer. The team problem will be worth 200 points.

VI-G.3.f.    Scoring
Total individual scores will consist of combined scores from the horse judging classes (250 points), visual identification (300 points), written exams (300 points), and team problem (200 points). Ties will be broken according to the following priorities:

1. Combined scores of both written exams.
2. Combined scores of both written exams plus total judging score.             
3. Combined scores of both written exams, total judging score, plus visual identification score.
4. Total contest score plus halter class(es) total.
5. Total contest score plus performance class(es) total.
6. Team scores will include the three highest individual scores plus the team problem score.

 

VI-G.4. Awards and Recognition

VI-G.4.a.   The final results of the contest will be announced, and awards will be presented following the contest.

VI-G.4.b.   The top 10 Junior and Senior Division individuals in the overall standings, and the top five Junior and Senior individuals in the judging and exam-identification portion of the contest will receive ribbons. The high-scoring individuals in each of the three categories will receive an award.

VI-G.4.c.   The top six overall Junior and Senior Division teams will receive ribbons. The winning team members in each division will receive awards.

VI-G.4.d.   The highest scoring overall Junior and Senior individuals will each be named the 4-H Horseman-of-the-Year in their respective age categories and will receive appropriate awards. The reserve champion Junior and Senior Division individuals will also receive appropriate awards.

 

VI-G.5. State Team Selection

VI-G.5.a.   Representation
An All-Star team composed of the high-scoring Senior individuals from the Senior Division will be tested to determine the state team and will represent North Carolina in national and regional competitions. In the event a high Senior hippology individual also is a high individual in the State Judging Contest or Horse Bowl Contest within the same year, that individual will have one week after completion of the State Horse Judging Contest to declare the event(s) in which he or she wishes to represent North Carolina at national contests. The state Extension specialist will designate the next high-ranking individuals in the other contest(s) to represent North Carolina at nationals.

VI-G.5.b.   Expenses
The state is not responsible for providing expense money or transportation to the national contest but will attempt to assist.

VI-G.5.c.   Coach
The coach of the high-scoring Senior individual will be designated the coach of the state 4-H hippology team.

VI-G.5.d.   Special Assistant Coach
If appointed by the state board, a special assistant coach will accomplish the following:

1. Orient the coach to national rules and event procedures.
2. Assist in the training, transportation, and management of both hippology teams in national competition.
3. Identify and secure funding before the State 4-H Hippology Contest, and assist the hippology team coach, county agents, and team members with fund-raising projects.

 

VI-G.6. Suggested References

VI-G.6.a.   The materials listed on the NC Horse Program Website listed as Educational Materials are resources for the N.C. State 4-H Hippology contest: It should be clearly understood that this listing does not constitute an official endorsement of these materials. The publications are typically marketed by veterinary supply companies.

(http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/an_sci/extension/horse/hhmain.html)

 

VI-G.6.b.   For additional information please consult the NC 4-H Horse Program website and section VI-B.4 of this chapter.

 

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