Revival of the UT Horse Judging Team
Since 2001, UT has lacked national Horse Judging recognition on the intercollegiate level…until now!
A new course, Equine Evaluation, has been instituted to educate and train students to evaluate and select horses based on conformation and performance abilities using current industry standards for a number of disciplines. Additionally, students learn to defend their selections by logical decision making and public speaking through oral reasons. “Equine Evaluation” is also aimed to serve as a prep-course for the UT Horse Judging Team that competes nationally. Both the course and the Horse Judging Team are crucial to the Equine Industry as we are training those students who will ultimately guide the industry in the right direction for future success.
Over the past year, the UT Horse Judging Team has gained much success in intercollegiate competition. In March, the Team competed at the Middle Tennessee State University Intercollegiate Horse Judging Contest. Comprised of mostly novice judges, the Volunteers claimed a 6th place finish overall (6th Halter, 4th Performance, and 4th Reasons) from a slate of 13 teams and 53 contestants. Allison Erkman (Sr.-Animal Science) led UT’s performance, earning high-point honors in all individual categories.
The Team also represented UT at the 2009 All-American Quarter Horse Congress in Columbus, Ohio, which is the world’s largest single breed horse show. From a slate of 21 teams, the Volunteers claimed a 10th place finish overall (11th Halter, 11th Performance, 10th Reasons). Allison Erkman placed as 7th individual in halter and was 1 point away from the top-ten in reasons from 92 collegiate contestants. Team members were rewarded with official “Top-Ten” Congress jackets and walked away with resounding enthusiasm for their next competition.
The next stop for the Team will be the AQHA World Show in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on November 18th, 2009 where they will compete for the coveted title of World Champions. If you would like to support the Team in future competitions, please contact the Department.