Frequently-asked questions about the MTSU Horse Judging Team:

How do I get on the team?
How much does it cost?
How much time does it take?
What are the grade requirements?
What if I have never judged before? Can I still make the team?
If I have Judged on a successful 4-H or FFA team do I have to take the initial judging course?
I think I would like judging but not the oral reasons that are required. Do I have to talk oral reasons?
I have shown horses for several years so I know all about judging. Why would I need to be on this team?
Can you teach anyone to be a good judge?
I am not a horse science major. Why should I judge?
I am a nontraditional student. I have been out of school for twenty years and want to learn more about horses and judging in particular. Can I compete on your judging team?
Contact information for other questions...

How do I get on the team?
For those who have never judged competitively before, the first step is to enroll in ABAS 4480, Evaluation and Selection of Horses. We recommend this course for Freshman and Sophomores if they are planning to compete. This is an introductory course and lays the basic foundation for understanding and competing. This course is taught in the fall semester of each year. Those serious about the team would then enroll in the spring semester in ABAS 4580, Advanced Judging of Horses. This course includes further development judging skills and also oral reason skills. Part of this course includes competing in at least two contests during the semester. After those two competitions, the student will have a good idea if they want to continue the next fall to compete at the major competitions.
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How much does it cost?
The university pays for transportation to all the contests. We have been fortunate to be able to apply and gain support from the Student Government Association (SGA), so lodging bills are reimbursed, leaving only meals and incidentals as expenses.
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How much time does it take?
Normal practice is two times per week and occasional weekends. The Fall contests do require a total of approximately 10 days away from the campus. The spring contest in Fort Worth usually requires four days of missing classes.
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What are the grade requirements?
It is recommended that students have a minimum of a 2.3 Grade Point Average. If grades are lower than the minimum we suggest that students put off extra curricular activities until their grades improve.
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What If I have never judged before? Do I stand a chance to make the team?
Absolutely yes. Many of our best judges over the years were students who had not competed on a judging team prior to coming to MTSU. Students who are dedicated to learning to judge or have a talent for judging can catch up to those who have previous judging experience.
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If I have Judged on a successful 4-H or FFA team do I have to take the initial judging course?
In some cases a student may start their judging team career by enrolling in the spring semester ABAS 4580 Advanced Judging course. That decision will come after a discussion with the Coach.
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I think I would like judging but not the oral reasons that are required. Do I have to talk oral reasons?
We believe that the greatest asset of a judging experience is the development of oral communication skills. Having gone through the process ourselves we understand the stress of learning to give oral reasons. The benefits far outweigh the negatives and we have no intention of making it any more difficult than it has to be in order to see progress made with reasons.
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I have shown horses for several years so I know all about judging. Why would I need to be on this team?
Showing and judging are two entirely different activities. Yes, showing does give some basic understanding of judging but does not guarantee that you can be a good judge. Today we find that many experienced horsemen and horse women who serve as judges are past judging team members and predict that in the future we will see a high percentage of horse judges being former team members. Most breed and disciplines who certify judges design testing based on the principles of the judging team experience. We can guarantee that the judging team experience will make the testing easier if and when you should decide to apply to become a judge.
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Can you teach anyone to be a good judge?
The answer is no. Some people have a talent or eye for differences and some don't. We can improve your ability to judge but we may not in the short time that we have you on campus increase your competence to the level necessary to become a carded judge. Not all Little League baseball players develop into players at the subsequent levels and eventually become professional baseball players.
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I am not a horse science major. Why should I judge?
Three of our best judges over the years are now practicing law. None are horse judges but all sing the praises of the horse judging team because of the decision making skills and particularly the oral communications skills learned to defend placing classes of horses. Others are veterinarians and professionals that may or not be involved with horses, yet they use skills learned in judging in their careers of choice. The industry today is looking for non-horse-related career people to become judges. There is no correlation between riding a horse for a living and being a good judge. Some of the best judges we know are horse trainers and some of the worst judges we know are horse trainers. Likewise, some of the best judges we know are lawyers and doctors, and some of the worst judges we know are lawyers and doctors. The point is that being a good judge has nothing to do with your profession of choice. If you have the talent and the drive and attitude to become a judge profession is irrelevant.
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I am a nontraditional student. I have been out of school for twenty years and want to learn more about horses and judging in particular. Can I compete on your judging team?
Yes. Terry Young was High individual at the Quarter Horse World Contest in 1997 when he was 40. Several other teams have nontraditional students and they are always welcome.
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Other Questions?
If you have questions not asked or answered here please email dwhitaker@mtsu.edu or call (615) 898-2908.
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