Nearly 200 college students from across the country travelled to Columbus, OH to judge at the largest single-breed horse show in the world, the 53rd All American Quarter Horse Congress. Ohio State students Ariana Sipes, Rachel Stanco and Gabby Waltz competed in the limited division and were required to judge 12 classes of conformation and various performance classes. By the end of the competition they captured top 10 and top 15 finalist awards in Halter Judging, Performance Judging and Reasons Awards! They are coached by animal sciences instructor and equine extension associate, Duane Stutzman as well as graduate student Cameron Hayden.
This contest gives students the ability to make rational decisions quickly and confidently by examining horses for selection. They identify and evaluate quality of movement & functional correctness and then place the classes objectively and were required to give oral reasons for their placings. Students interested in learning more about judging horses can enroll in ANIMSCI 3301 Equine Selection & Evaluation offered every fall semester. In addition, those interested in joining the growing team can email stutzman.34@osu.edu for more information.