(As found in the Florida State Fair Youth Livestock Catalog.)

Saturday, February 9, 2008
(note: These times differ from the 4-H contest.) 12:00 noon, Registration
12:45 p.m., Contest (Written Test, FFA only) 1:30 p.m., Contest (Horse Judging)
*FFA results will be posted on the web the next business day.

The State Fair Horse Judging Contest will be the qualifier for the State FFA Horse Judging Contest, to be held in Gainesville. Middle School Chapters will judge four conformation or halter classes from the stands as a portion of their CDE and complete a skilathon on breed, feed, equipment, and physiological part identification.

Pre-registration is required with the State FFA Office.

Rules and Regulations

1. Participation is limited to bona fide 4-H and FFA members from the State of Florida.
2. A team will consist of up to 4 members but only the top three scores will count towards team awards. All contestants are eligible for individual awards.
3. For FFA information, contact the State FFA Office, P.O. Box 141570, Gainesville, FL 32614, (352) 378-0060.

Judging Procedures

1. Coaches and members are to meet in the livestock arena at noon to register and to receive contest instructions.
2. The teams will be required to judge up to four halter and up to four performance classes.
3. Classes will be selected from the following categories:
   1. Conformation or halter: Andalusians, Arabian, Quarter Horse, Morgan, Tennessee Walkers, Paso Fino, Hunters, Appaloosa, Thoroughbred, Buckskin, Paint, Saddlebred, POA, Miniature, and Draft Horses.
   2. Performance classes: Western Pleasure, Hunter Hack, Hunter Under Saddle, Western Riding, Horsemanship/Equitation, Reining, English Pleasure (Saddle Seat), Plantation Pleasure, and Pleasure Driving.
4. Absolutely no talking will be allowed during the contest. Any contestant violating this rule will have his or her cards taken up and will be disqualified.
5. All horses will be considered serviceably sound.
6. Performance horses will be shown at a walk, trot (or pleasure gait), and canter (if appropriate) and may be asked to show at an extended trot or in the case of English Pleasure and Hunter Under Saddle a gallop. The horses will also be required to back and stand quietly. Horses should be judged on manners, way of going, and response of horse to rider.
7. An attempt will be made to have four animals in each class as uniform as possible with respect to breed, sex, and approximate age.
8. Contestants will be required to take notes on one class and answer 10 questions, but will not be required to give oral reasons.

Awards

The Florida State Fair will provide awards as follows:
1st - 5th place team . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trophy
Members of 1st place team . . . . . . . . Trophy
1st - 5th place high individual . . . . . . . Trophy