North Dakota State University Extension Service

Hippology is a 4-H equine study that covers all areas of horsemanship. Emphasis is placed on knowledge of the animal in areas of health breeds, tack, nutrition, care, training and more.

It is an activity that can make learning fun for youth by letting them test their knowledge and understanding of horse science in a friendly but competitive setting. Youth do not need to own a horse to participate. Teams are composed of three or four individuals. the event has four phases:

The event is very flexible, it has been done in a 2 hour time table in a shortened version, a 'full size' event would take 4 to 5 hours.

The Event
1.	Written Test - Multiple Choice, true/false, or fill in the blank type questions.
2.	Station Identification - Examples of stations which may be used include: parts of a saddle, tack, bits, grains & forages, age of a horse based on teeth, conformation faults, parts of a horse, color markings of a horse, anatomy, etc.
3.	Judging - Contestants will place two halter and two performance classes. No oral reasons are given. (Due to time and space this portion of the contest may not be held.)
4.	Team Problem - All teams will be presented the same problem. Each team will have equal time to discuss among themselves a solution/answer. The team must then present an oral solution/answer to a panel of judges.

Check Out These Links!

Information & Registration Forms

Little "I" Hippology Contest (February 13, 2009)

4-H Winter Show Activities - Hippology Contest Forms

1.	Written Test
2.	Station Identification
3.	Judging
4.	Team Problems