4-H Horse Bowl & Hippology Practice Meetings

Virtual Meetings 6-7pm February 20, 27 & March 5

In-Person (CCE/4-H Office Hamden) 6-7:30pm February 23 & March 1, 8

District Competition March 9 at Greene Intermediate School (all day)

**4-Hers do not need to own a horse to participate, just the desire to learn about horses.

What is Horse Bowl?

In this event, youth are able to showcase their horse knowledge in a competitive, jeopardy- like contest. This contest involves a series of questions that are asked either of a specific individual or a team. Participants use a buzzer system to ‘buzz’ in first and answer questions. These questions might be in the form of a regular question, toss-up, or bonus depending on the half of play.

There are a variety of subject areas covered: general equine terms, the horse industry, feeding and care, and anatomy. Competitors may be eligible to compete at the district, state and national levels.

What is Hippology?

Hippology comes from the Greek “hippo”, meaning horse, and “ology”, meaning “the study of”.

It’s a contest designed to test knowledge of equine science and application of this knowledge in a competitive setting.

Contest consists of four phases: Examination, Stations, Horse Judging, and Team Problems.

-Examination phase includes multiple-choice written exam, and a slide exam with questions on projected photos of horses, and horse related objects.

-Stations phase consists of a series of interactive or reactive ten question matching stations asking for the identification of horse related objects or pictures.

-Judging phase, youth are asked to place at least four conformation or performance classes and give oral reasons on the placing of those classes.

-Team Problems asks the team to give a presentation applying their knowledge to real-world situations.

Individual scoring is based on a combination of the scores from the Examination Phase, Station Phase, and Judging Phase. Team scores include all the phases. Youth are required to give judging reasons.

Participation in this event is perfect for youth looking to expand their involvement in the NYS Equine Program, while also providing valuable experience to youth with futures in the animal industry. is an activity that can enhance learning for 4-H members by letting them exhibit their knowledge and understanding of equine science and husbandry in a competitive setting. The term ‘Hippology’ comes from the Greek ‘hippo,’ meaning horse, and ‘ology,’ meaning ‘the study of.’

Please register here: https://cornell.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_enEHvcYNIsy1010