Virginia Tech Horse Judging Team members learn evaluation and selection skills for halter and performance horses of several breeds and disciplines. Additionally, critical thinking and oral presentation are emphasized. Further, students interact with prominent members of the equine industry while gaining valuable leadership skills.

Above: Judging at the AQHA World Show. Photo courtesy Dr. Amy Ordakowski.

Students with at least a 2.0 QCA, who have successfully completed APSC 2724, Equine Evaluation, or who have had previous horse judging experience are eligible for the team. A team consists of 4 or 5 members, and two teams may be simultaneously campaigned.

Members enjoy opportunities to travel and compete against students from other colleges and universities across the country. The Virginia Tech Horse Judging Team has been very successful at a number of regional and national contests, and is currently coached by Dr. Rebecca Splan.

Recent wins include:

CHAMPION TEAM - Grand National and World Championship Morgan Horse Show - 2003
CHAMPION TEAM - Rocky Mountain Horse Expo - 2003
CHAMPION TEAM - NACTA Horse Judging Contest, Senior Division - 2003
CHAMPION TEAM - Grand National and World Championship Morgan Horse Show - 2002
CHAMPION TEAM - Grand National and World Championship Morgan Horse Show - 2001
CHAMPION TEAM - MTSU Horse Judging Contest - 2001
RESERVE CHAMPION TEAM - Arabian Nationals - 2003
RESERVE CHAMPION TEAM - MTSU Horse Judging Contest - 2003
RESERVE CHAMPION TEAM - MTSU Horse Judging Contest - 2002
RESERVE CHAMPION TEAM - IHSA Nationals, Division II - 2001
RESERVE CHAMPION TEAM - MTSU Horse Judging Contest, TWHBEA Division - 2000

In addition to helping create team success, many members of the team have acheived individual honors:

CHAMPION INDIVIDUAL - Grand National and World Championship Morgan Horse Show - 2003 (Joseph Amory)
CHAMPION INDIVIDUAL - MTSU Horse Judging Contest - 2003 (Micah Pugh)
CHAMPION INDIVIDUAL - NACTA Horse Judging Contest, Senior Division - 2003 (Micah Pugh)
CHAMPION INDIVIDUAL - Arabian Nationals - 2002 (Joseph Amory)
CHAMPION INDIVIDUAL - Grand National and World Championship Morgan Horse Show - 2001 (H.B. Hunter)
RESERVE CHAMPION INDIVIDUAL - NACTA Horse Judging Contest, Senior Division - 2003 (Kim Smith)
RESERVE CHAMPION INDIVIDUAL - Grand National and World Championship Morgan Horse Show - 2002 (Kim Smith)
RESERVE CHAMPION INDIVIDUAL - MTSU Horse Judging Contest - 2001 (Joseph Amory)
RESERVE CHAMPION INDIVIDUAL - IHSA Nationals, Division II - 2001 (Joseph Amory)
RESERVE CHAMPION INDIVIDUAL - MTSU Horse Judging Contest, TWHBEA Division - 2000 (Casey Gaunt)