UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- The Penn State Equine Science program will host a horse show judging school, March 5-7 at the Ag Sciences and Industries Building and the Ag Arena at University Park. The program is designed to train 4-H or open show judges, applicants for the Pennsylvania 4-H judges list, judging team coaches and members of horse judging teams.

The school will feature two highly respected horse show judges, according to Ann Swinker, associate professor of equine science, who is coordinating the program. "Featured clinicians will be Doyle Meadows, Tennessee extension horse specialist and Jeff Ayers, United States Equestrian Federation judge, trainer and exhibitor," she says.

Meadows is a nationally recognized American Quarter Horse judge and horse judging team coach. He has been a professional judge for 16 years and has judged both in the United States and internationally, including at the AQHA Youth World Championship Show. He has coached both collegiate and youth judging teams that have won many national horse judging titles.

Ayers operates Equi-Ventures Inc. in Sellersville, Pa. He is a USEF judge and has judged many of the top hunter shows across the nation for 22 years. He also rides and competes regularly on the A-rated hunter circuit with horses owned by his stable and his clients. Ayers won the national championship in Green Conformation and also was the Grand Hunter Champion at Devon in 2002 with "Social Secretary."

Judging sessions will include "Western Performance Classes, "Stock Seat Equitation," "Hunt Seat Equitation," "Hunter Under Saddle," "Western Pleasure," "Western Riding" and "Ethics, Conduct, and Responsibilities of a Judge." Lectures, videos and live horse demonstrations will be used to study horses and judging techniques. "The school will include lectures and live horse demonstrations on Saturday specifically for judging team coaches and members," says Swinker. "All youth and collegiate coaches and judging team members are invited to participate. Topics in this option will feature resources for judging teams and coaches, judging criteria for halter and performance classes and organization and preparation of oral reasons."

Pat Comerford, Penn State extension horse specialist and Brian Egan, Penn State horse judging team coach, will conduct sessions on requirements for the Pennsylvania 4-H horse judges list, Pennsylvania 4-H Horse Show rules, coaching judging teams, conformation judging and selection. The Pennsylvania 4-H Horse Show Rulebook Test will be given on Saturday to current and prospective judges. The test is suggested for anyone who wishes to be included on the 4-H horse show judges list.

Registrations will be accepted by mail or fax through Feb. 27. Walk-in registrations will be accepted as space allows. Program cost is $75. The registration fee includes instruction and instructional materials, beverage breaks and lunch on Saturday.

Registration forms and program details are available from your county Penn State Cooperative Extension office or the Penn State Horse Program Web site at http://www.das.psu.edu (click on horses, then 4-H Horse Program, then events). For more information, contact Swinker at 814-865-7810 or by e-mail at aswinker@psu.edu.

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EDITOR: Contact Ann Swinker at 814-865-7810 or by e-mail at aswinker@psu.edu.

Jeff Mulhollem Office 814-863-2719 FAX 814-863-9877