Horse Judging Team

Interest Form ➜

Prospective Students

The Tarleton State University Horse Judging Team is comprised of students dedicated to developing their horse evaluation and public speaking skillsets to compete at various contests throughout the year.

Students learn to evaluate a wide range of halter and performance classes while strengthening their critical thinking, decision-making, and public speaking abilities through the oral reasons component of competition. Additionally, team members have the opportunity to meet and network with influential individuals and businesses throughout the equine industry. The Tarleton State Horse Judging Team strives to represent the university with integrity and professionalism while fostering an environment that promotes students’ personal growth, leadership development, career preparation, and lasting friendships that extend well beyond their collegiate years. 

Contests include:

• NRCHA Reined Cow Horse Judging Contest (Hosted by the National Reined Cow Horse Association)
• NHJTCA Spring Collegiate Sweepstakes (Hosted by the National Horse Judging Team Coaches Association)
• APHA Collegiate Judging Contest (Hosted by the American Paint Horse Association)
• All-American Quarter Horse Congress Horse Judging Contest (Hosted by the Ohio Quarter Horse Association)
• AQHA World Championship Collegiate Horse Judging Contest (Hosted by the American Quarter Horse Association)
• NCHA Cutting Horse Judging Contest (Hosted by the National Cutting Horse Association)
• NRHA Collegiate Reining Judging Contest (Hosted by the National Reining Horse Association)

Interested in Joining the Competitive Team?

The Tarleton State University Horse Judging Team is building a program designed to develop more than successful competitors. Our goal is to develop horsemen and horsewomen who engage with the equine industry, learn from those within it, and spend their collegiate years developing the character, work ethic, horsemanship, and knowledge necessary to make a lasting impact as professionals and leaders within the industry.

During the 2026-27 competitive season, approximately 10-15 students will represent Tarleton State University at collegiate horse judging contests throughout Texas and across the country. Industry support helps provide our students with opportunities to compete, travel, develop professional relationships, and gain experiences that extend far beyond the classroom.

Sponsorships support the Tarleton State University Horse Judging Team throughout the 2026-27 competitive season.

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Mission Statement

The Tarleton State University Horse Judging Team strives to develop the next generation of equine industry leaders through education, competition, leadership, and service. Students are challenged to strengthen their horse evaluation, critical thinking, decision-making, and public speaking abilities while developing the character, professionalism, and work ethic necessary to succeed in the equine industry. The team is committed to representing Tarleton State University with integrity and excellence while fostering lasting friendships, professional relationships, and lifelong passion for the horse and all that it represents.

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