The horse judging team teaches students to evaluate horse conformation and horse performance and to compete in national intercollegiate competitions. Since the first Texas A&M University team began competition in 1972, no other school has won more national championships than Texas A&M, boasting 28. Just to name a few of many acquired skills, students on the Horse Judging Team gain useful experience in analytical and critical thinking, judgment, written and oral communication. Many team members continue horse judging to become professional judges for several breed associations. The horse judging team is designed for students interested in equine selection and performance evaluation. The team competes in small contests in the Spring. Some prominent Fall competitions include the following: the AQHA Congress in Columbus, OH; the National Reining Horse Association Contest in Oklahoma City, OK; and the AQHA World Show in Oklahoma City, OK.
The teams most recent wins include:
- 2002 and 2005 AQHA World Champions
- 2000 and 2006 AQHA Reserve World Champions
- 2002, 2010, and 2013 AQHA Congress Champions
- 2000 and 2005 AQHA Reserve Congress Champions
- 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2011 NRBC Champions
- 2006 and 2008 NRBC Reserve Champions
- 2009 and 2011 NRHA Futurity Champions
- 2007, 2010 and 2012 NRHA Futurity Reserve Champions
- Additionally, individual members of these teams have been high individuals at all contests.
Students interested in the Horse Judging Team should enroll in ANSC 316 taught in the Spring semester. For more information, please contact Dr. Clay Cavinder at 979-458-2967.
