Released: January 21, 2005

Hunter Hack Horse Judging DVD Available From Kansas State University

MANHATTAN, Kan. – For horsemen and women who want to improve their skills in judging hunter hack classes, Kansas State University can help.

An interactive DVD is now available through K-State. The DVD sells for $34.95 plus $3.00 shipping and handling.

“Hunter hack is becoming increasingly popular in horse judging contests, said Kelsey Nordyke, K-State assistant horse judging coach. “Information about judging and giving reasons on this class has been limited until now. The interactive style of the DVD allows beginners to learn about the class and seasoned judges to brush up on their skills.”

The DVD consists of five chapters covering the basic principles of hunter hack from functional correctness to form over fences. Practice classes and quizzes allow the user to determine his or her level of understanding. A bonus of several “Hunter Under Saddle” classes is also included.

Chapter 1: “The Class” focuses on the description of the class and the requirements for judging hunter hack. It also discusses scoring the class and shows several examples of various scores.

Chapter 2: “Functional Correctness” includes safety, strides, changing leads, and rail work in the class.

Chapter 3: “Quality of Movement” covers judging and scoring movement and mannerisms. It also includes several rides to practice scoring.

Chapter 4: “Form Over Fences” explains the correct approach and form over fences, as well as course faults and disqualifications.

Chapter 5: “Practice Classes” contains six practice classes and official placings for each class.

Oral reasons given by the 2003 Kansas State Horse Judging Team are included for each class.

Abby Broulik-Keegan, former K-State assistant horse judging coach and a former graduate student, designed and developed the DVD as part of her master’s program in animal science.

“This DVD is a must have for every 4-H club and FFA chapter across the nation. Many hours were devoted to this project to make it extremely educational and interesting to all ages,” said Julie Voge, K-State Research and Extension Youth Coordinator and K-State horse judging coach.

The DVD can be purchased by writing to Voge at Kansas State University, Attn: Julie Voge, Department of Animal Sciences & Industry, 214 Weber Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506-0201, or call 785-532-1264.

-30-

K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Story by:
Mary Lou Peter
mlpeter@oznet.ksu.edu
K-State Research& Extension News