Bumpers College Sponsors First Horse Judging Team

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The Bumpers College horse judging team -- (first row, left to right) Brittany Rodgers, Becca Schlote and Shelby Wood; and (second row, left to right) Whitt Bell, Sean Hill and Chynell Fitzgerald.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The animal science department in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas has formed the first horse judging team in school history and is looking for team members and support.

The team, which formed and competed for the first time in April, is directed by Casey Orr, a doctoral student in animal science. Team members are allowed to judge for one year and Orr is hoping to expand his roster for several fall events. The club competes in National Horse Judging Coaches Association events and has competitions scheduled in September, October and November.

Students do not have to be in the Bumpers College to join the team, but must take a course taught by Orr that educates students on the many rules for different categories of horses, known as classes. They learn to judge each class during the morning session of competitive events. Following the morning sessions, they defend their rulings of each class in front of professional judges.

“The horse judging team provides knowledge and life skills students are not always taught in the classroom,” Orr said. “Members learn time management, decision-making, communication and networking skills and confidence. Some students begin the semester sitting in the back of the class and by the end of the year, they are at the front asking the most questions and bringing home the most awards from competitions. It’s amazing to see how much students benefit from the team in such a short period of time.”

Orr knows from experience. He began judging horses when he was in the fourth grade and ranked as the high individual when he judged a competition in fifth grade. Little did he know that was the start of a career.

While attending Northeastern Oklahoma Junior College, Orr won two reserve national championships by ranking second at two national championship events.

He went on to judge the team at West Texas A&M University, winning national titles at the All-American Quarter Horse Congress, the National Reigning Horse for Charity event and the National Reigning Breeders Classic.

He said team members benefit by gaining leadership, maturity, dedication, responsibility and school pride, which foster career development and help students learn to think critically, make independent decisions and solve problems rationally.

“Our goal is to prepare students for career placement,” said Michael Looper, head of the animal science department. “Judging team activities enhance communication skills of students, which is a must for advancement in any career. Our students will be able to think critically and communicate more effectively by participating in judging team activities.”

In addition to his judging experience, Orr is one of 30 faculty, doctoral or master’s degree students chosen as a provost lecturer to teach University Perspectives, a course all freshmen are required to take. Those teaching skills will help prepare his team for the fall schedule, which includes the American Quarter Horse Association World Show in Oklahoma City Nov. 8-23. Last year’s event drew 3,500 entries from the United States, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Italy, Mexico and Venezuela.

For more information about the horse judging team or the class, contact Orr at caseyorr@.uark.edu. For more on the equine program, go to http://bumperscollege.uark.edu/equine/5033.php.

Anyone interested in supporting the team with contributions for scholarships, training videos, uniforms or other expenses, should contact Director of Development Mitchell Spearman at spearman@uark.edu or 479-575-2270.