AAQHC Judging Competition is a Success
![Mississippi State University Judging Team with Coach Clay Cavinder [photo credit: QuarterHorseCongress.com]](https://www.showhorsetoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/large.jpg)
The Collegiate Judging Competition wrapped up this morning at the 2015 All American Quarter Horse Congress (AAQHC). 30 youth teams and 28 junior college and universities participated in this year’s event resulting in 281 total participants.
Collegiate Horse Judging Competitions began in 1965 with the Ohio State University heading up the first known competitions. Competitions have been a part of the AAQHC since its inception in 1967.
Jennifer Zooler, the Texas A&M judging team coach, believes the main purpose of a judging team is for students to learn and enhance their self-confidence while simultaneously learning about the industry. “They get a well-rounded knowledge of what a good horse looks like, moves like, and they can take the skills they learn and use them beyond their college career,” said Zooler.
Although most teams are based towards animal science and equine majors, anyone who is interested in the horse industry may participate on a team. According to Clay Cavinder, an AQHA judge and the Mississippi State judging coach, there is no stereotype for a good judging team member. “I’ve seen pre-med, pre-dental, pre-law, you name it.”
To read the full article on QuarterHorseCongress.com, click here.