Introductory Horse Judging Short Course
November 21-22, 2026
NC State University-Main Campus, 325 Riddick Hall, 2401 Stinson Drive, Raleigh, NC 27695
STARTING IN 2026, THE INTRODUCTORY HORSE JUDGING SHORT COURSE AND OPEN HORSE SHOW JUDGES' CERTIFICATION CLINIC WILL BE HELD IN ALTERNATING YEARS.
Course Description:
This short course is designed for individuals with limited horse show judging experience, coaches of youth judging teams, FFA instructors, and all individuals interested in becoming judges or in attending the Open Horse Show Judges Certification Clinic. Emphasis will be placed on teaching the judging systems appropriate for judging various classes in the western, hunt seat, saddle seat, and non-trotting divisions. Participants will have a unique opportunity to interact one-on-one with experts to improve their judging expertise while learning the judging techniques taught at North Carolina State University, whose 4-H teams have earned numerous national and world judging contest championships. Participants will receive a judging manual and judge a variety of video classes in a classroom setting. Participants will also receive in-depth instruction on the judging systems specifically designed to train intercollegiate and youth judging teams and horse show judges.
Fee
The fee for the two-day clinic is $115.00. Registration must be completed by October 15 to avoid a $25 late fee. Registration fees are refundable if requested in writing before the event. Substitutions for pre-registered participants will be accepted.
Link to Eventbrite Registration
If you have registration questions, please contact Lori Stroud: llstroud@ncsu.edu, 919-515-5784.
Location
NC State main campus- Riddick 325
Hotel Information
Due to several sporting events that are taking place the same weekend as the clinic, most of our typical hotels only have King Rooms available.
The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Raleigh/Cary has King rooms with a pullout sofa that are $145 per night. If you would like to call in your reservation, the group code is Intro Horse Judging. You can use the online booking link provided below. The cut-off date for booking at this rate is October 30, 2026.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites State Arena Raleigh/Cary
6115 Corporate Ridge Road
Raleigh, NC 27607
919.809.8660
Hampton Inn
111 Hampton Woods Ln.
Raleigh, NC 27607
919-233-1798
Standard King Rooms for $131
Guests may reserve their rooms using the booking link below or by calling the hotel directly at 919-233-1798. When calling, please have guests mention the group name: NCSU Clinic
NCSU Clinic @ Hampton Inn & Suites: Raleigh/Cary/Lenovo
Please note that the cutoff date to receive the group rate is 8:00 PM on November 1, 2026.
Other Area Hotel:
Home2 Suites Raleigh State Arena
6825 Chapel Hill Rd. Raleigh, N.C., 27607
919.863.9330
NCSU Horse Judging Short Course Manual Order Form 2025 (A copy of the manual is included with your registration for this course)
