STARTING IN 2026, THE INTRODUCTORY HORSE JUDGING SHORT COURSE AND OPEN HORSE SHOW JUDGES' CERTIFICATION CLINIC WILL BE HELD IN ALTERNATING YEARS.
The Open Horse Show Judges' Certification Clinic will next be held in November of 2027.
November 2027
44th Biennial
NC State University-Main Campus, 325 Riddick Hall 2401 Stinson Drive Raleigh, NC 27695
Link 2025 DRAFT NC OHSJC Schedule
Link to Sample Scantron Form for recording class placings
Presented by: NC State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences N.C. Cooperative Extension
In Cooperation with: N.C. 4-H Horse Program Piedmont Horseman's Assoc. Tarheel Horseman's Assoc. Carolina Classic Horseman's Assoc. Central Carolina Western Horsemen's Assoc. Cape Fear Trail Riders Assoc. Coastal Plains Horse Show Association Border Belt Horseman's Assoc. Plantation Pleasure Walking Horse Assoc. of N.C. N.C. Hunter/Jumper Association N.C. Quarter Horse Association Cape Fear Trail Riders Association Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association N.C. Arabian Horse Association Seagates Saddle Club New Hanover County Fair Horse Show Association Four Beats For Pleasure Gaited Horse Club Holiday Classic Open Horse Show Circuit Open Horse Show Association Ponies of America Approved Certification Clinic
Over 4,000 judges have participated in the clinic since 1986.
Course Description
Announcing the 43rd Annual North Carolina Open Horse Show Judges Certification Clinic on North Carolina State University's Main Campus in Raleigh, NC. This clinic is designed to provide individuals who are, or aspire to be, horse show judges with practical "hands-on" experience in judging saddle seat, hunt seat, non-trotting and western classes. Participating judges will have an opportunity to judge 26-28 conformation and performance classes, complete a required 20-25-question exam in each of the four divisions, and receive certification in these four divisions. A panel of breed-recognized professional judges from across the nation will discuss the class placings and present lectures on judging procedures. Individuals completing the clinic will be included on a list of suggested horse show judges that will be annually revised and distributed to open horse show organizations located in North Carolina and surrounding states. Judges receiving an average score of 90% or higher per show division will be certified for that respective division. A minimum of 33% of participating judges will be certified in each division. Certification will be awarded separately for each division. A judging list will be forwarded upon request to breed associations for applicant judges and horse show organizations throughout the United States. Participation in the NCSU Horse Judging Short Course is highly recommended but not required for individuals new to the judging experience.Fees
Advanced registration is $75/day for participating judges (19 years and older). This fee includes all instruction, certification examinations, and name published on the 2025 NC Open Horse Judges Certification List, as desired. A $15 late fee/day will be assessed to judging participants registering after the deadline date (November 6). Judges' refunds (minus Eventbrite fees) will be honored if received in writing prior to November 21, 2025. Saturday: Western & Hunter Certification Sunday: Saddle Seat & Non Trotting Certification2025 OHSJC Registration Link (Eventbrite)Location
NCSU - 325 Riddick Hall
Hotel Information
The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Raleigh/Cary has standard queen rooms available for $105.00 per night plus tax, and King rooms with a pullout sofa are $95 per night. If you would like to call in your reservation, the group code is Open Show Certificat. You can use the online booking link provided below. The cut-off date for booking at this rate is October 31, 2025.Holiday Inn Express & Suites
State Arena Raleigh/Cary
6115 Corporate Ridge Road
Raleigh, NC 27607
919.809.8660
Other Area Hotels:
Hampton Inn
111 Hampton Woods Ln.
Raleigh, NC, 27607
919-233-1798
Online Direct Booking Link
Home2 Suites Raleigh State Arena
6825 Chapel Hill Rd. Raleigh, N.C., 27607
919.863.9330
