By sunrise, the Tioga High School livestock and horse judging teams, led by agricultural science teacher Tanner Hash, head to competitions across Texas, balancing early mornings, long days and demanding academic schedules. But for these passionate students, the work is worth it.
“This is a busy time of year, it’s a hundred different things going on,” Hash said. “We’re away from home and school quite often, so these kids have to be really committed.”
Now in his second year at Tioga and fifth year teaching, Hash has built competitive teams focused on both livestock and horse judging. These two events require clear decision-making and technical knowledge beyond what meets the eye.
Livestock judging contests consist of multiple classes where students evaluate cattle, sheep, goats and pigs. When evaluating these animals, the students are paying close attention to their structure, muscle and overall body composition. Along with these evaluations, students are then required to complete quizzes about the livestock. Horse judging follows a similar format but includes halter and performance classes.
To prepare, Tioga students rely on a mix of technology and real-world experience.
“We utilize an online program that acts as a simulator in a way,” Hash said. “Another big thing for us this year is we’ve gone to practice contests.”
Those extra contests are paying off for the Tioga competitors.
At a recent competition hosted by Clarendon College, the horse judging team placed eighth overall out of more than 100 teams. Senior Izzy George stood out, finishing second individually among hundreds of competitors. Meanwhile, the livestock team placed 28th out of nearly 200 teams and has consistently ranked in the top 25% throughout the season.
For senior Brindley Taylor, livestock judging started as a suggestion but quickly became a passion.
“My sister and my ag teacher wanted me to join,” Taylor said. “Over time, I grew a passion for it.”
That passion now ties directly into her future career. Taylor plans to study animal science in college in hopes of becoming an embryologist, a career focused on livestock reproduction.
“It’s really important to me,” she said. “I like to see my progress in evaluating livestock.”
George, who began judging in seventh grade, was inspired by her family and her lifelong experience with horses. She plans to attend Southern Nazarene University and compete on the equestrian team while pursuing a pre-veterinary track.
While success in competition is rewarding, both students say the experience goes far beyond success.
For George, the memories stand out just as much as the rewards.
“My favorite thing is the memories you make and the people you meet,” she said.
Some of those memories come from time spent outside of competition. After one contest, the team made an unplanned stop at Cadillac Ranch in Canyon, where students spray-painted iconic cars associated with the ranch. This moment was described by the students as unforgettable.
Hash said those moments and the growth he sees in his students are what make coaching worthwhile.
“My favorite part is seeing the improvement,” he said. “Having students come in not knowing much and then seeing their scores improve every contest helps me remember we are on the right track.”
As the season continues, Tioga’s judging teams remain focused on their goals. But regardless of the results, the lessons learned along the way are already shaping their futures.
