What is the gestation period of a horse?

That’s the type of question the Harrison FFA Horse Judging team will face this week during the national competition in Indianapolis. Harrison High School seniors Eden Larsen and Lillian Haas and recent graduates Blair Schultz and Carolyne Hayworth have spent weeks watching videos and practicing weekly to fine-tune their judging skills.

“It’s exciting,” says Carolyne. “And nerve-wracking too,” adds Eden. The Harrison team will be among 48 teams from across the country participating in the competition.

The event will challenge the team to judge four riding and four halter classes, then place the horses and provide reasons for their decisions. Their coach, Nichole Parker, advises them to remain confident. “Speak loud and clear, and make sure everyone participates in our presentation,” says Lillian.

In the riding classes, including ranch riding and horsemanship, the team will evaluate how well the rider follows the pattern, their control, and overall performance.

“For halter classes, we will assess the key factors of conformation: balance, structural correctness, muscling, and breed and sex characteristics,” says Blair.

The team members say they’re ready and eager to represent Harrison and Indiana well.

And as for that first question—the gestation period of a horse is about 11 months, or roughly 340 days.