COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri Extension State 4-H Horse Judging Contest was held virtually February 27-28, 2021 and drew 81 competing 4-H members, said Maria Calvert, Missouri 4-H State Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator.
Ty Peckman, Missouri 4-H State Agriculture Specialist, shared that “through this program, 4-H members learn how to think critically and become skilled at defending their decisions through reasoning. Youth also develop key skills that will help in their future careers and success, such as organization, self-discipline, accepting criticism, self-confidence, and leadership.”
As a result of their involvement in 4-H, over 67% of youth responded they are seeking to learn more about agriculture and are comfortable sharing their knowledge with others. 57% expressed their involvement in this contest/project area has encourage them to continue their education in a related area.
The top ten junior (ages 8 – 13) competitors were 1st – Avalynn Camden, Marion County; 2nd – Natalie Lovenduski, Clay County; 3rd – Morgan Benne, Callaway County; 4th – Bryli Delashmutt, Callaway County; 5th – Raelynn Welch, Phelps County; 6th – Kadence Mills, Newton County; 7th – Bailey Mills, Newton County; 8th – Dionna Flamion, Phelps County; 9th – Cayley Duppong, Marion County, and 10th – Faith Calvin, Jasper County. The top three junior teams were represented by the following counties: Marion, first; Callaway, second; and Newton, third.
In the senior (ages 14 – 18) division, the top ten individuals were 1st – Laura Thorn, Jasper County; 2nd – Eden Rominger, Jasper County; 3rd – Emily Egger, Jasper County; 4th – Liberty Stone, Boone County; 5th – Garrett Egger, Jasper County; 6th – Alexis Reeves, Ray County; 7th – Tannah Cassatt, Jasper County; 8th – Justin Eddy, Boone County; 9th – Jenna Hasekamp, Audrain County; and 10th – Abigail Eddy, Boone County. The top three senior teams were represented by the following counties: Jasper, first; Boone, second; and Audrain, third.
The members of the championship team from Jasper County will advance compete in a national contest representing Missouri.
Reasons were scored separately from the rest of the judging contest with the top three juniors being: 1st – Jacie Bard, Newton County; 2nd – Avery Ridgley, Montgomery County; and 3rd – Sophia Anderson, Newton County. Seniors: 1st – Emily Egger, Jasper County; 2nd – Lydia Althoff, Marion County; and 3rd – Nora Gottman, Marion County.
Members of the Jasper County Senior Team included Eden Rominger, Emily Egger, Garrett Egger, Laura Thorn, and Tannah Cassatt. Junior members included Faith Calvin and Grant Egger. Teams were coached by Jennifer Chandler.
Sponsors for the 2021 Missouri 4-H State Horse Judging Contest include FCS Financial, Missouri Farm Bureau, Cynthia O’Bryan, and the Missouri 4-H Foundation.
We would like to extend a thank you to the William Wood University Equestrian Program and their Horse Judging team for putting together video footage for our halter and performance classes!
To find out more information or to join 4-H please visit 4h.missouri.edu.
