4-H Youth Test Skills at State 4-H Horse Judging Contest

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Pictured: Grant Egger, Malachi Siebert, Tannah Cassatt, Brooke Stevens, Faith Calvin, and Laney Daniel. Photo provided

FULTON, Mo. – “The University of Missouri Extension State 4-H Horse Judging Contest was held March 18, 2023 and drew 105 competing 4-H members,” said Maria Calvert, Missouri 4-H State Agriculture Educator. This year’s event was hosted at William Woods University in Fulton, MO. After the contest, youth and coaches had the opportunity to tour the facilities and learn more about the equine program from faculty and students.

A majority of participants responded their skills in areas such as evaluating equine confirmation, interpreting discipline patters, and using correct terminology improved as a result of participating in the event. As a result of their involvement in 4-H a majority of youth also expressed they are seeking to learn more about agriculture, consider themselves an advocate for the agriculture industry, seeking a career in agriculture, feel they are educated consumers of agricultural products, and are comfortable sharing their knowledge of agriculture with others.

The top ten junior (ages 8 – 13) competitors were 1st – Malachi Siebert, Jasper County; 2nd – Vivien Dickerson, Boone County; 3rd – Adalena McAsey, Andrew County; 4th – Lola Schmitt, Newton County; 5th – Bailey Aufdenberg, Cape Girardeau County; 6th – Kaylie Higgins, Newton County; 7th – Cayley Duppong, Marion County; 8th – Layton Ruppel, Callaway County; 9th – Brett Miller, Cass County, and 10th – Gracie Smith, Boone County. The top three junior teams were represented by the following counties: Boone, first; Callaway, second; and Newton, third.

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The top ten 8–10-year-old competitors were also recognized after the event. These include: 1st – Lola Schmitt, Newton County; 2nd – Lorali Gilman, Callaway County; 3rd – Easton Hall, Callaway County; 4th – Paige Harris, Callaway County; 5th – Evelyn Carson, Boone County; 6th – Mason Christmas, Newton County; 7th – Baylee Crum, Camden County; 8th – Peyton Coffey, Perry County; 9th – Clara Randle, Laclede County, and 10th Mark Grantham, Perry County.

In the senior (ages 14 – 18) division, the top ten individuals were 1st – Lexi Mullins, Phelps County; 2nd – Ava Walker, Adair County; 3rd – Ava Hughes, Laclede County; 4th – Delaney Duncan, Cass County; 5th – Isabella Smith, Ray County; 6th – Harley Hook, Callaway County; 7th – Alexis Reeves, Ray County; 8th – Kelsey Nolker, Ray County; 9th – Bailey Mills, Newton County; and 10th – Lindsey Prince, Laclede County. The top three senior teams were represented by the following counties: Cass, first; Ray, second; and Laclede, third.

The members of the championship team from Cass County will advance compete in a national contest representing Missouri.

Programs offered by Missouri 4-H would not be possible without support from our partners.  Major support for Missouri 4-H Agriculture and Natural Resources programs is provided by the Missouri 4-H Foundation in partnership with Bass Pro Shops, Corteva Agriscience, Crader Distributing Company, FCS Financial, Missouri Association of Meat Processors, Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Holstein Association, Eunice Campbell, and Robert E. “Bud” Hertzog, DVM.

About 4-H

More than 55,000 members strong, Missouri 4-H is an active, dynamic organization of young people who are learning, growing and preparing to be the leaders of today and tomorrow – making a real difference in their community, country and world. 4-H is the youth development program of the University of Missouri and the nation’s Cooperative Extension System.  For more information on Missouri 4-H, visit 4h.missouri.edu.

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