Eighty-one 4-H members competed in the University of Missouri Extension State 4-H Horse Judging Contest on March 23. Maria Calvert, Missouri 4-H state agriculture educator, announced the event took place at William Woods University in Fulton. Following the contest, participants, including youths and coaches, had the opportunity to tour the facilities and gain insights into the equine program from faculty and students.
The top 10 competitors ages 8-10 are as follows:
- First: Paige Harris, Callaway County
- Second: Clara Lewis, Newton County
- Third: Easton Hall, Callaway County
- Fourth: Quinn Rugen, Camden County
- Fifth: Kara Meier, Cape Girardeau County
- Sixth: Payson McAsey, Andrew County
- Seventh: Trinity Moore, Linn County
- Eighth: Estella Richardson, Lincoln County
- Ninth: Joanie Presser, Cape Girardeau County
- Tenth: Silas Deschu, Pulaski County
The overall top 10 junior competitors (ages 8-13):
- First: Lola Schmitt, Newton County
- Second: Porter Kruse, Newton County
- Third: Mackenzie Lauer, Callaway County
- Fourth: Adalena McAsey, Andrew County
- Fifth: Hannah Lichtengger, Cape Girardeau County
- Sixth: Paisley O’Dell, Camden County
- Seventh: Bailey Aufdenberg, Cape Girardeau County
- Eighth: Norah Randle, Laclede County
- Ninth: Hope Birk, Cape Girardeau County
- Tenth: Raylynn Moore, Linn County
The top three junior teams represented Newton County, Cape Girardeau County, and Callaway County, in that order.
Top 10 individuals in the senior division (ages 14-18):
- First: Ava Hughes, Laclede County
- Second: Lexi Mullins, Phelps County
- Third: Lydia Smithee, Callaway County
- Fourth: Victoria Jones, Laclede County
- Fifth: Emma Wilson, Callaway County
- Sixth: Morgan Benne, Callaway County
- Seventh: Lilah James, Knox County
- Eighth: Sophia Anderson, Newton County
- Ninth: Bryli DeLashmutt, Callaway County
- Tenth: Jaden Haggard, Moniteau County
The top three senior teams were from Laclede County, Callaway County, and Moniteau County, respectively. The championship team from Laclede County will advance to represent Missouri in a national contest.
The top senior for the halter classes was Lilah James from Knox County; the top junior was Adalena McAsey from Andrew County. The top senior for performance classes was Lydia Smithee from Callaway County, and the top junior was Lola Schmitt from Newton County. The top senior for giving reasons was Ava Hughes from Laclede County, with the top junior being Adalena McAsey from Andrew County.
Many participants reported improvements in skills such as evaluating equine conformation, interpreting discipline patterns, verbally expressing their thoughts on placings, and using correct terminology due to their participation in the event. Calvert highlighted that involvement in 4-H has led many youths to pursue further education in agriculture, consider careers in the sector, become advocates for the industry, and feel confident in sharing their knowledge of agriculture with others. A majority also expressed that the program enables them to explore their passions and learn more about topics of interest.
