The DeKalb County 4-H Horse Judging teams recently traveled to Murfreesboro for the Central Region contest held at MTSU. We had 16 total youth who competed. In the Jr. High Division (6th-8th grade), contestants were Raiden Griffin, Katelyn Henry, Logan Herriman, Maeloree Kirby, Shayla Kirby, Sarah Mahan, Lily Martin, Haylee Merriman, Preston Moore, Megan Price, and Madison Ray. Lily Martin was the 9th high individual overall and Katelyn Henry placed 4th in the performance category.
Contestants in the Jr. Division (4th-5th grades) were Riley Fuson, Ayden Jones, Ryder Miller, Hannah Redmon, and Kolton Slager. This team placed 2nd overall and 1st in the halter category. Hannah Redmon was 4th high individual, 3rd in halter, and 5th in performance. Kolton Slager was 9th high individual and 8th in halter.
During this event, youth put their decision making skills and horse knowledge to the test. Contestants watched four performance (riding) classes that included hunter under saddle, reining, western horsemanship, and walking horses. The horses in each class were ranked 1-4 based on specific criteria needed for that discipline of riding. Three halter, or conformation, classes were also judged. These horses were judged on muscling, structure, and balance. After ranking the horses, the 4-H’ers’ decision was compared to that of the official judge, and a score was awarded.
These 4-H members practiced several times before the contest and enjoyed a field trip to judge live horses. DeKalb County was very well represented at this regional contest! Each 4-H member should feel proud of their accomplishments and hard work. To learn more about horse judging, or any 4-H activity, please contact the DeKalb County Extension Office at 615-597-4945.
Photo Captions:
Group: DeKalb County 4-H Horse Judging Teams (Back Row) Madison Ray, Haylee Merriman, Sarah Mahan, Raiden Griffin, Preston Moore, Logan Herriman, Maeloree Kirby, Megan Price, and Lily Martin (Front Row) Shayla Kirby, Katelyn Henry, Ryder Miller, Ayden Jones, Riley Fuson, Hannah Redmon, and Kolton Slager
2nd Place:The Junior Team placed 1st in the Halter and 2nd Overall. Ryder Miller, Riley Fuson, and Hannah Miller. Hannah placed 3rd in halter, 5th in performance, and 4th overall. Kolton Slager (not pictured) was 9th high individual.
Katelyn and Lily : Katelyn Henry placed 4th in the performance divison and Lily Martin was 9th high individual.
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