4-H Horse Judging Team Takes Top Honors

The DeKalb County 4-H Horse Judging teams recently competed in the Central Region contest held at MTSU in Murfreesboro. 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, western pleasure, trail, hunt seat equitation, 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.
The Junior (4th & 5th grades) team of Riley Fuson, Ayden Jones, Hailey Redmon, and Hannah Redmon took top honors and placed 1st overall, 1st in the halter division, and 3rd in performance. Hannah placed 3rd overall individually and 2nd in the performance division. Riley was the 5th high individual and placed 2nd in halter. The other Junior team of Ansley Cantrell, Shaelee Foster, and Laura Good placed 4th overall and 1st in the performance division. Ansley was 6th high individual overall and 3rd in performance. Jenna Cantrell also competed as an individual in the Jr. High (6th-8th grades) division, while Clayton Crook and Creston Bain competed in the Sr. High (9th-12th grade) division.
“It felt really good to win first place for our county. The meetings and studying really paid off!” said Hannah Redmon. Hailey Redmon said, “This was my first year of judging, and I loved it. Winning first place is a wonderful feeling!” Teams practiced several times before the contest and represented DeKalb County very well at this regional event of over 250 participants! 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) Creston Bain, Jenna Cantrell, and Clayton Crook (Middle Row) Riley Fuson, Laura Good, and Ansley Cantrell (Front Row) Hannah Redmon, Shaelee Foster, and Hannah Redmon
1st Place: The Junior Team of Hannah Redmon, Hailey Redmon, Riley Fuson, and Ayden Jones (not pictured) won 1st place the regional horse judging contest. Hannah was 3rd high individual and Riley placed 5th.
4th Place: The Junior team of Ansley Cantrell, Shaelee Foster, and Laura Good placed 4th at the regional horse judging contest. Ansley was 6th high individual.