4-H State Horse Judging Contest

FULTON, Mo. – The Missouri 4-H State Horse Judging Contest, Feb. 28, drew 70 youths from across the state to William Woods University in Fulton. Throughout the day, youths put their equine expertise to the test by evaluating eight classes – four halter and four performance – and delivering one or two sets of oral reasons to justify their decisions.

These contests challenge youths to sharpen their observation, decision-making and communication skills while gaining a deeper understanding of equine evaluation, said Kelsey Fuller, University of Missouri Extension state 4-H agriculture educator.

In the first contest of the 2026 Mane Event participants competed in one of two age divisions: junior (ages 8-13) and senior (ages 14-18). Awards were also presented to recognize the top 8- to 10-year-old youths.

The top competitors, ages 8-10: Ivy Coolman, Andrew County, first; Kaley Miller, Lafayette County, second; Easton Hand, Newton County, third; Victoria Randle, Camden County, fourth; Madison Weber, Camden County, fifth; Eve McAsey, Andrew County, sixth; Jovie Lovenduski, Linn County, seventh; Charleigh Hall, Callaway County, eighth; Emerson Craighead, Callaway County, ninth; and MaeLynn Meyer-Philpott, Lincoln County, 10th.

Top 5 junior competitors: Paisley O’Dell, Camden County, first; Maya Watson, Boone County, second; Baylee Crum, Callaway County, third; Skylar Webb, Camden County, fourth; and Lola Schmitt, Newton County, fifth.

Top 3 junior teams: Camden County, first; Newton County, second; and Callaway County, third.

Top 5 senior individuals: Natalie Lovenduski, Linn County, first; Adelena McAsey, Andrew County, second; Eliza Randle, Camden County, third; Reagan Schmutzler, Andrew County, fourth; and Lilah James, Knox County, fifth.

Top 3 senior teams: Andrew County, first; Callaway County, second; and Cape Girardeau County, third.

Contestants were also recognized in halter classes, performance classes and reasons.

Halter

• Top 5 junior individuals: Paisley O’Dell (Camden County), Evan Wiest (Newton County), Ivy Coolman (Andrew County), Sophia Carmichael (Boone County), and Clara Randle (Camden County).
• Top 2 junior teams: Camden County and Newton County.
• Top 5 senior individuals: Lyla Porter (Andrew County), Adalena McAsey (Andrew County), Natalie Lovenduski (Linn County), Josie Schulte (Osage County), and Eliza Randle (Camden County).
• Top 2 senior teams: Andrew County and Callaway County.

Performance

• Top 5 junior individuals: Baylee Crum (Callaway County), Emmalyn Brandl (Callaway County), Paisley O’Dell (Camden County), Siobhan Owens (Clinton County), and Lola Schmitt (Newton County).
• Top 2 junior teams: Callaway County and Camden County.
• Top 5 senior individuals: Reagan Schmutzler (Andrew County), Lilah James (Knox County), Adalena McAsey (Andrew County), Eliza Randle (Camden County), Mackenzie Lauer (Callaway County).
• Top 2 senior teams: Andrew County and Callaway County.

Reasons

• Top 5 junior individuals: Maya Watson (Boone County), Clara Randle (Camden County), Kritlie King (Lafayette County), Skylar Webb (Camden County), and Siobhan Owens (Clinton County).
• Top 2 junior teams: Camden County and Newton County.
• Top 5 senior individuals: Natalie Lovenduski (Linn County), Lilah James (Knox County), Norah Randle (Camden County), Reagan Schmutzler (Andrew County), and Adalena McAsey (Andrew County).
• Top 2 senior teams: Andrew County and Callaway County.

New for the 2026 contest, Missouri 4-H is expanding its national opportunities for youth competitors. This fall, youths from Andrew County and members of the newly formed All-Star team will represent Missouri on the national stage at the Eastern National Roundup and All American Quarter Horse Congress.

Programs offered by Missouri 4-H would not be possible without support from our partners. Major support for Missouri 4-H Agriculture programs was provided by the Missouri 4-H Foundation in partnership with FCS Financial, MFA Foundation, Midwest Dairy Association, Missouri Association of Meat Processors, Missouri Farm Bureau Federation, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, the Oertle Family Foundation, Eunice Campbell and the Hertzog Family.

Photos

Top 8-10-year-olds, from left: Kaley Miller, Eve McAsey, Jovie Lovenduski, Emerson Craighead, Charleigh Hall, Madison Weber, Victoria Randle, Easton Hand and Ivy Coolman.

The top senior team overall represented Andrew County.

Top 5 senior individuals, from left: Natalie Lovenduski, Adalena McAsey, Eliza Randle, Reagan Schmutzler and Lilah James.