COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri Extension State 4-H Horse Judging Contest took place virtually Feb. 27-28, drawing 81 competing 4-H members, said Maria Calvert, Missouri 4-H state agriculture and natural resources educator.

“Through this program, 4-H members learn how to think critically and become skilled at defending their decisions through reasoning,” Ty Peckman, Missouri 4-H state agriculture specialist. “Youth also develop key skills that will help in their future careers and success, such as organization, self-discipline, accepting criticism, self-confidence and leadership.”

Top 10 junior competitors (ages 8-13):

1. Avalynn Camden, Marion County.
2. Natalie Lovenduski, Clay County.
3. Morgan Benne, Callaway County.
4. Bryli Delashmutt, Callaway County.
5. Raelynn Welch, Phelps County.
6. Kadence Mills, Newton County.
7. Bailey Mills, Newton County.
8. Dionna Flamion, Phelps County.
9. Cayley Duppong, Marion County.
10. Faith Calvin, Jasper County.

The top three junior teams represented the counties of Marion, first; Callaway, second; and Newton, third.

Top 10 senior competitors (ages 14-18):

1. Laura Thorn, Jasper County.
2. Eden Rominger, Jasper County.
3. Emily Egger, Jasper County.
4. Liberty Stone, Boone County.
5. Garrett Egger, Jasper County.
6. Alexis Reeves, Ray County.
7. Tannah Cassat, Jasper County.
8. Justin Eddy, Boone County.
9. Jenna Hasekamp, Audrain County.
10. Abigail Eddy, Boone County.

The top three senior teams represented the counties of Jasper, first; Boone, second; and Audrain, third.

The championship team from Jasper County will advance to represent Missouri in a national contest. 

Reasons were scored separately from the rest of the judging contest.

Top three juniors:

1. Jacie Bard, Newton County.
2. Avery Ridgley, Montgomery County.
3. Sophia Anderson, Newton County.

Top three seniors:

1. Emily Egger, Jasper County.
2. Lydia Althoff, Marion County.
3. Nora Gottman, Marion County.

As a result of their involvement in 4-H, Calvert said, more than 67% of youths responded they are seeking to learn more about agriculture and are comfortable sharing their knowledge with others; 57% said their involvement in this contest/project area has encouraged them to continue their education in a related area.

Sponsors for the 2021 Missouri 4-H State Horse Judging Contest include FCS Financial, Missouri Farm Bureau, Cynthia O’Bryan and the Missouri 4-H Foundation.

Calvert expresses gratitude to the William Wood University Equestrian Program and its Horse Judging team for putting together video footage for the halter and performance classes.

For more information or to join 4-H, visit 4h.missouri.edu.