SEDALIA, Mo. – At the University of Missouri Extension 2023 State 4-H Horse Public Speaking and Demonstration and Youth Equine Fine Arts and Poster contests, July 26, youths demonstrated speaking, presentation and artistic abilities while sharing their equine knowledge.

Youths who participated in these contests and exhibitors from the Missouri State Fair 4-H/FFA State Fair Horse Show viewed clinics held by Karen Craighead and Robin Gollehon. During the exhibitor dinner, members and families heard from Ashely (Bauer) Slabaugh – 4-H alumna, equine professional, past Missouri State Fair Queen and past Missouri Rodeo Queen – about her equine journey. This exhibitor dinner was supported by Big Iron Town, Family Center Farm and Home, Heritage Tractor, Karen Craighead, Missouri Horse Council, and Rod and Kim Findley.

The MFA Saddle Award was presented to Avery Ridgley from Montgomery County. Youths ages 14-18 enrolled in the 4-H horse project are able to apply to win a saddle provided by MFA Inc.

The top junior in public speaking was Faith Engemann, Montgomery County. The top three seniors were Alexis Mullins, Phelps County, first; Avery Ridgely, Montgomery County, second; and Izzy Hamner, Camden County, third. The top three juniors in demonstrations were Lillian Rice, Buchanan County, first; Paisley Weldon, Macon County, second; and Kirby Shanks, Johnson County, third. The top three seniors were Darcy Davis, Buchanan County, first; Alexis Reeves, Ray County, second; and Taylor Reeves, Ray County, third.

In the Fine Arts and Poster contest, Avery Spears, Boone County, had the top junior AC312 (drawing, fiber and sculpture) and AC313 (painting, printing and graphic design) items; Imy Manning, Polk County, had the top junior photo and reserve junior AC312 and poster exhibits; Kirby Shanks, Johnson County, had the top junior poster and the reserve junior photo; Faith Engemann, Montgomery County, had the top intermediate AC313 item; Brett Miller, Cass County, had the top intermediate photo; Blake Steen, Osage County, had the top intermediate poster; and Sierra Koenke, Benton County, had the top senior items in AC312 and AC313.

Programs offered by Missouri 4-H would not be possible without support from our partners.  Major support for Missouri 4-H Agriculture and Natural Resources programs is provided by the Missouri 4-H Foundation in partnership with Bass Pro Shops, Corteva Agriscience, Crader Distributing Co., FCS Financial, Missouri Association of Meat Processors, Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Holstein Association, Eunice Campbell, and Robert E. “Bud” Hertzog, DVM.

About 4-H

More than 55,000 members strong, Missouri 4-H is an active, dynamic organization of young people who are learning, growing and preparing to be the leaders of today and tomorrow – making a real difference in their community, country and world. 4-H is the youth development program of the University of Missouri and the nation’s Cooperative Extension System.  For more information on Missouri 4-H, visit 4h.missouri.edu.

Photos

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4-H alumna, equine professional, past Missouri State Fair Queen and past Missouri Rodeo Queen Ashely (Bauer) Slabaugh spoke about her equine journey with dinner guests at July’s 4-H equine event in Sedalia.

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The MFA Saddle Award, sponsored by MFA Inc., was presented by Janice Spears, left, to Avery Ridgley of Montgomery County.