Missouri 4-H teams compete at All American Quarter Horse Congress

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Three teams traveled to Columbus, Ohio, to represent Missouri 4-H and compete in events at the All American Quarter Horse Congress. The teams competed in the Horse Bowl and Horse Judging Contests after earning recognition in state-level contests.

Competing in the Horse Bowl Contest were Blake Steen and Josie Schulte from Osage County and Anna Rehagan from Perry County. They ranked in the top positions following the State Horse Bowl Contest in March; while competing as a team with only three individuals rather than the usual four, they earned an impressive 11th place finish in the national contest, said Kelsey Fuller, University of Missouri Extension state agriculture educator.

Two teams represented Missouri 4-H in the Horse Judging Contest. The All Star Team, comprising Natalie Lovenduski of Linn County, Lilah James of Knox County and Bailey Aufdenberg and Joelie Mayfield of Cape Girardeau County, finished the contest in 15th place overall as a team. The team from Andrew County, comprising Adalena McAsey, Charlotte Coolman, Lyla Porter, and Reagan Schmutzler, finished the contest in 22nd place overall as a team.

“Members of the horse judging contest competed in the 10-hour competition of judging quality Quarter Horses followed by providing four sets of reasons,” said All Star Team coach Christy Lovenduski.

“While this was a first time in sending Missouri youth to the All American, we are extremely proud of these individuals and teams for how they represented Missouri in their respective contests,” Fuller said.

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 Eunice J. Campbell, FCS Financial, Mervyn Jenkins Foundation, MFA Foundation, Missouri Association of Meat Processors, Missouri Holstein Association, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, and the Hertzog Family Animal Science Fund.

Photo

Members of the All Star Horse Judging Team wait for their contest to start. Pictured, from left: Natalie Lovenduski, Lilah James, Joelie Mayfield, Bailey Aufdenberg.

About Missouri 4-H

Missouri 4-H grows today’s youth and prepares tomorrow’s leaders. With a blend of time-tested traditions and innovative hands-on learning, Missouri youth explore and find their spark in programs ranging from agriculture and conservation to aerospace and career development. Through clubs, programs, camps, in-school and after-school experiences, University of Missouri Extension faculty, staff and thousands of volunteers guide youth in developing essential skills, building confidence and fostering connections. Together, they inspire young people to make a real difference in their communities, their country and the world.