FULTON, Mo. – The University of Missouri Extension State 4-H Horse Judging Contest, held March 18, drew 105 competitors, said Maria Calvert, Missouri 4-H state agriculture educator. This year’s event was hosted at William Woods University in Fulton. After the contest, youths and coaches toured the facilities and learned more about the equine program from faculty and students.

Top 10 junior competitors (ages 8-13): 1st – Malachi Siebert, Jasper County; 2nd – Vivien Dickerson, Boone County; 3rd – Adalena McAsey, Andrew County; 4th – Lola Schmitt, Newton County; 5th – Bailey Aufdenberg, Cape Girardeau County; 6th – Kaylie Higgins, Newton County; 7th – Cayley Duppong, Marion County; 8th – Layton Ruppel, Callaway County; 9th – Brett Miller, Cass County; 10th – Gracie Smith, Boone County.

Top three junior teams: Boone County, first; Callaway County, second; and Newton Count, third.

The top 10 competitors ages 8-10 were also recognized: 1st – Lola Schmitt, Newton County; 2nd – Lorali Gilman, Callaway County; 3rd – Easton Hall, Callaway County; 4th – Paige Harris, Callaway County; 5th – Evelyn Carson, Boone County; 6th – Mason Christmas, Newton County; 7th – Baylee Crum, Camden County; 8th – Peyton Coffey, Perry County; 9th – Clara Randle, Laclede County; 10th Mark Grantham, Perry County.

Top 10 senior competitors (ages 14-18): 1st – Lexi Mullins, Phelps County; 2nd – Ava Walker, Adair County; 3rd – Ava Hughes, Laclede County; 4th – Delaney Duncan, Cass County; 5th – Isabella Smith, Ray County; 6th – Harley Hook, Callaway County; 7th – Alexis Reeves, Ray County; 8th – Kelsey Nolker, Ray County; 9th – Bailey Mills, Newton County; 10th – Lindsey Prince, Laclede County.

Top three senior teams: Cass County, first; Ray County, second; and Laclede County, third. The championship team from Cass County will represent Missouri in a national contest.

A majority of participants responded that their skills in areas such as evaluating equine confirmation, interpreting discipline patterns and using correct terminology improved as a result of participating in the event, Calvert said. As a result of their involvement in 4-H, a majority of youths also expressed they are seeking to learn more about agriculture, consider themselves advocates for the agriculture industry, are seeking careers in agriculture, feel they are educated consumers of agricultural products and are comfortable sharing their knowledge of agriculture with others.

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, D.V.M.

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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Halter class at the 2023 Missouri 4-H horse judging contest in Fulton.

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Top 10 competitors ages 8-10.

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Top junior division competitors (ages 8-13).

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Top junior division team, representing Boone County.

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Top senior division competitors (ages 14-18).

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Top senior division team, representing Cass County.