SEDALIA, Mo. – The Missouri 4-H Horse Public Speaking and Demonstration and Youth Equine Fine Arts and Poster contests took place Wednesday, July 24, in Sedalia. Youths demonstrated their speaking, presentation and artistic abilities while sharing their equine knowledge, said Maria Calvert, University of Missouri Extension state 4-H agriculture educator.

The top junior in public speaking was QuinnLynne Clark, Chariton County. The top three seniors were, first, Avery Ridgley, Montgomery County; second, Clara Harden, Phelps County; third, Isabella Smith, Ray County.

The top three juniors in demonstrations were, first, Lillian Rice, Buchanan County; second, Faith Engemann, Warren County; third, Trinity Moore, Linn County. The top three seniors were, first, Darcy Davis, Buchanan County; second, Ester Kincaid, Ray County; third, Taylor Reeves, Ray County.

In the fine arts and poster contests, Avery Spears, Boone County, had the top intermediate items in the drawing, fiber and sculpture category and the painting, printing and graphic designcategory; QuinnLynne Clark, Chariton County, had the top junior photo and poster; Faith Engemann, Warren County, had the top intermediate poster; Eleanor Smith, Lafayette County, took first in junior in the drawing, fiber and sculpture category; and Grace Maxwell placed first in junior in the painting, printing and graphic designcategory.

Later in the day, youths and exhibitors from the Missouri State Fair 4-H/FFA State Fair Horse Show viewed clinics on arena etiquette and safety; ranch trail; and showmanship.

During the exhibitor dinner, participants and families heard from Justin Eddy, Missouri 4-H alumnus and past American Quarter Horse Association (AQHYA) president; and Abigail Eddy, a Missouri 4-H member, current AQHYA president and a fall 2024 member of Auburn University’s equestrian team. The speakers shared how their 4-H experiences in 4-H have led to their successes and helped turn their dreams into goals, and goals into reality, said Calvert.

That evening, the MFA Saddle Award was presented to Delaney Duncan from Cass County. Youths ages 14-18 enrolled in the 4-H horse project could apply to win a saddle provided by MFA Inc.

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

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. To learn more about Missouri 4-H, visit 4h.missouri.edu.

Photo

https://extension.missouri.edu/sites/default/files/legacy_media/wysiwyg/News/photos/mfa%20saddle%20award.jpg

Delaney Duncan, left, of Cass County, received the MFA Saddle Award from MFA Inc. at a recent Missouri 4-H equine event in Sedalia.