Chambana Sun

Youth from across Illinois gathered at the Black Hawk College East Campus on February 17 for the Illinois 4-H State Horse Judging Contest. Participants judged six classes of horses, with at least two being halter classes. Youth aged 14 and older also had the option to participate in oral reasons following the classes.

Danielle Gorbach, Rock Island County team coach, emphasized the skills developed through horse judging. "Horse judging teaches kids to be observant, detail-oriented, and decisive," she said. She noted that it also builds confidence and public speaking skills as participants must explain their placings to a judge.

In the Reasons Division ranked by total score, Bailey Callahan from Rock Island County took first place. Other top performers included Emma Steiger from Rock Island County and Sophia Oltman from Henry County. The Non-Reasons Division saw Emily Conlee from Knox County secure first place, followed by Emma Burge from Champaign County.

The top scorers in the Reasons division will advance towards forming a state team for a national contest later this year. These individuals will compete again during the Illinois Junior Horse Show in July to finalize the four-member team representing Illinois.

"It’s always amazing to see how much the kids grow from year to year," added Gorbach.

Illinois 4-H is a youth development program of University of Illinois Extension under the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. It aims to empower youth for life today and prepare them for future careers.

Source: Deb Hagstrom, Extension Equine Specialist

Writer: Carissa Nelson, Media Communications Manager