Chambana Sun

Youth from Illinois gathered on February 2 in Galva to showcase their equine knowledge at the Illinois 4-H State Horse Judging Contest. Participants assessed six classes of horses, including halter classes. Those aged 14 and older also took part in the Reasons division, delivering oral justifications for their evaluations.

These competitions aim to enhance young participants' observation, decision-making, and communication skills while increasing their understanding of horse evaluation criteria. The 4-H program offers educational contests related to the equine industry for youth interested in horses, regardless of ownership status. These programs cover horse health, breed characteristics, management, and feeding.

Allison Burrs from Carroll County scored 89.25% in the Reasons division and became the first recipient of the Larry Carls Memorial Overall High Point award.

The top winners in the Reasons Division were: Allison Burrs (Carroll County), Madelyn Oltman (Rock Island County), Grant Alexander (Knox County), Emily Conlee (Knox County), Lexi Merriman (DeWitt County), Emma Steiger (Rock Island County), Bailey Callahan (Rock Island County), Sophia Oltman (Rock Island County), Sydney Woodard (Monroe County), and Chloe Miller (Will County).

In the Non-Reasons Division, Emma Quinton from McLean County secured first place followed by Anna Hessell from Rock Island County. Other top performers included Audrey Winkler (Marion County), Rita Claire McLaughlin (LaSalle County), Olivia Hawkins (DeWitt County), Devin Burrs (Carroll County), Quincy Hochstatter (Bureau County), Avery Hunter (Bond County), Colbie Parrish (Mercer County) and EmmyLou Harris from Knox county rounding out the top ten.

Champaign County emerged as the winner in the Non-Reasons Division Teams category with Bureau taking second place and Knox B securing third place.

The highest performers in the Reasons division will advance to further competitions at the Illinois Junior Horse Show during July's Springfield State Fairgrounds event. A four-member state team will be selected after this invitational contest.

Illinois 4-H is a youth development program under University of Illinois Extension managed through its College of Agricultural Consumer Environmental Sciences focusing on leadership skills among youth preparing them for future careers by engaging them hands-on activities which have shown significant positive outcomes based on research findings according to Deb Hagstrom an extension equine specialist who contributed information regarding this year's judging contest results alongside writer Carissa Nelson media communications manager representing statewide office affairs within their department network channels promoting such initiatives actively throughout regions serviced by organization affiliates across areas served directly impacting lives involved positively along paths undertaken supporting missions upheld continually working towards goals established shared commonly together fostering progress achieved collectively overall mission objectives pursued jointly always moving forward 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