Buchanan County youths shine at 4-H horse judging contest

COLUMBIA, Mo.– 4-H youths from across the state gathered at the University of Missouri Trowbridge Livestock Center on March 14 for the annual State 4-H Horse Judging Contest.

The 120 participants learned about the science of horse judging as well as transferable skills in decision-making, problem-solving and public speaking. About 30 youth and parents also participated in a judging clinic taught by Jamieson Gross of Cloud Community College in Concordia, Kan.

Buchanan County swept both the junior and senior divisions in this year’s contest. The Buchanan County senior team will represent MU Extension’s 4-H Center for Youth Development in November at the 4-H National Horse Judging Contest in Louisville, Ky.

Results are posted at http://judgingcard.com under “Missouri State 4-H Horse Judging Contest.”

For more information about Missouri 4-H, contact the MU Extension center in your county or go to http://4h.missouri.edu.

Photo captions:

Senior teams

First place senior team: Buchanan County. From left, Jake Kulak, Baylee Price, McKell Norris, Kelsey Dunlap, Chelsea Price, Morgan Anderson, Jaclyn Dickens, Hailey Gregory.

Second place senior team: Sullivan County. From left, Natalie Ayers, Hadley Williams, Zachary Ayers, Camden Williams, Jillian Albrecht.

Third place senior team: Boone County. From left, Colton Warren, Cheyenne Gardi, Emily Adams, Mariah Murphy.

Junior teams

First place junior team: Buchanan County. From left, Allison Sykes, Sophia Hall, Isabella Hall, Breesa Price.

Second place junior team: Jasper County. From left, Laura Thorn, Tannah Cassatt, Shalyl Busker, Mikayla East, Mackenzie Bell, Emilee Block.

Third place junior team: Greene County. From left, Ella O’Connor, Carlee Clair, Nicole Berger, Rory O’Connor.