SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension hosted the annual All-Youth Horse Judging Contest during the Illinois Horse Fair on March 5 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

Several 4-H members from DeWitt and Macon County were among the winners. Olivia Hawkins placed first in the individual Junior Division. Lillian Elsea, Brynlee Callahan, Lexi Merriman, and Olivia Hawkins competed as a team and placed fourth in the Junior Division.

Two seniors, Megan Nation and Lacey Bourn, also competed.

"I am very proud of all six of the 4-Her's that judged in the competition," says Dan Enos, Rebel Riders 4-H club leader. "All of them did a fantastic job."

The event allows youth to judge classes of horses such as Halter, Western Pleasure, Huntseat, Saddleseat, Gaited, and Driving. There were 185 youth representing three states participating in this year's event.

WRITER: Maria Lightner, Marketing and Communications, University of Illinois Extension

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