GALVA, Ill. — Youth from around the state demonstrated their specialized equine knowledge at the Illinois 4-H State Horse Judging Contest on Feb. 17 at the Black Hawk College East Campus.

In this contest, youth judge six classes of horses, at least two being halter classes and youth 14 years of age and older may also choose to participate in oral reasons following the classes. Horse judging competitions allow participants to demonstrate their understanding of the evaluation criteria while honing participants’ observation and decision-making skills.

Through 4-H, young people with a passion for horses can participate in education contests related to the equine industry regardless of whether they own a horse.  These education programs enhance members’ knowledge of horse health, breed characteristics, management, and feeding.

“Horse judging teaches kids to be observant, detail-oriented, and decisive.” Said Danielle Gorbach, Rock Island County team coach. “I was proud of how hard the kids worked to prepare for the contest. In the reasons division, the kids have to concisely explain their placings to a judge. It builds confidence and public speaking skills.”

Reasons Division – Ranked by Total Score: Bailey Callahan, Rock Island County, first place; Emma Steiger, Rock Island County, second place; Sophia Oltman, Henry County, third place; Allison Hemker, Bond County, fourth place; Maya Woodard, Monroe County, fifth place; Avery Hunter, Bond County, sixth place; Kylie Foster, Mercer County, seventh place; Sydney Woodard, Monroe County, eighth place.

Reasons – Ranked by Performance Total:  Bailey Callahan, Rock Island County, first place; Sophia Oltman, Henry County, second place; Emma Steiger, Rock Island County, third place; Allison Hemker, Bond County, fourth place; Avery Hunter, Bond County, fifth place; Maya Woodard, Monroe County, sixth place; Sydney Woodard, Monroe County, seventh place; Kylie Foster, Mercer County, eighth place.

Reasons - Ranked By Halter Total: Allison Hemker, Bond County, first place; Avery Hunter, Bond County, second place; Emma Steiger, Rock Island County, third place; Maya Woodard, Monroe County, fourth place; Kylie Foster, Mercer County, fifth place; Sophia Oltman, Henry County, sixth place; Bailey Callahan, Rock Island County, seventh place; Sydney Woodard, Monroe County.

Reasons - Ranked by Reasons Total Maya Woodard, Monroe County, first place; Kylie Foster, Mercer County, second place; Bailey Callahan, Rock Island County, third place; Sydney Woodard, Monroe County, fourth place; Emma Steiger, Rock Island County, fifth place; Avery Hunter, Bond County, sixth place; Sophia Oltman, Henry County, seventh place; Allison Hemker, Bond County, eighth place.

Non-Reasons Division – Ranked by Total Score: Emily Conlee, Knox County, first place; Emma Burge, Champaign County, second place; Payton Frueh, Bureau County, third place; Nora Moore, Monroe County, fourth place; Jennika Bausic, Winnebago County, fifth place; EmmyLou Harris, Knox County, sixth place; Callie Anne Gregg, Champaign County, seventh place; Addy Thompson, Bureau County, eighth place; Lillyanne Coe, Knox County, ninth place; Audrey Winkler, Jefferson County, tenth place.

Non-Reasons – Teams: Champaign County, first place; Bureau County, second place; and Knox County B took third place.

Non-Reasons Ranked by Performance Total: Emily Conlee, Knox County, first place; Emma Burge, Champaign County, second place; Jennika Bausic, Winnebago County, third place; Payton Frueh, Bureau County, fourth place; Lillyanne Coe, Knox County, fifth place; Brooklynne Martin, Mercer County, sixth place; EmmyLou Harris, Knox County, seventh place; Gabriella Carden, Bureau County, eighth place; Nora Moore, Monroe County, ninth place; Mallory Paur, Monroe County, tenth place.

Non-Reasons Ranked by Halter Total:  Emma Burge, Champaign County, first place; Jasmine Frerkes, Mercer County, second place; Savannah Bailey, Champaign County, third place; Albie Hartman, Bureau County, fourth place; Alice Conner, Champaign County, fifth place; Annabelle Sutter, McLean County, sixth place; Callie Anne Gregg, Champaign County, seventh place; Abigail Erlenbush, Christian County, eighth place; Jocelyn Erickson, Mercer County, ninth place; Jennika Bausic, Winnebago County, tenth place.

Non-Reasons Ranked by Questions Class: Payton Frueh, Bureau County, first place; Paige Johnson, Fulton County, second place; Nora Moore, Monroe County, third place; Audrey Winkler, Jefferson County, fourth place; Jasmine Frerkes, Mercer County, fifth place; Nai'a Bailey, Champaign County, sixth place; Boedi Jones, Jefferson County, seventh place; Elizabeth Shands, Jefferson County, eighth place; Savannah Bailey, Champaign County, ninth place; Rylan Holman, Knox County, tenth place.

The top performers in the Reasons division qualified for the next step in determining the 4-H State Horse Judging Team that will represent Illinois at a national contest in Fall 2024.  These individuals will receive invitations to participate in a second judging contest during the Illinois Junior Horse Show at the Springfield State Fairgrounds in July.  Following that invitational contest, the four-member 4-H state horse judging team will be determined.

“It’s always amazing to see how much the kids grow from year to year,” says Gorbach.

About Illinois 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension and administered through the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. 4-H grows true leaders, youth who are empowered for life today and prepared for a career tomorrow. The hands-on approach in 4-H gives young people guidance, tools, and encouragement, and then puts them in the driver’s seat to make great things happen. Independent research confirms the unparalleled impact of the 4-H experience, demonstrating that young people are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs. 

Source:  Deb Hagstrom, Extension Equine Specialist, hagstrom@illinois.edu

Writer:  Carissa Nelson, Media Communications Manager, 4-H State Office, carissa7@illinois.edu

               Bailey Callahan, Illinois 4-H Youth Influencer