GALVA, Ill. - In Galva, Illinois, young participants from across the state showcased their expertise in equine studies at the Illinois 4-H State Horse Judging Contest held on February 17 at the Black Hawk College East Campus.

During this competition, young participants assess six classes of horses, with a requirement for at least two halter classes. These horse judging contests enable participants to showcase their grasp of evaluation criteria while refining their observation and decision-making abilities.

Young individuals passionate about horses can engage in educational contests related to the equine industry through 4-H, regardless of the lack of horse ownership. These programs aim to enrich participants' understanding of horse health, breed characteristics, management, and nutrition.

Five youth from Bureau County participated in the competition. Results as follows:

Non-Reasons Division - Payton Frueh, third place, and Addy Thomas eighth place.

Non-Reasons Teams: Bureau County, second place

Non-Reasons Ranked by Performance Total: Payton Frueh, fourth place; Gabby Carden eighth place.

Non-Reasons Ranked by Halter Total: Albie Hartman, fourth place

Non-Reasons Ranked by Questions Class: Payton Frueh, first place

Overall individual members scores: third overall, Payton Frueh; eighth overall, Addy Thomas; sixteenth overall, Albie Hartman; eighteenth overall, Gabby Carden; thirty-fifth overall Gretchen Carden.

For more information call University of Illinois Extension – Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, Putnam Unit Office at 815-875-2878. Extension offices are located in Princeton, Ottawa, Henry and in Oglesby on the IVCC campus.

Source: Deb Hagstrom, Extension Equine Specialist, hagstrom@illinois.edu and Carissa Nelson, Media Communications Manager, 4-H State Office, carissa7@illinois.edu