GALVA, Ill. – Youth from across Illinois demonstrated their equine knowledge at the Illinois 4-H State Horse Judging Contest on Feb. 2 in Galva, Illinois. Participants evaluated six classes of horses, including at least two halter classes, with youth 14 years and older also competing in the Reasons division, where they provided oral justifications for their placements.
Horse judging competitions challenge youth to refine their observation, decision-making, and communication skills while deepening their understanding of horse evaluation criteria. Through 4-H, young people passionate about horses can participate in educational contests related to the equine industry, regardless of horse ownership. These programs enhance knowledge of horse health, breed characteristics, management, and feeding.
Allison Burrs from Carroll County, earned 89.25% of the total possible points in the Reasons division and was recognized as the first-ever Larry Carls Memorial Overall High Point winner.
In the Reasons Division, top winners included: Allison Burrs, Carroll County, first; Madelyn Oltman, Rock Island County, second; Grant Alexander, Knox County, third; Emily Conlee, Knox County, fourth; Lexi Merriman, DeWitt County, fifth; Emma Steiger, Rock Island County, sixth; Bailey Callahan, Rock Island County, seventh; Sophia Oltman, Rock Island County, eighth; Sydney Woodard, Monroe County, ninth; and Chloe Miller, Will County, tenth.
In the Non-Reasons Division, top winners included: Emma Quinton, McLean County, first; Anna Hessell, Rock Island County, second; Audrey Winkler, Marion County, third; Rita Claire McLaughlin, LaSalle County, fourth; Olivia Hawkins, DeWitt County, fifth; Devin Burrs, Carroll County, sixth; Quincy Hochstatter, Bureau County, seventh; Avery Hunter, Bond County, eighth; Colbie Parrish, Mercer County, ninth; and EmmyLou Harris, Knox County, tenth.
In the Non-Reasons Division Teams category, Champaign County took first, Bureau County took second, and Knox County B took third.
The top performers in the Reasons division have qualified for the next step in determining the 4-H State Horse Judging Team. These individuals will be invited to participate in a second judging contest during the Illinois Junior Horse Show at the Springfield State Fairgrounds in July. Following that invitational contest, a four-member 4-H state horse judging team will be chosen.
About Illinois 4-H:
Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension, administered through the College of Agricultural, 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 provides young people with guidance, tools, and encouragement, giving them the opportunity to take the lead in making great things happen. Research confirms the unparalleled impact of 4-H, showing that young people in the program are four times more likely to contribute to their communities, twice as likely to make healthier choices, twice as likely to be civically active, and twice as 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
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.