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.

Stephenson County had one youth participate from Lena, Illinois: Madalyn Schierloh. Madalyn competed in the Reasons Division as an individual.

Madalyn has been in 4-H for eight years and has been showing horses at the county 4-H fair each year.  When asked why she enjoys the horse judging contest she said, “I have grown up showing horses, and this is one more part of doing something I enjoy. My favorite part of the experience is being able to learn more about the animals and the judging process.”

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.

Madalyn placed tenth overall in the Reasons division, against youth from across the state.

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 2023.  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.

To learn more about 4-H programming in Stephenson County, please contact the Extension office at 815-235-4125 or email Brenda Heimann at: bheimann@illinois.edu.