GALVA, Ill. – Youth from around the state demonstrated their specialized equine knowledge at the Illinois 4-H State Horse Judging Contest on Feb. 18 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.

The top placings by division include:

Reasons Division – Overall Individual

• first place (tie): Madey Mohr, Monroe County;
• first place (tie): Bailey Callahan, Rock Island County;
• third place: Jenna Kieser, McLean County;
• fourth place: Jessalyn Eisenmann, Iroquois County;
• fifth place: Talia Pierard, McLean County;
• sixth place: Talisa Thomas, Whiteside County;
• seventh place: Raena Stierwalt, Champaign County;
• eighth place: Sophia Oltman, Henry County;
• ninth place: Ginna Stierwalt, Champaign County;
• tenth place: Madalyn Schierloh, Stephenson County.

Reasons – Teams: Iroquois/Champaign counties; Monroe County; and Rock Island County.

Reasons - Ranked By Reasons Total:

• first place: Talisa Thomas, Whiteside County;
• second place: Madey Mohr, Monroe County;
• third place: Talia Pierard, McLean County;
• fourth place; Jenna Kieser, McLean County;
• fifth place: Sophie Deany, McLean County;
• sixth place: Emma Steiger, Rock Island County;
• seventh place: Sydney Woodard, Monroe County;
• eighth place: Raena Stierwalt, Champaign County;
• ninth place: Ginna Stierwalt, Champaign County;
• tenth place: Bailey Callahan, Rock Island County.

Reasons - Ranked by Performance Placing Total:

• first place: Bailey Callahan, Rock Island County;
• second place: Sophia Oltman, Henry County;
• third place: Jessalyn Eisenmann, Iroquois County;
• fourth place: Madey Mohr, Monroe County;
• fifth place: Sydney Woodard, Monroe County;
• sixth place: Raena Stierwalt, Champaign County;
• seventh place: Jenna Kieser, McLean County;
• eighth place: Talia Pierard, McLean County;
• ninth place: Madalyn Schierloh, Stephenson County;
• tenth place: Ginna Stierwalt Champaign County.

Reasons - Ranked by Halter Placing Total:

• first place: Madey Mohr, Monroe County;
• second place: Bailey Callahan, Rock Island County;
• third place: Jenna Kieser, McLean County;
• fourth place: Jessalyn Eisenmann, Iroquois County;
• fifth place: Talia Pierard, McLean County;
• sixth place: Talisa Thomas, Whiteside County;
• seventh place: Raena Stierwalt, Champaign County;
• eighth place: Sophia Oltman, Henry County;
• ninth place: Ginna Stierwalt, Champaign County;
• tenth place: Madalyn Schierloh, Stephenson County.

Non-Reasons Division - Overall Individual:

• first place: Maddie Oltman, Henry County;
• second place: Emma Quinton, McLean County;
• third place: Anna Hessell, Rock Island/Green Counties;
• fourth place: Shaylen Rowland, Franklin County;
• fifth place: Riley Ridgeway, Franklin County;
• sixth place: Avery Hunter, Bond County;
• seventh place: Claire Quinton, McLean County;
• eighth place: Kylee Hutchison,  Marion County;
• ninth place: Abbie Williams, Franklin County;
• tenth place: Kristi Moody, Marion County.

Non-Reasons – Teams: Franklin County; Monroe County; Rock Island/Green County; Champaign County; McLean County; Champaign County; Knox County; Knox/White County; Marion County; Ogle County; Henry County; Tazewell County.

Non-Reasons Ranked by Performance Placing Total:

• first place: Anna Hessell, Rock Island/Green Counties;
• second place: Maddie Oltman, Henry County;
• third place: Shaylen Rowland, Franklin County; 
• fourth place: Emma Quinton, McLean County;
• fifth place: Riley Ridgeway, Franklin County; 
• sixth place: Kylee Hutchison, Marion County;
• seventh place: Claire Quinton, McLean County;
• eighth place: Cecilia Kampmueller, Champaign County;
• ninth place: Avery Hunter, Bond County;
• tenth place: Shanna Thomason, Rock Island/White Counties.

Non-Reasons Ranked by Halter Placing Total: 

• first place: Maddie Oltman, Henry County;
• second place: Abby Erlenbusch, Christian County;
• third place: Reese Burford, Knox/White Counties;
• fourth place: Nora Moore, Monroe County;
• fifth place: EmmyLou Harris, Knox County;
• sixth place: Emma, McLean County;
• seventh place: Chloe Williams, Franklin County;
• eighth place: Addison Yordy, Ogle County;
• ninth place: Shaylen Rowland, Franklin County;
• tenth place: Kristi Moody, Marion County.

Non-Reasons Ranked by Questions Total:

• first place: Maddie Oltman, Henry County;
• second place: Emma Quinton, McLean County;
• third place: Avery Hunter, Bond County;
• fourth place: Abbie Williams, Franklin County;
• fifth place: Renee Wagner, Champaign County;
• sixth place: Mallory Paur, Monroe County; 
• seventh place: Riley Ridgeway, Franklin County;
• eighth place: Adalyn Bocker, Ogle County; 
• ninth place: Addisyn Honeyman, Knox County;
• tenth place: Anna Hessell, Rock Island/Green Counties.

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.

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