April 18, 2022
By: Leigh Fuson, 4-H Agent
The DeKalb County 4-H Horse Judging teams had a very successful day at the Central Region and open MTSU contests held at the Miller Coliseum in Murfreesboro. All 3 teams placed in the top ten, with the Senior High Team placing 1st.
The Junior (4th & 5th grades) team of Natalia Johnson, Kenzie South, and Lydia Wright placed 9th. In the Junior High (6th-8th grades) division, Carsyn Beshearse, Izayah Dowell, and Trinity Young placed 9th overall but 3rd in the performance category. Our high school team of Sydney Ailes, Riley Fuson, and Hannah Redmon took top honors. Hannah also placed 9th individually. They will be heading to the State contest in Shelbyville in late June.
During the event, youth put their decision-making skills and horse knowledge to the test. Contestants watched four performance (riding) classes that included hunter under saddle, Walking Horse pleasure, horsemanship, hunt seat equitation, and ranch riding. The horses in each class were ranked 1-4 based on specific criteria needed for that discipline of riding. Three halter, or conformation, classes were also judged. These horses were judged on muscling, structure, and balance. After ranking the horses, the 4-H’ers’ decision was compared to that of the official judge, and a score was awarded. Senior high 4-Hers have an added challenge of giving oral reasons to defend why they placed the class the way they did.
Teams practiced several times and even attended a mock contest at MTSU before the contest. They worked hard and represented DeKalb County very well. To learn more about horse judging, or any 4-H activity, please contact the DeKalb County Extension Office at 615-597-4945.