Four Colorado youth from the Colorado Arabian Horse Club (CAHC) and Boulder County 4-H excelled at the U.S. Arabian & Half-Arabian National Championship Youth Judging Contest in Tulsa, Oklahoma, earning a Reserve National Championship among nearly 100 competitors. The CAHC team placed third in halter, second in performance, and third in reasons, with standout six-year veteran Mattea McQueen winning her second High Individual Overall title and scholarship. Teammate Clara DeSouza closely followed, finishing fourth overall. The team, including Sophia Block and Madison Guerrero, all 4-H members, received champion buckles, ribbons, and other awards.
Additionally, a mixed Colorado 4-H team from Weld, Elbert, and Adams counties won the National Championship in the 4-H/FFA division, with Jadalynn Frazier named High Overall of the entire contest, earning a scholarship, champion jacket, trophy saddle, and the prestigious Jodi Zeier perpetual trophy. Both teams are coached by Kendra McConnell, a former national competitor. The contest challenges youth to evaluate horse conformation and performance, enhancing skills like critical thinking and public speaking. Boulder County 4-H will host a spring kickoff event in January 2026 for those interested in joining the horse judging team.
