Seventy youths from across Missouri participated in the Missouri 4-H State Horse Judging Contest on February 28 at William Woods University, competing in halter and performance classes and delivering oral reasons to explain their placings. The contest, part of the 2026 Mane Event series, featured junior (ages 8-13) and senior (ages 14-18) divisions, with awards also given to top competitors ages 8-10. Camden County won the junior team title, while Andrew County took the senior team championship. Individual winners included Ivy Coolman (8-10 division), Paisley O’Dell (junior), and Natalie Lovenduski (senior).
Participants were recognized in categories including halter, performance, and oral reasons, with top teams and individuals representing counties such as Camden, Andrew, Callaway, and Newton. New for 2026, Missouri 4-H expanded national opportunities, with youth from Andrew County and a newly formed All-Star team set to represent Missouri at prestigious events like the Eastern National Roundup and the All American Quarter Horse Congress this fall. The contest aims to develop youths’ observation, decision-making, and communication skills while deepening their knowledge of equine evaluation.
