In a notable display of youthful expertise, the Black Hawk College East Campus in Galva, Illinois, was the venue for the recent Illinois 4-H State Horse Judging Contest. Dedicated youngsters from across the state gathered to showcase their understanding of equine studies. Among the six horse classes, participants from Bureau County made a mark. Payton Frueh bagged an impressive overall third position and topped the Questions Class. Addy Thomas didn’t lag far behind, securing eighth place. In a fascinating turn, these young individuals, despite not owning horses themselves, were remarkably adept at recognizing horse health, breed traits, and management nuances.
Five youth from Bureau County participated in the competition. Results are as follows:
Non-Reasons Division – Payton Frueh, third place, and Addy Thomas, eighth place.
Non-Reasons Teams: Bureau County, second place
Non-Reasons Ranked by Performance Total: Payton Frueh, fourth place; Gabby Carden, eighth place.
Non-Reasons Ranked by Halter Total: Albie Hartman, fourth place
Non-Reasons Ranked by Questions Class: Payton Frueh, first place
Overall individual member scores: third overall, Payton Frueh; eighth overall, Addy Thomas; sixteenth overall, Albie Hartman; eighteenth overall, Gabby Carden; thirty-fifth overall, Gretchen Carden.
Source: Deb Hagstrom, Extension Equine Specialist, [email protected] and Carissa Nelson, Media Communications Manager, 4-H State Office, [email protected].