Putnam County 4-H’ers Compete in Horse Judging

Putnam County 4-H’ers Compete in Horse Judging

By: Melissa Henry, 4-H Agent

Knowing if the rider is on pattern or if a horse broke gait, these are just a couple of the skills learned through 4-H Horse Judging. Youth learn about selecting horses based on their balance, muscling and structural correctness. They also learn about different breed characteristics and selection of horses in performance classes such as hunter under saddle and reining. Over 200 youth from across the state competed in the contest conducting by the MTSU equine science staff.

In the Junior division, the team of Tehya Howell, Mallory Johnson, Jadyn Groe, and Isabella Moody placed 3^rd overall in the contest, the team was also 3^rd in halter and 1^st in performance. The team of Peyton Archer, Carter Randolph, and Nathan Smuin place 4^th overall in the contest, and was also 9^th in halter and 4^th in performance. Receiving individual awards were Tehya who was 3^rd overall individual and 7^th in halter, Jadyn received 7^th overall and 6^th in performance, and Mallory who was 4^th in performance.

In the Junior High division, the team of Austin Archer, Abi Smuin, and Rachel Sharp were 7^th place overall and also were 5^th in performance and 10^th in halter. Abi was the 4^th place overall individual and also place 4^th in halter and 9^th in performance. Tim Smuin competed as an individual in the senior division. Special thanks to volunteer leader, Thom Steger for helping coach the team for the contest.

Numerous hours were spent by team members, coaches and 4-H Agents preparing for this event and the hard work and effort paid off for those members. Putnam County 4-H is known statewide for a successful program and animal science events are an important part of the total program. If you would like more information about the 4-H program please call the 4-H office at 526-4561. 4-H is a proud part of the UT Extension and the UT Institute of Agriculture. UT Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment through the cooperation of county, state and federal governments.

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Photo Captions

Horse teams                      Putnam County was well presented at the region horse judging contest. Pictured are (front L to R) Nathan Smuin, Jadyn Groe, Isabella Moody, Rachel Sharp, Mallory Johnson, Tehya Howell (back L to R) Tim Smuin, Abi Smuin, Peyton Archer, Carter Randolph, Austin Archer

Junior team                        The Junior team celebrates their success! Team members (L to R) are Mallory Johnson, Jadyn Groe, and Tehya Howell

Information/Photos by Melissa Henry