Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration All Youth Judging Day
By: Trent Jones, 4-H Agent
Putnam County 4-H members recently traveled to the All Youth Judging Day at the Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration. The Celebration is a two week event that brings thousands of people from all over the world to Shelbyville, TN. At this open judging contest, youth from around the southeast evaluate beautiful Tennessee Walking Horses for the chance to win awards and scholarship money. They also have the opportunity to watch the show that night free of charge.
Fourteen Putnam County 4-H members participated in this year’s event. Competing in the Junior Division were Bailey Steger, Peyton Archer, Nathan Smuin, Tehya Howell, Evelyn Jones, Mallory Johnson, Grayson Jones and Kiyah Howell. The Senior teams consisted of Hannah Steger, Emily Welte, Emily Armstrong, Austin Archer, Abi Smuin, and Cody Bartlett. These contestants judged both performance and halter classes, and the seniors gave two sets of oral reasons to defend their placings.
In the Junior Division, Peyton Archer was High Individual Overall, earning him the right to be recognized at center ring during the night show of the Celebration. He was also awarded a $300 scholarship. Nathan Smuin was 9th high individual, followed by Grayson Jones who was 12th and Mallory Johnson who was 15th. The Junior A team was 2nd place in the Performance Division, and 3rd place overall. The Junior B team finished 3rd in the Halter Division and 5th place team overall.
In the senior division, Austin Archer finish 7th High Individual in Reasons and 5th High Individual Overall, earning him a $650 scholarship. Also, Emily Welte was 10th place in Reasons, Hannah Steger was 8th place in Reasons, and Cody Bartlett finished 8th in the Halter Division. Senior Team B finished in 4th place and Senior Team A took 6th.
Putnam County 4-H was very well represented in Shelbyville during this great contest. If you are interested in horse judging or any other 4-H activity, please call 931-526-4561. 4-H is a proud part of 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.
Peyton Archer
Featured Picture: Putnam County 4-H members had a successful day at the Tennessee Walking Horse judging contest in Shelbyville on August 26th. Pictured Left to Right: Emily Armstrong, Emily Welte, Kaia Howell, Grayson Jones, Peyton Archer, Cody Bartlett, Nathan Smuin, Mallory Johnson, Austin Archer, Evy Jones, Tehya Howell, Bailey Steger, and Abi Smuin.