Senior Judging Team Headed to Texas

            Jester Park Equestrian Center in Granger was the setting where Madison County 4-H Horse Project youth participated in the State 4-H Horse Judging Contest on Saturday, November 1.   This years contest was held in conjunction with the State 4-H Horse Judges Certification Clinic where nationally renowned clinician Jon Wolf was present to lend his judging expertise with the potential judges and youth.

The youth were asked to judge four (4) halter or conformation classes and six (6) performance classes.  The youth placed these classes of 4 horses in order from first to fourth place based on the criteria of an ideal horse or performance.   Prior to each class, Mr. Wolf talked about what the youth should be looking for.  Once each class was judged and placing  cards turned in, he then discussed how and why they should have placed the class.   During the morning session, the youth observed miniature horses, stock type geldings, quarter horse mares, and showmanship.  After the lunch break the youth judged miniature horse driving, walk-trot, western pleasure, western horsemanship, hunter under saddle, and hunt seat equitation.  After the judging portion, the youth were instructed to prepare oral reasons, an explanation of why they placed the horses in the order that they did.

Sarah Puderbaugh, a senior Madison County 4-Her, walked away with first place individual awards in all categories including oral reasons, class placings, and overall standings.  Sarah was a member of the 2007 first place senior team which qualified for the Great Western National 4-H Roundup; this deemed her ineligible as a member of a judging team in future contests.  Dedication, hard work, and experience beyond the state level has definitely given her the edge needed;  she was also a member of the Madison County 4-H team that participated at the 2006 All American Quarter Horse Congress youth horse judging contest.