Three Poweshiek County 4-H’ers bring home top honor in horse judging competition

​       Three Poweshiek County 4-H’ers recently competed in a horse judging competition at Ellsworth Community College Equestrian Center in Iowa Falls on Sunday, April 12. The team, pictured from left, Gracie Kauffman, Breckyn Brand and Rylee Mauss, brought home the first place top prize at the competition. Kauffman earned top individual honors while Mauss brought home third place individual honors and Brand wrapped up the day with fourth place individual honors. Each girl received a silver belt buckle and qualified to judge horses at NAILE (North American International Livestock Exposition) Show in November. Submitted photo.

By J.O. Parker
 
       Three Poweshiek County 4-H youth are all smiles after capturing the state 4-H horse judging contest first-place honor this spring.
      Breckyn Brand, Rylee Mauss and Gracie Kauffman traveled to Ellsworth Community College Equestrian Center in Iowa Falls on Sunday, April 12, the second day of a two-day event, to compete against 4-H’ers from across the state. The competition drew 71 youth from 19 counties to study equine education, learn about competition and creative expression.
      Kauffman finished as top senior individual while Mauss finished in third place. Brand wrapped up the competition with a fourth place finish, earning the team the top spot.
Organized by the Iowa 4-H Youth Development Program, the event offered youth in grades 3-12 opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge of horse science and management while building teamwork, leadership and confidence. Participants competed individually and in teams across a variety of skill-based and knowledge-based contests, noted information on the event.
     “This event allows youth to put their learning into practice in an encouraging environment that values fairness, respect and sportsmanship,” said Lisa Berkland, 4-H youth development specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “These experiences help prepare them for future challenges, both in and out of 4-H.”
       In addition to horse judging, other competitions at the event included hippology, horse quiz bowl, public speaking and individual demonstrations. In addition to the knowledge-based contests, many participants also submitted creative horseless horse projects, showcasing their talents through photography, painting, drawing, scrapbooking, woodworking, 3-D art, digital storytelling, model horses and creative writing.
      The three 4-H’ers judged eight classes of horses including two classes of halter horses and six performance classes.
       “They had to give reasons on two classes,” noted Heidi Brand, who served as the girls’ coach, filling in for coach Ashley Wolfe, who was unable to travel with the team. “The girls had to defend their placings before the judges.”
        Each girl received a belt buckle to go along with winning the competition. Each girl also qualified for a trip to Louisville, Ky. to judge horses at the NAILE (North American International Livestock Exposition) Show in November.
      The same group of young ladies will compete in June at the FFA Horse Judging Competition in Cedar Rapids at Kirkwood Community College.
       Recently the 4-H’ers competed in a horse judging competition in Ottumwa. Brand finished the competition as high scoring individual and brought home the top honor in the reasoning category.
       “I am so proud. These girls are such a hardworking group,” noted Heidi Brand. “But more importantly, they are always encouraging others.”
Joining the team at NAILE will be Isabella Rubendahl.