The 2026 NC State 4-H Horse Judging Contest brought 116 of North Carolina’s brightest young equine enthusiasts to Martin Community College Equestrian Center on April 11, 2026, for the annual NC State 4-H Horse Judging Contest. Representing 24 counties, these 4-H’ers spent the day evaluating eight high-quality classes of horses provided by Martin Community College and local hunt seat riders.
In the Junior Rookie division, Gracie Moody (Currituck) claimed the top individual spot under the guidance of coach Cameron Lowe. Meanwhile, Carys Heckman (Wake) took home the championship in the Senior Rookie division, coached by Beth Morgan.
Junior Division individual awards were separated into 8-10-year-old and 11-13-year-old age categories. In the 8-10-year-old category, Franklin County 4-H'er Valerie Poole continued her winning streak, repeating as the top scorer for the second consecutive year. Valerie also won high individual in halter, reasons, and performance, and she was coached by Carrie Pickworth. Anna Yemtchuk, from Cabarrus County and coached by Laura Harper, was the top scorer in 11-13 oral reasons. Ellie Hudson (Burke) was the high scorer in the 11-13 halter. Nash County's Annie Grace Manning was the high individual overall and in performance in the 11-13-year-old division. Annie Grace's coaches were Kristi Grove and Jessica Manning. Nash County also took home the champion junior division team title with team members Annie Grace Manning, Leah Grove, and Abigail Hanson.
The Senior Division featured a standout performance by Macy Zelch, Union County, who was named the high individual overall. Fellow teammate Natalie Sprinkle topped the halter category, while Dai Akers from Wake County led the way in performance and reasons. For the third consecutive year, Union County defended its Senior Division Team championship. Team members were Macy Zelch, Natalie Sprinkle, Kylee Greene, and Shelby Taylor and they were coached by volunteer leader Samantha Taylor.
Events like this are a true team effort. A huge thank you to the MCC Equine Program (Tami Thurston and Mary Dalcourt), our incredible volunteers, and The Dale Earnhardt Foundation, for investing in the future of the NC horse industry!
Contest Results
Full contest results available on JudgingCard.com
