One hundred and eighteen talented 4-H members from across North Carolina converged at the Martin Community College Equestrian Center on April 26, 2025, for the annual NC State 4-H Horse Judging Contest. Representing 23 different counties, the contestants evaluated a total of nine classes of horses provided by the Martin Community College Equine Program and local Tennessee Walking Horse owners.
In the Junior Rookie division, top honors went to Cabarrus County 4-H’er Providence Moore. Providence’s coach was Sarah Newman. Emma Ball of Johnston County emerged as the high scoring Senior Rookie individual, with guidance from her coaches Diane McAlinn and Nicole Worth.
Junior Division individual awards were separated into 8-10-year-old and 11-13-year-old age categories. Valerie Poole, coached by Carrie Pickworth, earned the high individual overall title in the 8-10 year-old category. In the 11-13 year-old division, Reagan Shelton from Rockingham County continued her winning streak, repeating as the top scorer for the second consecutive year. Reagan's coach is Bill Crouse. For the second year running, the Cabarrus-Harper team, coached by Laura Harper and comprised of team members Anna Yemtchuk, Evanna Yemtchuk, Verabeth Geremia, and Madison Bishop, claimed the champion Junior team honors.
In the Senior Division, Rori Michaud from Union county excelled in performance judging, securing first place. Rori was coached by Samantha Taylor. Mattison Winslow from Perquimans County continued her impressive streak, not only repeating as the Senior High Individual but also achieving the highest individual scores in halter and reasons. Sarah Wolfgang serves as her coach. Continuing their reign, Union County once again secured the high scoring senior team title. Team members included Addison Taylor, Macy Zelch, Aurora Michaud, and Kylee Greene, and they were coached by Samantha Taylor.
The State Horse Judging Contest also saw the energetic participation of seven Cloverbuds (ages 5-7), who gained valuable experience judging two halter and three performance horse classes. Harrison Toole and Grayson Williams from Cleveland county, Nolan Cross from Franklin, Blake Kessel from Lenoir, Audrey Cornish from Lee, and LilaJane Majors and Amelia Wilson from Rowan were the participants.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the many volunteers who served in various roles throughout the day, to Martin Community College students and staff members Tami Thurston and Mary Dalcourtt for their efforts, and to our invaluable contest sponsor, The Dale Earnhardt Foundation, without whom this event would not have been possible.
Contest Results
Full contest results available on JudgingCard.com
Junior Rookie
