In June, a talented group of North Carolina 4-H’ers traveled to the American Paint Horse Association World Show in Fort Worth, Texas, to compete in a variety of educational contests. The team, coached by Perquimans County 4-H Volunteer Leader Sarah Wolfgang, showed off their skills in the Senior Horse Judging contest and the innagural APHA Horse IQ Showdown (similar to Hippology).
APHA World Show Highlights
The Horse Judging team earned Reserve Champion overall, securing 1st in Halter, 2nd in Performance, and 2nd in Reasons. Individual standouts included:
Charlize Colon (Union County): 3rd in Halter
Allee Coble (Alamance County): 5th in Halter, 4th in Performance, and 4th Overall
Bryleigh Colbert (Nash County): 5th in Performance and 6th Overall
Charli Williams (Perquimans County)
NC 4-H Horse Judging Team, APHA Horse Judging Contest Reserve Champions L to R: Sarah Wolfgang, Bryleigh Colbert, Charlize Colon, Allee Coble, Charli Williams, Alaina Cross
These four young women also excelled in the APHA Horse IQ Showdown. After completing an exam and stations, all four placed in the top ten. After a hands-on practical portion, Bryleigh and Charlize advanced to the final round where they each gave an impromptu speech. Charlize Colon was named the winner and received a $1,750 scholarship, with Bryleigh Colbert placing 3rd and earning a $500 scholarship. Allee Coble finished 6th and Charli Williams 8th.
2025 APHA Showdown L to R: Charlize Colon, Allee Coble, Charli Williams, Bryleigh Colbert
Charlize also showed her artistic talent, earning 2nd place in the APHA art contest for her painting of the registered Paint Horse, HLF Zip This Hit.
Charliza Colon with her painting that placed 2nd in the APHA Art Contest
AQHYA World Show Success
North Carolina 4-H’s success continued in August at the American Quarter Horse Youth Association World Show in Oklahoma City. A delegation of ten youth, coached by 4-H Volunteer leaders Laura Harper Hollified and Samantha Taylor, competed in Horse Judging, Public Speaking, and Art and Photography contests.
2025 AQHYA Horse Judging Contest NC Delegation L to R: Lori Stroud, Charli Williams, Bryleigh Colbert, Ryan Ljunggren, Shleby Taylor, Charlize Colon, Reagan Shelton, Kyann Race, Madison Bishop, McKennon Yanez, Rori Michaud, Samantha Taylor, Laura Harper Hollifield
Judging Contest Results
Limited Division
Kyann Race (Rowan County): 1st Overall, 3rd in Halter, 1st in Performance, and 1st in Questions.
Madison Bishop (Cabarrus County): 4th Overall, 4th in Halter, 2nd in Performance, and 4th in Questions.
Kyann Race- High Individual Limited Division
13 & Under Division The team earned 2nd Overall against 12 other teams, with 1st in Halter, 2nd in Performance, and 1st in Reasons.
Reagan Shelton (Rockingham County): 1st Overall, 3rd in Halter, 1st in Performance, and 1st in Reasons.
Ryan Ljunggren (Onslow County): 4th Overall, 10th in Halter, 4th in Performance, and 3rd in Reasons.
Shelby Taylor (Union County): 8th in Halter.
McKennon Yanez (Rockingham County)
Reagan Shelton- High Individual 13 & Under Division
2025 AQHYA Reserve World Champions 13 & Under L ro R: Lori Stroud, McKennon Yanez, Ryan Ljunggre, Reagan Shelton, Shelby Taylor, Laura Harper Hollifield
14-18 Senior Division The team earned 10th Overall out of 27 teams, with 3rd in Halter, 10th in Performance, and 10th in Reasons.
Bryleigh Colbert (Nash County): 3rd in Halter.
Charli Williams (Perquimans County)
Charlize Colon (Union County)
Rori Michaud (Union County)
Public Speaking
Bryleigh Colbert swept the 14-18 division, winning 1st place in the Prepared Public Speaking contest and 2nd place in the Impromptu Speaking contest. She was awarded a $5,000 and a $2,500 Kimes Ranch Competition Award Fund Scholarship.
Additionally, Reagan Shelton placed 7th, Shelby Taylor 8th, and Ryan Ljunggren 10th in the 13 & Under Public Speaking Contest.
Bryleigh Colbert- 1st in Prepared Public Speaking, and 2nd in Impromtu
Art & Photography
The artistic achievements continued at the AQHYA show. Charlize Colon earned 1st place in the drawing/painting category and was named Overall GRAND CHAMPION in the Art and Photography Contest. Ryan Ljunggren also placed 8th in the drawing/painting contest for the 13 & Under division.
Charlize Colon- 1st in 14-18 Drawing/Painting and Grand Champion AQHYA Art Contest
A huge thank you to the Dale Earnhardt Foundation for their ongoing support of the NC 4-H Horse Program. Their dedication allows these young members to grow, learn, and compete at the highest level.
