2026 Missouri 4-H State Horse Judging Contest
Seventy youths from across Missouri competed in the Missouri 4-H State Horse Judging Contest on Feb. 28 at William Woods University in Fulton.
Participants evaluated eight classes — four halter and four performance — and delivered one or two sets of oral reasons explaining their placings. The contest is designed to help youths develop observation, decision-making and communication skills while learning more about equine evaluation, said Kelsey Fuller, University of Missouri Extension state 4-H agriculture educator.
The event marked the first contest of the 2026 Mane Event series. Competitors participated in two age divisions: junior (ages 8-13) and senior (ages 14-18). Awards were also presented for the top competitors ages 8-10.
Top competitors in the 8- to 10-year-old division were Ivy Coolman, Andrew County, first; Kaley Miller, Lafayette County, second; Easton Hand, Newton County, third; Victoria Randle, Camden County, fourth; Madison Weber, Camden County, fifth; Eve McAsey, Andrew County, sixth; Jovie Lovenduski, Linn County, seventh; Charleigh Hall, Callaway County, eighth; Emerson Craighead, Callaway County, ninth; and MaeLynn Meyer-Philpott, Lincoln County, 10th.
In the junior division, Paisley O’Dell, Camden County, placed first; Maya Watson, Boone County, second; Baylee Crum, Callaway County, third; Skylar Webb, Camden County, fourth; and Lola Schmitt, Newton County, fifth. Camden County won the junior team title, followed by Newton County in second and Callaway County in third.
Senior individual results were Natalie Lovenduski, Linn County, first; Adelena McAsey, Andrew County, second; Eliza Randle, Camden County, third; Reagan Schmutzler, Andrew County, fourth; and Lilah James, Knox County, fifth. Andrew County won the senior team competition, with Callaway County second and Cape Girardeau County third.
Contestants were also recognized in halter, performance and oral reasons categories.
In junior halter, the top individuals were Paisley O’Dell, Camden County; Evan Wiest, Newton County; Ivy Coolman, Andrew County; Sophia Carmichael, Boone County; and Clara Randle, Camden County. Camden County and Newton County were the top junior halter teams. Senior halter winners were Lyla Porter, Andrew County; Adalena McAsey, Andrew County; Natalie Lovenduski, Linn County; Josie Schulte, Osage County; and Eliza Randle, Camden County. Andrew County and Callaway County placed first and second in senior halter teams.
In junior performance classes, the top individuals were Baylee Crum and Emmalyn Brandl, both of Callaway County; Paisley O’Dell, Camden County; Siobhan Owens, Clinton County; and Lola Schmitt, Newton County. Callaway County and Camden County were the top junior performance teams. Senior performance winners were Reagan Schmutzler, Andrew County; Lilah James, Knox County; Adalena McAsey, Andrew County; Eliza Randle, Camden County; and Mackenzie Lauer, Callaway County. Andrew County and Callaway County led the senior performance teams.
In junior oral reasons, the top individuals were Maya Watson, Boone County; Clara Randle, Camden County; Kritlie King, Lafayette County; Skylar Webb, Camden County; and Siobhan Owens, Clinton County. Camden County and Newton County were the top junior reasons teams. Senior oral reasons winners were Natalie Lovenduski, Linn County; Lilah James, Knox County; Norah Randle, Camden County; Reagan Schmutzler, Andrew County; and Adalena McAsey, Andrew County. Andrew County and Callaway County placed first and second in senior reasons teams.
New for 2026, Missouri 4-H expanded national opportunities for youth competitors. This fall, youths from Andrew County and members of a newly formed All-Star team will represent Missouri at the Eastern National Roundup and the All American Quarter Horse Congress.
