By Andi Anderson
Iowa 4-H youth made their mark at the Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup held in Louisville, Kentucky, on November 8-9, 2024. Competing alongside over 240 participants from 24 states, Iowa’s Boone County team demonstrated outstanding skill and preparation, earning top awards in both team and individual categories.
The event, held annually at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, featured competition in quiz bowl, judging, and hippology. Iowa’s horse judging team, coached by Nikki Ferwerda, achieved impressive success, securing the reserve champion position overall with a total score of 1,678 out of 1,800.
Team members Lydia Longhorn, Anna Wilson, Rylee Ferwerda, and Brylie Hicks earned their spot by winning at the state competition, representing Iowa at the national event.
The team judged eight classes and delivered four sets of oral reasons, placing fifth overall in oral reasons. Rylee Ferwerda achieved individual success, placing eighth in the nation with a score of 567 out of 600.
The team also earned third place in conformation and second place in the performance category. Rylee Ferwerda received special honors for placing third high individual in conformation, while Anna Wilson placed sixth in the same category. Lydia Longhorn received recognition for placing fifth in the performance category.
Celine Beggs-Shoemaker, 4-H animal science education specialist at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, praised the team’s achievements. “This is one of the highest-placing teams and individual honors Iowa has had,” she said.
Beyond the competition, the Iowa 4-H group visited Keeneland, watched horses at the Keeneland sale, and toured Spycoast and Spendthrift. The experience also included a panel discussion by Amplify Horse Racing.
Funding for the trip was provided by the Iowa 4-H Equine Endowment, held by the Iowa 4-H Foundation.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-poike
Categories: Iowa, Rural Lifestyle