All-Youth Horse Judging Trials
Showcases Diverse Breeds at Illinois Horse Fair

In conjunction with Illinois Horse Fair, University of Illinois Extension hosted the eleventh annual All-Youth Horse Judging Trials on Saturday March 5^th on the State Fairgrounds in Springfield, IL.  This event is unique as it highlights horse breeds not normally seen in horse judging contests.  One hundred eighty five youth from three states participated in the eight class judging contest.  In the conformation division, contestants were challenged with four excellent classes including Spotted Saddle Horse Gelding Halter, Friesian Mares In-Hand; Saddlebred Geldings In-Hand and Thoroughbred Gelding conformation.  The four performance classes brought a lot of excitement to the judging arena starting with the Arab Country English Pleasure class.  Spotted Saddle Horses made a second appearance in front of the youth judgers exhibiting in Traditional Trail Pleasure.  The Friesians also returned under tack and performed nine different gaits both directions of the ring in English Show Hack. Rounding out the performance division this was Color Breed Western Pleasure.

Awards, kindly sponsored by Illinois Horse Fair, are given out for the top ten individuals and top five teams in both the Junior (8 – 13) and Senior (14-19) age division. 

Illinois Horse Fair thanks Debra Hagstrom and her team for the very well-organized event!
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE OUTSTANDING YOUTH WHO PARTICIPATED!