Olympia FFA Wins State in 2021
Horse Judging CDE
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[September 25, 2021]
Eight Olympia FFA members competed at the State Horse Judging Career
Development Event at Black Hawk East College on Saturday, September
18. Horse judging is divided into two teams. The reasons team from
Olympia was the top team this year. The team of students gave oral
reasons to the judges in defense of how they placed horses for two
of the eight judging classes. Libby Shaffer placed 4th overall
individual, Tarah Hilt 7th, Kassidy Tackett finished 11th, and
Trista Davis placed 27th. Both reason and non-reason teams judged 8
classes, four of which were halter classes. The other four classes
were performance classes which included: Hunt Seat Equitation,
Hunter Under Saddle, Western Horsemanship, and Ranch Riding.
The Non-Reasons Team placed 15th out of 46. Members of the team were
Paige Finchum, Chase Ragar, Cheyenne Hanlin, and Kiara Marler. The
horse judging team was coached by Tarah Hilt, Libby Shaffer, Shelby
Lynch and Mr. Hoffman. Mr. Hoffman would like to thank Carrie Lynch
and all the former FFA members who have been a part of the past
horse judging teams for laying the foundation for this current
success. Carrie Lynch has always been willing to host practices and
help students understand the fundamentals of horse judging.
“I am so proud of these young ladies. We have come really close
before, but winning state this year is definitely one of the
highlights of my career,” stated Mr. Hoffman.
Junior, Kassidy Tackett said, “When Mr. Hoffman said we won state, I
personally thought he was joking, but then it finally sunk in that
we really did it. I was super shocked because honestly there were so
many schools and kids competing.”
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Horse Judging Team Photo: L-R -
Paige Finchum, Cheyenne Hanlin, Chase Ragar, Kiara Marler, Trista Davis, Tarah
Hilt, Libby Shaffer, and Kassidy Tackett.
Libby Shaffer was asked about winning and what is the most challenging part of
horse judging. “I’ve only been involved in horse judging for two years now but
have grown up with horses. Mr. Hoffman said from the very beginning, that our
team had the ability and talent to win. So, accomplishing this in my second year
is exciting and I cannot wait for nationals! Giving oral reasons for the classes
takes a lot of thought and insight. The most important thing to do is take good
notes. This is key to being able to remember and explain your placings and
present it to the judges,” Shaffer explained.
Tarah Hilt was asked if she had any advice for younger members. “To all people
interested I say, please join! This is a great, fun group of people, and we
never had a dull moment this season. And it has overall bettered me in all my
other animal CDE’s, my public speaking in general, and gave me some great
friends,” stated Hilt. Olympia FFA will represent Illinois in horse judging at
the National FFA Convention in October of 2022.
[Bryce Hoffman] |