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.”
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 given me some great friends,” stated Hilt.
Olympia FFA will represent Illinois in horse judging at the National FFA Convention in October of 2022.