BURLINGTON – On May 4, Blackrose Morgan Farm in Colchester hosted the 2025 Vermont 4-H Horse Judging Contest, which attracted 26 4-H’ers and three Future Farmers of America (FFA) members.
In the Juniors 10-11 division, LeighAnn Judd, Wolcott, placed first and Adriana Holbrook, Hardwick, placed fourth.
The youths judged four classes: stock horse halter class; Morgan mare class; Morgan hunter under saddle and saddleseat pleasure. Following the judging, the group moved to the Champlain Valley Exposition grounds in Essex Junction where competitors, ages 12 and older, gave oral reasons for their rankings. The top 10 scorers in each age group received rosette ribbons.
photo by Amanda Turgeon
Judges for the event were Jessie Bachmann-Lertola of Ira, the Vermont 4-H Horse Judging Team coach, and Grace Parks, former Vermont 4-H horse judging participant. Amanda Gifford, Fairfax, and Elizabeth Sweet, MVU FFA chapter advisor, served as moderators for the oral reasons. Scorekeepers were Martha Blades, Jericho; Sonja Koehler, Derby; and Melissa Morin, Wolcott.
