ESSEX JUNCTION – Despite a last-minute venue change due to storm damage, the 2024 Vermont State 4-H Horse Show went on without a hitch, attracting 35 competitors.
The July 12-14 event, sponsored by University of Vermont Extension 4-H, was held at the Champlain Valley Exposition fairgrounds, which offered the use of its Essex Junction facilities as organizers scrambled to find a new location and notify all registered exhibitors the day before the start of the show.
The official show judge was Heath Gunnison from Lexington, Ky., a former Vermont 4-H member who participated in this horse show as a youth. Another former 4-Her, Jessie Bachmann-Lertola, Ira, judged the fitting and showmanship and trail classes.
Whitney Dunklee, was named the 4-H Showmanship Champion after placing first overall in fitting and showmanship. The Reserve 4-H Showmanship Champion went to Sydney Gorton, Milton. The top two finishers from each division (Beginner, Advanced Beginner, Junior and Senior) competed for the championship.
Horse show participants also competed in quiz bowl and judging, with the scores from these combined with the fitting and showmanship and 4-H project/suitability class to determine the overall 4-H Division champions. Quiz bowl and judging were open to 4-Hers without horses, giving more 4-H horse members an opportunity to participate in the show.
Local 4-Hers competing included, in quiz bowl (ages 8-10), LeighAnn Judd, Wolcott.
The 4-H Division champions were: Advanced Beginner, Reserve Champion, LeighAnn Judd, Wolcott.
Championships also were awarded to the top beginners and advanced beginners, riding either English or Western. Winners were determined by combining each individual’s placements from trail, road hack, equitation and pleasure classes. Local winners were, Advanced Beginner, Reserve Champion, LeighAnn Judd, Wolcott
