At Wishful Thinking Farm in New Haven, 16 4-H'ers and FFA members competed in the State 4-H Horse Judging Contest.

Held on May 3, 2026, this annual event is an opportunity for youth to demonstrate their knowledge of horse anatomy, breeds and movement. They also show off their skills in evaluation, reasoning and oral presentation. 

Results

Junior 8/9:  

1. Avery Halvorsen, Chittenden County

2. Alessandra Arms Chittenden County

Junior 10/11:

1. Grace Peterson, Chittenden County

2. Julie Merlo, Chittenden County

3. Cassidy Bessette, Chittenden County

Junior 12/13 Classes:

1. Josie Kascha-Hare, Chittenden County

2. Kelsey Davis, Rutland County

3. LeighAnn Judd, Lamoille County

Junior 12/13 Oral Reasons:

1. Kelsey Davis, Rutland County

2. LeighAnn Judd, Lamoille County

3. Josie Kascha-Hare, Chittenden County

Junior 12/13 Overall:

1. Kelsey Davis, Rutland County

2. Josie Kascha-Hare, Chittenden County

3. LeighAnn Judd, Lamoille County

Three young people stand holding rosette ribbons inside an indoor horse arena, with sand on the ground and a long open space.
The State 4-H Horse Judging Contest participants ages 12 and 13. Photo by Wendy Sorrell. 

Senior (Ages 14-18) Classes:

1. Jocelyn Renaud, Windham County

2. Lila Smith, Addison County

3. Viola Brown, Windham County

4. Carlie Rondeau, Orleans County

5. Penelope Longe, Orleans County

6. Jane Curry, Chittenden County

7. Jenesy Zwart, Lamoille County

8. Alexis Whipple, Addison County

Senior Oral Reasons:

1. Viola Brown, Windham County

2. Carlie Rondeau, Orleans County

3. Lila Smith, Addison County

4. Alexis Whipple, Addison County

5. Jenesy Zwart, Lamoille County

6. Jane Curry, Chittenden County

7. Jocelyn Renaud, Windham County

8. Penelope Longe, Orleans County

Mary Fay, State 4-H Horse Middle Manager and Wendy Sorrell, State 4-H Livestock Educator, ran the event with assistance from Aubri Richards, Jean Fay, Melissa Morin and Stephanie Bradley.

Deb Danforth and Jessie Bachmann-Lertola acted as judges.

Vermont 4-H is grateful for Wishful Thinking Farm owner and operator Jill Wade, who had riders and helpers getting the horses ready and handling them for the four classes the 4-H members judged.

To learn more about the 4-H livestock programs, email Wendy Sorrell at wendy.sorrell@uvm.edu or contact your local county educator.