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.
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.
Placements were as follows:
- Seniors (14-18): Abby Shelp, Derby (first); Carlie Rondeau, Coventry (second); Aubri Richards (third) and Isabella Kang (fourth), both from Milton; Kassie Koehler, Derby (fifth); Kelsey Paradee, Swanton (sixth); Aleigha Riendeau, Vernon (seventh); Lila Smith, Lincoln (eighth); Jacqueline Lear, Bath, New Hampshire (ninth); Emily Tabor, Randolph Center (tenth); Maddie Herring, Northfield (eleventh)
- Juniors (12-13): Taylor Peck, Sheffield (first); Jane Curry, Burlington (second); Josie Kascha-Hare, Milton (third); Emma Babyak (fourth) and Claire Romano (fifth), both from Fairfax; Piper Parsons, Derby (sixth); Tyley McClelland, Vernon (seventh); Breeana Garcia, St. Johnsbury (eighth); Jaida Jenkin, Lyndonville (ninth); Lochlan Bertrand, Fairfax (tenth)
- Juniors (10-11): LeighAnn Judd, Wolcott (first); Ian Kascha-Hare, Milton (second); Avery Minor, Fairfax (third); Adriana Holbrook, Hardwick (fourth)
- Juniors (8-9): Avery Halverson, Georgia



Three members of the Missisquoi Valley Union (MVU) Middle and High School FFA chapter also competed in their own division. They were Natalie Chevalier (first), Emma Supernault (second) and Jadyn LaPan (third).
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.
To learn more about the Vermont 4-H horse program and events, contact Wendy Sorrell at wendy.sorrell@uvm.edu.