David Yount, Jr., Assistant County Agent, states, “Red River Parish was well represented at the State Horse Show by 4-H’ers Grace Shaver, Tyler Gulledge and Jeremy Woodley. Congratulations! We’re proud of you.”
Jeremy Woodley and horse Doc Charge Field placed 4th out of 31 entries in the Break-Away Roping, 14 and over contest. With his horse, She’s Top Money, he placed 2nd in Paint Horse Mares. He also competed in the Tie-Down Roping, 14 and over and had some bad luck when the calf fell down coming out of the gate. Jeremy will be joining other winners from Louisiana and across the South for the Southern Regional 4-H Championship Horse Show and Contest in Memphis, Tennessee, August 1-3. He will be entering She’s Top Money in the Paint Horse Mare contest. Good luck and have a great time in Memphis.
Tyler Gulledge and horse Southern Sassy Chic placed 3rd in Paint Horse Mares.
Grace Shaver and horse Melody Bar Seeker placed 10th in Quarter Hores Mares.
These Red River Parish 4-H’ers were among the over 600 young horse enthusiasts participating in the 38th annual Louisiana 4-H and FFA State Horse Show July 9-14, 2007. Coordinated by the LSU AgCenter, the event was held at the Ike Hamilton Expo Center in West Monroe. The youngsters who gather for the state horse show already competed in district shows across Louisiana during June and July. Competition was strong in contests ranging from roping to riding to public speaking.
"The district and state horse shows are the culminating events for the 4-H horse program, but the horse shows are not the major objectives of the program," said LSU AgCenter Livestock and Horse Show Manager Dwayne Nunez. "They are simply a reward and opportunity for those who have participated in educational clinics, workshops and seminars. The shows are just the place for exhibitors to demonstrate the skills they have learned and the results they have gained from hours of hard work feeding, grooming and training their animals."
Youngsters competed in a variety of skills. Some showed their ability to hand horses. Others demonstrate public speaking talent on a subject pertaining to the equine industry. Events included breakaway roping, pole bending, barrel racing, team penning, reining and much more, as well as demonstrations, a quiz bowl and the Gerry Lane Premier Exhibitor program.
"Having animals and raising them to show takes responsibility," said Dr. Paul Coreil, LSU AgCenter Vice Chancellor for Extension. "This event provides young people with the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned."
Dr. Clint Depew, State Specialist (Equine) states, “The horse industry contributed about $2.45 billion to the state’s economy in 2006. This horse show plays an important role in the educational development of the next generation of horse enthusiasts. Even more significant, these activities are helping to develop youth with character and leadership skills crucial to the future of our state. These young leaders are excellent examples of what dedication and hard work can achieve.”