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From left, Lanie LeLeu, Bradlie Debnam, Josie Blanchard and Ali Fontenot, members in St. Martin Parish,
participated in the communication contests at the Southern Regional 4-H Horse Championships.
Lanie LeLeu and Bradlie Debnam placed third in Team Presentation. Ali Fontenot placed sixth in
Individual Presentation, and Josie Blanchard placed second in Public Speaking.
The 4-H horse project is a well-known and beloved project that encourages mastery inside and outside of the arena. During the LSU AgCenter State Horse Show, 4-H’ers can qualify for the Southern Regional 4-H Horse Show Championship held in Perry, Georgia, at the end of July. Students may qualify through riding events as well as the educational contests held during the state show at the Lamar Dixon Exposition Center in Gonzales, Louisiana, in mid-July.
“It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to succeed in the horse project. Louisiana 4-H’ers and their supporters have committed the time and resources into striving for excellence,” said Neely Walker, LSU AgCenter horse extension specialist.
Louisiana’s exceptional delegation surpassed all expectations in 2021 with successes in and out of the show ring while competing at the Southern Regional 4-H Horse Show Championships. Louisiana 4-H members’ participation kicked off with the communication contests, which included public speaking, individual demonstrations, team demonstrations and horse judging on Aug. 29. Nine 4-H members participated in the educational contests while numerous exhibitors competed on horseback throughout the rest of the week in Western, hunter, saddle seat, ranch horse, nontrotting and speed events.
The Natchitoches Parish 4-H horse judging team earned its spot on the horse educational trip by winning the state contest at 4-H University. From left, Cooper Johnson, Cole Johnson, Jeffrey Townson and Tyler Lancour pose along with coach Chris Pearce and Ashley Godke, Horse Premier Exhibitor winner for 2021.
Karmyn Spears, 4-H member from Evangeline Parish, prepares for her breakaway roping run at the Southern Regional 4-H Horse Championships.
“Stepping out of my comfort zone to compete at the southern regional horse show was one of the best decisions I have made,” said Josie Blanchard (far right), St. Martin Parish 4-H member. “Along with the many friendships made, I learned many important lessons. Determination, concentration and dedication were needed for me to do well. Though competing and placing was an amazing experience in itself, meeting one of my biggest idols in the agriculture industry while on the trip was absolutely astounding. Meeting Sonny Perdue (middle), former U.S. secretary of agriculture, wasn’t something I expected to do on the trip, but it was an awesome bonus.”
