In March of this year, The Cass County — Senior Level 4H Horse Judging Team comprised of Emily Prugh, Amy Wyse, Caitlyn Cass and Allison Ives won as Champions in the statewide competition. Earning them the right to compete on a national stage along with other 4H and FFA Youth at the U.S. Arabian Nationals Judging Competition in Tulsa, Oklahoma in October.

The Cass County 4H Senior Horse Judging Team was recognized as reserve champions for their performance in this national level competition.  Three individuals on the team, Prugh, Wyse and Cass earned the top individual scores for the team and their points combined to place the team as reserve grand champions.

“The team did outstanding, and proved their knowledge of the Arabian Horse Breed,” said coach Robin Brenneman.

The Cass County 4H Horse Judging Team is organized and coached by Brenneman and assisted by 4H Leader Bobbie LaBar and other 4H leaders, Sara Brenneman, Anna Walker, Kathy and Kenny Jamrozy.  The Cass County 4H Horse Judging Team competes each spring in the Michigan State University 4H — Statewide Judging Competition in Lansing. The Cass County 4H Judging Squad field’s teams of various experience levels ranging from Novice to Junior and Senior levels.

Any Cass County 4H youth interested in participating in Horse Judging is encouraged to attend meetings and practices. Each year the program begins with educational classes instructing the basics of equine physiology and performance.

Many of the youth teams with whom the Cass County 4H youth compete against at national competitions are recruited from throughout their respective state 4H or FFA programs.

The notable factor in Michigan is the team representatives for the state came only from Cass County 4H alone. Many of the statewide teams are coached and assisted by 4H state program leaders.

The team said they would like to thank the companies and individuals who provided financial resources through its fundraising efforts.