Two members of the Rebel Riders 4-H club placed in the top 10 in their respective divisions at the Illinois 4-H State Horse Judging Contest on February 2 in Galva. Lexi Merriman finished in fifth place in the Reasons Division and will advance to an invitational competition in July at the Illinois Junior Horse Show in Springfield. Olivia Hawkins also finished in fifth place in the Non-Reasons Division. Participants judged six classes of horses, including at least two halter classes, with youths ages 14 and older competing in the Reasons Division which required oral justifications for placements.

Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension and is administered through the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. 4-H aims to grow true leaders by empowering youth for life today and preparing them for a career tomorrow. The hands-on approach in 4-H provides young people with guidance, tools, and encouragement to make great things happen. Independent research shows that 4-H participants are more likely to contribute to their communities, make healthier choices, be civically active, and participate in STEM programs.

University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and environments as part of the state’s land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities and is served through six program areas, including 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.