District 8 4-H horsemen compete for advancement to state event

By MINDY POEHL | Central Texas Edition

Kylee Hudson, a 4-H senior from Stephenville, competed with her horse, Give It To Me Dirty, a.k.a. Kenny, and won first place in horsemanship. Hudson also placed in many more events. -- Photo by Mindy Poehl

June 30, 2005 - Dressed in their sophisticated riding gear, Bell County 4-H'ers competed in the District 8 4-H Horse Show held June 20-21 at the Bell County Expo Center in Belton.

"To compete in the show they must be a member in good standing with 4-H," explained Dustin Coufal, Bell County Extension agent. "They enter the show through their county Extension office and the ones with the most points in their events go to the state competition that is in Abilene July 17-23."

The participants competed in halter classes, English riding and timed events, such as poles, barrels and stakes, Coufal said.

Kylee Hudson, a senior at Stephenville High School placed in several events using three different horses.

"I've been riding ever since I was born," Hudson said.

She placed 1st in Hunter showmanship, Hunter horsemanship and yearling lunge line; 2nd in trail and showmanship; 3rd in Western horsemanship and Hunter under saddle; 4th in 2-year-old Western pleasure, geldings 5 and over and Western pleasure; and 5th in yearling halter geldings.