State Hippology and Horse Judging Results (2020)

Written by Calvin Embleton (Marketing and Communications)

*Somerset County 4-H members from right to left: Emily Granja, Alivia Gonzales. Linda Cuykendall not pictured.*

We are excited to spotlight Alivia Gonzales (Junior), Emily Granja (Junior), and Linda Cuykendall (Senior), the three Somerset County 4-H Horse Project members who participated in the New Jersey State 4-H Hippology and Horse Judging contests.

Having practiced with Somerset County coach Judy Hennessy for months, our county members did an incredible job showcasing their knowledge and love for horses.

In only her second year, Linda Cuykendall was part of the second placed high senior hippology team with three Hunterdon seniors, and placed individually 29 out of 38 seniors in the contest.

Alivia Gonzales, also in her second year of competition, performed an outstanding 22 out of 28 Juniors in the contest.

For her fourth and last year as a Junior, Emily Granja participated in both the Hippology and Horse Judging contests. In hippology, she placed 2nd in the exams, 4th in stations, and then 4th overall in the Junior contest. In judging, she was 10th in oral reasons, 8th in the halter classes, 6th in the performance classes, and 7th overall individual junior in the contest. As a member of a team with Salem County, they placed 4th in reasons and 2nd high team in the junior horse judging contest.

We want to applaud all three of our incredible members and are extremely proud of their commitment and teamwork!