Hurley youth wins at Wisconsin 4-H Horse Expo

WEST ALLIS, Wis. - Hurley eighth grader Dayne Stuhr competed at the 2014 Wisconsin State 4-H Horse Expo, facing other 4-H horse members from across the state.

The expo was Sept. 11-14 at the Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis, near Milwaukee. Stuhr traveled with his American quarter horse, Izzy. The mare's registered name is She's Good N' Plenty.

To qualify for the event, exhibitors must receive a blue ribbon in a qualifying class at their local county fairs during the summer. Stuhr received first at the Iron County Fair in August, and believes he is the first youth in Iron County to compete at the expo.

"It was a lot of fun," Stuhr said. "This was the biggest show I have ever been to, with 30 to 40 kids in my classes. It was very competitive with good sportsmanship."

It was the first year Stuhr competed and he was in the seventh grade division in the horse show, judging contest and short story competition. Exhibitors can compete in grades six through 12.

He received a grand champion in English Equitation, which is judged on the rider's form as he or she shows the horse. Stuhr also was reserve champion in showmanship, which is judged on the fitting and showing of the horse under halter, while following a pattern of maneuvers.

He also received reserve champion in western pleasure, which is judged on the ability of the horse to provide a pleasurable ride under western tack.

He and Izzy also received a Top 10 Award in hunter under saddle, judged on the horse's ability as a suitable mount under English tack.

Stuhr also entered two of the educational categories at the expo, the judging contest and short story competition.

In the judging contest, Stuhr had to judge classes in Arabian, American quarter horse and pony of Americas halters; western pleasure; hunter under saddle and English equitation. He received a Top 10 Award in the event, and also received the Top 10 Award for his original short story.

"I had so much fun," Stuhr said. "I really want to thank the Iron County 4-H Leaders Council for helping me get to the expo, and I hope I can do it again."

4-H and horses

Stuhr began riding horses five years ago, joining 4-H around the same time.

"My mom (Tara) had horses when she was young, and we moved to a farm, so I started to ride," he said.

While riding horses, Stuhr has competed in the American Quarter Horse Association circuit and the Iron and Gogebic County fairs.

As a member of the Penokee Range Livestock Club, Stuhr said he has been able to get "real-world experience" in 4-H.

"I am the treasurer of the club, and we learn about real responsibilities," he said. "This past weekend we did an audit for the club."

As for riding horses, Stuhr thinks every 4-H member should try it.

"The show ran very smoothly and everyone was friendly," he said. "There were many different things to do and see. I think any 4-Her should try and qualify and go to state. It was so much fun."

Stuhr keeps his horses at his farm in Saxon and trains under Heidi King Performance Horses in Washburn.

He is the son of Tara Krall, of Saxon, and Robert Stuhr, of Hurley.